Tag: Alabama State

Texans Wire exclusive: RT Tytus Howard says Black College Football Pro Player of the Year award is ‘huge honor’

Houston Texans RT Tytus Howard says receiving the Black College Football Pro Player of the Year award is a “huge honor” from the NFLPA.

Houston Texans right tackle Tytus Howard cherishes the moments he spent at Alabama State.

At the university’s Montgomery campus, Howard honed his skills, from walk-on tight end to meritorious offensive lineman, with the Hornets from 2015-18. Howard left college with All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honors, and entered pro football as the Texans’ first-round pick in the 20219 NFL draft.

The NFLPA recognized Howard for his contributions both at Alabama State and through four years in Houston as the 2023 Black College Football Pro Player of the Year.

No doubt Howard’s on-field work measures up as he has started 54 games for the Texans. Last season, Howard earned a career-high Pro Football Focus 67.9 grade as he started 15 games at right tackle tackle and two at right guard.

Off the field, Howard hosted youth from the Houston Texans YMCA at home games at NRG Stadium as part of the Community Huddle program. He also teamed up with teammates during the Christmas holidays to help provide gifts for families from the YMCA of Greater Houston’s community outreach program at Cuney Homes Center.

“It was a huge honor,” Howard told the Texans Wire’s Brian Barefield exclusively. “I’m grateful to have been selected to win this award. It was a humbling experience to accept this award in front of the legends who were there.”

 

Pro football was nowhere on Howard’s horizon when he arrived at Alabama State.

“When I first got to college, I really didn’t have aspirations to play in the NFL,” Howard said. “I just wanted to go to school and then go to law school. That is why I majored in criminal justice. As I became a student of the game and learned more about football, I began to love it.”

The destination can be the journey at times, and the road Howard traveled as a Hornet provided experiences that he hopes can be inspirational to others.

Said Howard: “I was not on scholarship, so, when I first got to college, it was a grind for me. Now I go and look back at all the things I have been through; it was all worth it. To see where I am now, I never imagined myself being a first-round pick, and it is just a blessing. So, guys should look at that and say, ‘If Tytus can do it, I know I can do it too.’”

The Hornets also honored Howard last season for being the highest player drafted out of Alabama State. The eight-foot-high mural of Howard in his Texans uniform can be seen by everyone who enters the Houston Markham, Jr. Football Complex, along with former Hornets players drafted into the NFL.

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10 NFL draft prospects for the Eagles to watch at the HBCU Legacy Bowl

With the Scouting Combine fast approaching, we’re looking at 10 NFL draft prospects for the Eagles to watch at the HBCU Legacy Bowl

HBCUs have played a vital role in the development and popularity of the NFL, and as we head toward the NFL draft, some of college football’s top athletes will be on display this week.

On Monday, 47 NFL Draft hopefuls from HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) will participate in a Combine at the New Orleans Saints practice facility.

Then, practices will begin on Tuesday before the HBCU Legacy Bowl (Feb. 25, 4 p.m. ET, NFL Network).

Fayetteville State head coach Richard Hayes Jr. and North Carolina Central head coach Trei Oliver will coach Team Gaither (named after legendary Florida A&M coach Jake Gaither) at the Legacy Bowl. In contrast, Benedict College head coach Chennis Berry and Southern head coach Eric Dooley will lead Team Robinson (named after legendary Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson).

Last year, four HBCU prospects were drafted, including Fayetteville State’s Joshua Williams, who won a Super Bowl ring with Kansas City, and Jackson State’s James Houston, who had eight sacks as a Lions rookie.

With the Eagles having a limited amount of draft picks, we’re previewing 10 players to watch at the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

Eddie Robinson Jr., Deion Sanders disagree on who is SWAC

What sparked the bad feelings between Eddie Robinson Jr. and Deion Sanders?

Emotions flowed after Jackson State’s win over Alabama State on Saturday.

There was an ugly exchange between Hornets coach Eddie Robinson Jr. and Deion Sanders of the Tigers after Jackson State’s 26-12 victory.

Robinson Jr. said after the game felt the Pro Football Hall of Famer had disrespected his team and himself throughout the week, including game day.

“I thought there was a lot of disrespect the whole week and so your not going to be disrespectful all week in the media,” Robinson said. “We didn’t talk in the pregame I was out there the whole time at the 50-yard-line. He walked through our huddle on our end zone, he came the long way around to get to his side during the pregame, thought that wasn’t classy at all.

“Postgame I’m not going to give you the Obama bro hug, I’m going to shake your hand and go on I’m always going to be respectful and respect the game. … I’m living on the shoulders of the SWAC, he ain’t SWAC, I’m SWAC, so he’s in the conference and doing a great job, can’t knock that. … You’re not going to come here and disrespect me and my team and my school and then want to bro hug me, shake my hand and get the hell on.”

Sanders didn’t appreciate hearing he wasn’t SWAC, the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

“If I ain’t SWAC, then who is SWAC,” Sanders said three times. “Baby, who is?”

Sanders speculated there could be a number of reasons Robinson Jr. was perturbed.

“It could be a plethora of things,” Sanders said. “I think he thought he was going to get a win. I don’t know why he would’ve ever thought that. … Secondly he said that I didn’t come to greet him in the center of the field. I don’t know if you understand but we got here very late. So that expedited our whole process of preparation. So then we were in like, ‘let’s go get it (mode).”

The Alabama State coach wants a rematch next year.

“I pray he don’t get a Power 5 job and we play them next year in Jackson,” Robinson Jr. said, “and I pray they put us for their homecoming.”

Alabama State’s Eddie Robinson Jr. brushes off Deion Sanders after Jackson State win

Deion Sanders and Eddie Robinson Jr. had a heated moment after Jackson State downed Alabama State

Deion Sanders’ handshake with Alabama State coach Eddie Robinson Jr. turned nasty after the Tigers’ 26-12 road victory on Saturday.

Sanders, whose team is now 5-0 and 3-0 in the SWAC, walked across the field to exchange handshakes.

However, when he went to deliver a warmer greeting Robinson Jr. brushed off Sanders and turned and walked away.

Sanders was caught off-guard by the moment.

Al.com offered a couple of reasons Robinson Jr. could have been miffed.

Sanders made a comment this week suggesting that Alabama State would regret scheduling his team for homecoming, which could have been why Robinson reacted the way he did.

However, it also appeared Jackson State tried to score late with the game in hand.
Jackson State forced an Alabama State punt with 1:06 remaining in the game. On first down from the Jackson State 33, J.P. Andrade threw a pass, which was broken up by Mikey Victor. Two more runs plays gained 25 yards before the game ended.

 

UCLA vs Alabama State Prediction, Game Preview

UCLA vs Alabama State game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 2 game on Saturday, September 10

UCLA vs Alabama State prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 2, Saturday, September 10

UCLA vs Alabama State How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 10
Game Time: 5:00 ET
Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
How To Watch: Pac-12 Network
Record: UCLA (1-0), Alabama State (2-0)
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UCLA vs Alabama State Game Preview

Why Alabama State Will Win

The Hornets got to 2-0 with a 23-13 win over Howard. There were too many mistakes – two turnovers and 11 penalties – but the passing game was good, the defense held up for three quarters before finally giving up a touchdown, and it kept the strong start going.

The team is good at controlling the tempo, it’s going to own the time of possession battle, and it’s usually great at limiting turnovers and big errors. It’s going to have to be perfect to stay in this, because …

– CFN Expert Picks, Week 2

Why UCLA Will Win

UCLA appears to be ready to roar.

Bowling Green is Bowling Green, but it’s improved going into the season, there’s hope for one of its best runs in a long time, and it got rocked 45-17 as the Bruins rolled for 626 yards with a balanced attack that kicked it in after a rough start.

The Falcons took an early lead, and then the UCLA running game went off, Dorian Thompson-Robinson got into a passing groove, and there weren’t any issues.

This should be a true scrimmage to sharpen up even more.

– Week 2 Schedule, Predictions, Game Preview

What’s Going To Happen

What time does the game start? What time can you get there?

Let’s just say good seats are going to be available in the Rose Bowl for this as UCLA has no issues whatsoever – it’ll use the game to get the depth some quality work.

It’ll win this, take down South Alabama next week, and be 3-0 to start the season for the first time since 2015. First, it’ll do what it wants this week as it puts the Hornets away after about ten minutes.

– CFN Week 2 Predictions

UCLA vs Alabama State Prediction, Line

UCLA 52, Alabama State 0
Line: UCLA -50.5, o/u: 60
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5
UCLA vs Alabama State Must See Rating (out of 5): 1

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Texans RT Tytus Howard appreciates the stability of entering Year 4 with Houston

Right tackle Tytus Howard likes the way things have been stable for him as he enters his fourth season with the Houston Texans.

As Tytus Howard enters his fourth season, it appears the former 2019 first-round pick finally has some stability.

After being yo-yoed between guard and tackle throughout the 2021 campaign, the Houston Texans intend to have Howard play on the right side as a bookend to left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Second-year quarterback Davis Mills should benefit from having two solid pass protectors on the edge in Tunsil and Howard.

The Texans’ presumptive starting right tackle and former Alabama State Hornet had the opportunity to talk with Patrick Storm about the upcoming season, his thoughts on new offensive line coach George Warhop, and HBCU’s.

Georgia Tech eliminates Alabama State in Knoxville Regional

Georgia Tech eliminates Alabama State in the Knoxville Regional.

Second-seeded Georgia Tech avoided elimination as it defeated Alabama State, 13-4, Saturday.

The Yellow Jackets (34-23) overcame an early deficit at Lindsey Nelson Stadium before an announced crowd of 3,663.

Tres Gonzalez went 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs for Georgia Tech, which trailed, 2-1, after the first inning. Chris Lewis gave Alabama State (34-25) the lead with a two-run triple.

Colin Hall hit a solo home run for the Yellow Jackets. Chandler Simpson, Georgia Tech’s leadoff hitter, went 4-for-5 with four runs and one RBI.

Tim Borden II also recorded three hits and four RBIs for Georgia Tech.

Chance Huff (5-4) started and pitched seven innings for the Yellow Jackets. He allowed three runs, six hits and three walks, while striking out eight.

Jackson Finley appeared in relief for Georgia Tech. He pitched two innings. Finley allowed one run and three hits, while striking out two.

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Blade Tidwell discusses performance against Alabama State in Knoxville Regional

Blade Tidwell discusses his pitching performance against Alabama State in the Knoxville Regional.

No. 1 Tennessee (54-7) defeated Alabama State, 10-0, Friday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in the NCAA Tournament Knoxville Regional.

Sophomore pitcher Blade Tidwell started for Tennessee. He pitched 7.2 innings, recording seven strikeouts and did not surrender a run or walk.

Tidwell totaled 93 pitches with 64 strikes. He faced 26 Alabama State batters.

Tidwell discussed his performance following the Vols’ win.

“I’ve had some 70-or-80-pitch outings this season, going into today, I thought I could go for more,” Tidwell said. “Honestly, I wasn’t tired after that outing. Usually I get tired, I’m human. I just felt good after the outing. I was ready.”

Tidwell earned his third win of the season Friday.

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PHOTOS: Charlie Taylor starts at catcher for Tennessee in Knoxville Regional

PHOTOS: Charlie Taylor starts at catcher for Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament Knoxville Regional

No. 1 Tennessee (54-7) defeated Alabama State, 10-0, Friday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Friday’s game started play in the NCAA Tournament Knoxville Regional. Alabama State, Campbell and Georgia Tech make up the field in the NCAA Tournament Knoxville Regional.

Redshirt freshman catcher Charlie Taylor replaced graduate senior Evan Russell for Tennessee against Alabama State.

Taylor recorded one RBI in the contest.

Tennessee’s pitchers totaled 121 pitches with Taylor at catcher against Alabama State: Blade Tidwell (93), Ben Joyce (5) and Mark McLaughlin (23).

PHOTOS: Tennessee defeats Alabama State in Knoxville regional

Below are photos of Taylor’s start at catcher against Alabama State in the NCAA Tournament Knoxville Regional.

Social media buzz following Charlie Taylor’s NCAA Tournament start

Social media buzz following Charlie Taylor’s NCAA Tournament start at catcher for Tennessee.

No. 1 Tennessee (54-7) defeated Alabama State, 10-0, Friday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Friday’s game started play in the NCAA Tournament Knoxville Regional. Alabama State, Campbell and Georgia Tech make up the field in the NCAA Tournament Knoxville Regional.

Campbell defeated Georgia Tech, 15-8, Friday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

The winner of the Knoxville Regional will play the winner of the Statesboro Regional in Super Regional play.

Georgia Southern, Notre Dame, Texas Tech and UNC Greensboro are competing in the Statesboro Regional.

Redshirt freshman Charlie Taylor replaced graduate senior Evan Russell for Tennessee against Alabama State. Taylor recorded one RBI in the contest.

Following Taylor’s start against Alabama State, Vols Wire looks at postgame social media buzz. Postgame social media buzz is listed below.