Latest news with #FortValleyState
Indianapolis Star
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Purdue football adds Division II defensive lineman as grad transfer
Josh Burney is a 6-foot-4, 300-pound defensive tackle who played four seasons at Fort Valley State, a Division II program in Georgia. Purdue football dipped down to the Division II level in an attempt to further enhance its defensive front. Former Fort Valley State defensive lineman Josh Burney committed to the Boilermakers on Tuesday. He became the 22nd transfer addition of the spring and the third on the defensive line. Burney, who is 6 foot 4 and 300 pounds, collected 20 tackles, five sacks, one quarterback hurry and one blocked kick over nine games last season. He had recorded two sacks in 19 games over his first three seasons. Purdue had already added former Arkansas defensive lineman Ian Jeffries and former North Texas edge rusher Braylon Charles since the end of spring practice. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. The Boilermakers needed additional depth on the defensive front after six tackles or rush ends entered the portal since the end of the spring.
Miami Herald
25-02-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Former SWAC player gets first HBCU coordinator role
TUSKEGEE, Ala. - Tuskegee University is pleased to announce the appointment of O.C. Williams II as the new Defensive Coordinator for the Golden Tiger HBCU football program. Williams brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of defensive excellence to to joining Tuskegee, Williams served as the Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Line Coach, and Recruiting Coordinator at Fort Valley State University during the 2022 season. Fort Valley State's defensive unit evolved into one of the premier defenses in the SIAC from 2022 to 2024, showing consistent improvement each season in key areas such as pass rush, run defense, and forcing turnovers. Their ability to limit opponents' scoring and dictate the tempo of games was instrumental in shaping the team's identity and keeping them competitive in the conference. Stopping the run became a hallmark of Fort Valley State's defensive identity, with opponents struggling to establish a ground game against their front seven. By 2024, they had developed into one of the best run-stopping units in the SIAC. The continued improvement of Fort Valley State's defense was a major reason for their competitiveness in the SIAC. By 2024, they had solidified their reputation as a physical, disciplined, and aggressive unit that dictated games. Their ability to consistently stop the run, pressure quarterbacks, and create turnovers allowed them to control field position and give their offense more opportunities to score. Before that, he was the Cornerbacks and Special Teams Coach at HBCU Alabama A&M University in 2021. Williams spent four years (2017-2020) at Reinhardt University, where he contributed to four Mid-South Conference titles and an NAIA National Championship runner-up tenure at Reinhardt included roles as Defensive Line Coach, Run Game Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, and Defensive Coordinator. Under his leadership, the defense consistently ranked among the nation's best, producing multiple All-Conference players and All-Americans. Williams' coaching career also includes positions at the University of West Florida, University of North Carolina-Pembroke, McPherson College, East Mississippi Community College, and the Canadian Football League's Edmonton Eskimos.A graduate of Alcorn State University, Williams played as a defensive back and long snapper. He also played defensive back at Holmes Community College in Mississippi. Williams is set to begin his role immediately, aiming to elevate the Golden Tigers' defense in the upcoming season. The post Former SWAC player gets first HBCU coordinator role appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Montgomery Co. star leads Fort Valley State to win over Savannah State
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Savannah State fell to Fort Valley State 46-42 Monday after a huge performance from former Montgomery star Marley Bell. Bell recorded a team-high 11 point along with nine rebounds for Fort Valley State. She also shot an efficient 5/7, or 71.4%, from the field. Late in the fourth quarter Bell made a hook shot to give Fort Valley the lead 43-42, its first lead of the second half. The Wildcats made three more free throws from there to secure the 4-point victory. Bell dominated in her senior season at Montgomery County. She led team team with over 24.7 points per game, along with 16.3 rebounds per game. She led the Eagles to a 30-2 record, and helped earn Montgomery County runner-up in the Georgia State Tournament. The Savannah State Men also played, and were able to even the series against Fort Valley with a 68-52 victory. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
30-01-2025
- Miami Herald
Former HBCU coach found dead under suspicious circumstances
Former HBCU basketball coach Samuel Jackson has been found dead in Atlanta after being reported missing earlier in the week. Jackson, who coached eight seasons at Fort Valley State, was reported missing on Monday after he never returned home from his job driving Uber. His car was located later that day in Bon Air. The car was unlocked and with items scattered about the seats and floorboard, according to investigative reports. His wife, Jill Jackson, told WGXA that he went to Dollar General on Sunday night while working. She said she got a text around 2 AM from the former coach, who was usually home around midnight. The text messaged asked his wife if she knew his social security number. The next morning a missing person report was filed and police located his silver BMW later that day. It is not clear if foul play is suspected in his death at this time, as an investigation is still ongoing. Samuel Jackson coached at the Division II HBCU from 2011 through 2018. He led Fort Valley State to a 21-9 record during the 2013-14 and led the team to the SIAC championship game that season. He resigned in 2018. The 59-year-old was a 2019 Henry County (GA) Sports Hall of Fame member who graduated from Headland High School in 1982 and served as a coach for the Rams basketball team for two seasons from 2020-22. The post Former HBCU coach found dead under suspicious circumstances appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
