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DURHAM, N.C. - An eager crowd of devoted fans braved 90-degree heat to “Meet the Eagles” on Saturday (Aug. 21) as the NCCU football team made its public debut. The 85-member team signed autographs and chatted with fans before entertaining the crowd with a 61-play scrimmage at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Senior linebacker Calvin Hillie has high expectations this season and hopes to win every home game, especially the season-opening contest against Johnson C. Smith University on Thursday, Sept. 2. “We have 17 starters returning, a lot of experience and a load of depth,” said Hillie. “The strength of the team right now is the defense.”
Junior offensive lineman Timothy Charity said this year has been a learning experience with so many newcomers to the offensive line, but his hopes are high. “With so many new guys on the offensive line, we have been doing a lot of learning in the preseason,” said Charity.
Head coach Mose Rison said that he is pleased with the progress of the team at this point. “I think it’s been a good fall camp and I know come the second of September it’ll be a good turnout,” said Rison.
During the Maroon versus Gray scrimmage, the Maroon defense held the offense to eight first-downs, a field goal and a lone touchdown on the last of 61 plays.
Hillie and fellow senior linebacker Donald Laster each had sacks, while junior defense back James Reese returned an interception 47 yards. Junior linebackers Eliezer Sandifer and Roger Stewart recorded three tackles apiece.
In limited action under center, junior quarterback Michael Johnson completed 2-of-7 passes for 70 yards. Winston-Salem State transfer Jordan Reid took a majority of the snaps, collecting 176 yards on 8-of-16 passing. Junior signal caller Keon Johnson was 3-for-8 with 56 yards passing and 22 yards rushing.
The Gray ground game was paced by senior running back Tony McCord with 52 yards on eight carries, including a 15-yard touchdown scamper. Fellow senior Tim Shankle added 28 yards on three rushes.
Red-shirt freshman Marvin Poole impressed the fans with 84 receiving yards on just two catches. Sophomore Phillip Barren had a 50-yard reception, while red-shirt sophomore Geovonie Irvine grabbed two passes for 39 yards.
As a unit, the Gray offense amassed 302 total yards.
Sophomore placekicker Frankie Cardelle made 1-of-3 field goal kicks, missing from 46 and 32 yards out, while converting a 24-yard try and an extra-point.
The Eagles kickoff the season by hosting Johnson C. Smith on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m., marking NCCU’s first night home game since Sept. 8, 2007.
