Team Information - Stillman College

The 2014 Tigers
2014 TIGERS SCHEDULE
9/6
9/11
3 p.m.
West Alabama
6:30 p.m. Samford
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Birmingham, Ala.
9/20
3 p.m.
St. Augustine’s
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
9/27
3 p.m.
Kentucky State
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
10/4
2 p.m.
Lane
Jackson, Tenn.
10/11
2 p.m.
Benedict
Columbia, S.C.
10/18
1 p.m.
Tuskegee
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
10/25 1:30 p.m. Central State
Wilberforce, Ohio
11/1
4 p.m.
Miles
11/8
1 p.m.
Clark Atlanta
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
11/22
1 p.m.
Alabama State
Montgomery, Ala.
Fairfield, Ala.
PROGRAM REVIEW
Year Program Reinstated:
Program Record since 1999:
1999
80-72
2013 TIGERS RESULTS
8
9/7: W, 52-0
Concordia-Selma
9/14: W, 27-6
Clark Atlanta
9/21: L, 7-35
St. Augustine’s
Raleigh, N.C.
9/28: W, 26-21
Kentucky State
Frankfort, Ky.
10/5: L, 27-28
Lane
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
10/12: W, 35-31
Benedict (HC)
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
10/19: L, 7-35
Tuskegee
10/24: W, 35-33
Central State
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
11/2: L, 30-31
Miles
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
11/9: W, 42-0
College of Faith
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
11/28: L, 28-41
Alabama State
Montgomery, Ala.
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Atlanta, Ga.
Tuskegee, Ala.
QUICK FACTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location/Founded: Tuscaloosa, Ala./1876
Enrollment:
1000
Nickname: Tigers/Lady Tigers
School Colors: Navy Blue & Vegas Gold
Basketball Arena:
Birthright Hall / 1,500
Football Stadium:
Stillman Stadium / 9,000
Baseball Stadium:
Tiger Park / 500
Softball Field: Lady Tiger Softball Complex / 300
Affiliation: NCAA Division II / SIAC
Year Joined SIAC: 2004 (competition in 2005)
Athletics Website: www.stillmanathletics.com
Facebook/Twitter:
@GoSTILLMAN
ADMINISTRATION
Main Office Number: 205.366.8980
President:
Dr. Peter Millet
NCAA Faculty Rep.: Dr. Dabney Gray
Athletic Director: Paul Bryant
Assistant Athletic Director:
Donte Jackson
Assistant Athletic Director: Tiffany Cylar
Assistant Athletic Director:
William Bright
SWA: Cassandra Moorer
Compliance:
Derrick Hodges
SUPPORT STAFF
Strength & Conditioning Director: Keith Swift
Sports Medicine Director: Kim Bailey
Cheerleader Coach/Advisor:
Patricia Wilson
Name of Band: The Blue Pride Marching Band
Band Director:
Derrick Yates
TEAM INFORMATION
2013 Record:
6-5
2013 SIAC Record/Finish:
4-3 / 4th West
Lettermen Returning/Lost:
42/24
Starters Returning:
17 (8 off. / 8 def. / 1 spec.)
Starters Lost:
7 (3 off. / 3 def. / 1 spec.)
COACHING STAFF
Head Coach:
Teddy Keaton
Alma Mater
Stillman, 1999
Record at School
19-15 (3 seasons)
Steve Mares
3rd year Offensive Coordinator
Bruce Jackson 1st year Defensive Coordinator
James Johnson 4th year
Defensive Line
Russell Rivers 4th year
Linebackers/Video
Jerome Jennings 1st year
Secondary
Irving Spikes
2nd year
Running Backs
John Causey
1st year
Offensive Line
TIGER PRIDE
SEASON OUTLOOK
Year 4 of the Teddy Keaton Era:
•
three consecutive winning seasons;
•
three years of graduating athletes; and
•
three seasons of a change for Stillman
football.
What does year four hold for the Stillman
faithful?
•
a change in philosophy on the defensive
side of the football;
•
an offensive unit with playmakers and
experience at every position;
•
a group of newcomers that bring athleticsm,
experience and championship pedigree;
and
•
a tough schedule that includes four tough out
of conference opponents and an ‘October to
Remember’.
Stillman returns 42 letter winners from last
season’s 6-5 squad including 17 starters. While
fans will know most of the starters, there will
be several new faces who will make immediate
impacts on the field.
OFFENSE
In 2013, the Tiger offense finished the campaign
with more than 4,400 yards gained and 39
touchdowns scored. However, if the Tigers are
to be successful, they will have to overcome slow
starts and their lack of productivity in the fourth
quarter.
At the helm of the Tiger offense is junior
quarterback Joshua Straughan. The 6-foot-3
signal caller from Colton, Washington will look
to regain the form that made him one of the
conference’s premier freshman and a tough
competitor as a sophomore before an injury cost
him the last six games of the season. Straughan,
at the time of his injury, was the second-leading
leading passer in the conference with 1,334
2014 PROJECTED OFFENSE
LT
76 E.J. Perry
6-2, 286, Sr.
69
Kevon Cunningham
6-7, 295, Sr.
LG
60 Bryson Peterson 6-0, 285, So.
66
Jeffrey Bass
6-1, 303, Jr.
C
75 J.T Meyers
6-2, 312, Sr.
58
Shenard Martin
6-1, 355, Sr.
RG 61 Cody Martin 6-3, 295, Jr.
72
Robert Weekley
6-1, 324, Sr.
RT
74 Tyler Newton
6-3, 342, Jr.
64
Tavin Ingraham
5-11, 286, So.
TE
88 Octavian Ford
Mikiel Clemons
6-0, 208, So.
WR
7 Dondre Purnell
Omyon Roberson
6-0, 152. Sr.
6-2, 210, Sr.
5-10, 185, Sr.
85
WR 10 Reese Sturgis
5-8, 190, Sr.
43
Hudson Cain
6-1, 187, Jr.
WR 14 Devonta Gilmore 6-3, 193, Jr.
18
Joshua Jackson
6-0, 196, Jr.
Ladarius Holt
5-8, 175, So.
38
D.J. Washington
5-10, 242, So.
RB
32 Jonathan Esther 5-6, 162, So.
5
QB
12 Joshua Straughan FB
STILLMAN FOOTBALL 2014
6-2, 190, Jr.
Jovontae Thurmon
5-7, 194, Sr.
Corey Ward
6-4, 215, So.
9
SEASON OUTLOOK
passing yards and ten touchdowns while
completing 62.4 percent of his pass attempts. He
is a multi-time player of the week selection who
could easily find himself among the top passers
in conference history when his career is done.
Challenging him are three newcomers - each
of who brings a different look to the position.
Tennessee native Brett Standifer threw for more
than 2,200 yards and 19 touchdowns in his senior
campaign as he led the Bradley Central Bears to a
fourth consecutive playoff appearance. Marcellas
Butler - a multiple sport athlete at Eufaula High
in Alabama - accounted for 21 touchdowns last
year. Corey Ward completed 58 percent of his
passes during his senior season at Hayden (Ala.)
High as he threw for 11 touchdowns and 1,400
yards. Ward transfers to Stillman after spending
a season at Faulkner University.
In the offensive backfield, Stillman finds itself
with both experience and talent.
Senior
Jovontae Thurmon rushed for 315 yards and two
touchdowns averaging 5.6 yards per carry last
season. Another bright spot expected to make
great strides is former defensive back Jonathan
Esther. He started the season as a cornerback
before injuries pushed him over the offensive side
of the ball. He averaged ten yards per carry in
limited action. Two big backs who should see
some time are sophomore Charles Corbitt and
D.J. Washington. Returning from injury are junior
Marcus Mcafee, junior Jalen Hooks and junior
DeMichael Wigfall.
Looking to join them are a couple of backs who
could provide an immediate spark with the ball
in their hands. Ryan Sherman of Georgia’s
McEachern High tallied over 500 rushing yards
and three touchdowns as a senior. Jamarcus
Brown finished his senior season as the Alabama
1A Player of the Year. He rushed for 2,730 yards
and 38 touchdowns while catching 20 passes
for seven scores. Sophomore Ladarius Holt
had a great spring practice and looks to make
his return to the field since last playing in 2011
at West Blocton High. As a senior at WBHS, he
was selected to the Tuscaloosa News All-West
Alabama team.
The Tiger receiving group features a myriad of
athletes, each of whom is a play-making threat
when they catch the football. Leading the group
are seniors Dondre Purnell and Reese Sturgis.
Purnell, named all-conference last season, caught
65 passes for 765 yards and four touchdowns.
Sturgis averaged 22 yards per reception as he
finished with 31 catches for 689 yards and four
scores. Hudson Cain, playing his first full season
on offense, caught 17 passes for 128 yards in
the slot while tight end Octavian Ford had three
touchdowns and 179 yards on 14 receptions.
Omyon Roberson (3 rec., 21 yds, TD) and
Devonta Gilmore (9 rec., 144 yds) each provide
big targets for any of the quarterbacks.
On the offensive line, the Tigers return many
players who saw action last season including
starting offensive tackle E.J. Perry and center J.T.
Myers. Guards Bryson Peterson and Cody Martin
along with tackle Tyler Newton had outstanding
spring camps and are expected to vie for starting
slots. Joining the group is freshman Zeb Finch, a
member of the Tuscaloosa News All-Metro team.
SPECIAL TEAMS
With the special teams duties falling to newcomers
last season, Stillman recruited specialists this
season to handle those roles. All-SIAC returner
Dondre Purnell will continue to provide highlights
in the return game. He is expected to be joined
by two freshman who stood out during their prep
careers. Dothan’s Connor Eggleton and Georgia
product Ryan Sherman each bring speed and
toughness to the position. Dothan’s Luis
Pimentel will look to handle the punting duties as
2014 PROJECTED SPECIALISTS
LS
43 Hudson Cain
6-1, 187, Jr.
61
Cody Martin 6-3, 295, Jr.
KR
7 Dondre Purnell
5-10, 185, Sr.
5
Jovontae Thurmon
5-7, 194, Sr.
K
15 Yonwaba Pupuma
5-10, 150, So.
89
Eric Berry
5-7, 151, So.
P
10
Luis Pimentel
5-10, 165, Fr.
TIGER PRIDE
2014 PROJECTED DEFENSE
DE
45 Peter Dele
5-10, 201, Sr.
41
Amir Mills
6-0, 218, Jr.
DT
52 Emmanuel Cromuel 6-2, 310, Sr.
75
Zamir Carlis
6-4, 275, Jr.
NT
50 Jeremy Hall
6-0, 294, Sr.
54
Devon Denson
5-11, 240, So.
DE
94 Dontavious Lawson
6-2, 234, Sr.
35
John Franklin
6-1, 230, So.
SLB
31 Michael Herrod
6-0, 196, Jr.
59
Stephen Hodges
5-11, 215, Jr.
MLB
48 Marcus Matthews
6-1, 216, Sr.
51
Bryan Simpson
5-11, 233, Sr.
5-9, 207, Jr.
46
Harkeal Hardy
5-8, 175, Jr.
WLB 33 Eric Childs
CB
21 Greg Abrams
5-11, 170, So.
19
Wiley Isaac
FS
8 Cameron Stallings
5-11, 176, Sr.
29
James Bigham
SS
22 Robert Crosby
6-1, 210, Sr.
40
Jalen Luke
6-1, 186, So.
5-10, 160, Jr.
27
Devin McCallebb
6-0, 170, So.
CB Denzel Malone-Huff he averaged 39 yards per punt as a high school
senior. He also mad 14 field goals with a long
of 46 last season and will compete with returners
Yonwaba Pupuma and Eric Berry for kicking
duties.
DEFENSE
The Tigers have a new leader on defense as
Bruce Jackson returns to Stillman, this time as
the program’s defensive coordinator. He brings
a vast wealth of knowledge and experience as a
player and a coach and provided a new attitude
for the group during spring drills.
Stillman returns its top five tacklers from last
season and at eight starters from the campaign.
Summarily, the Tiger defense will look to improve
statistically as they allowed nearly 23 points per
outing and nearly 317 yards per game. The unit
forced 21 turnovers but allowed opponents to
convert 36 percent of their third-down opportunities
and nearly half of their fourth-down chances.
On the defensive line, the two starting defense
STILLMAN FOOTBALL 2014
5-10, 165, Jr.
6-1, 177, Jr.
ends from last season return to bring activity
and speed from the outside. Seniors Peter
Dele and Dontavious Lawson combined for 79
tackles, 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks. In
the middle, senior Jeremy Hall returns to the field
after missing 2013 with an injury. Joining him in
returning to the field is defensive tackle Zamir
Carlis. The duo tallied 99 tackles, 19 tackles for
loss and four sacks in 2012. Others to watch
include Emmanuel Cromuel, Devon Denson,
John Franklin and Amir Mills.
At the linebacker position, Stilman returns all three
starters including Marcus Matthews, who led the
team in tackles in 2012 and finished second in
2013. He tallied 81 stops last season with three
sacks and an interception. Michael Herrod
finished fourth in stops last year with 54 tackles
along with six tackles for loss and an interception.
Eric Childs rounds out the potential starters tallying 36 stops and 1.5 sacks last year.
In the defensive backfield, the team’s starting
safeties provided both leadership and athleticism
in 2013. Senior Robert Crosby led the team with
11
SEASON OUTLOOK
85 tackles and had two pass breakups while
all-conference free safety Cameron Stallings
tallied 80 tackles, three interceptions and five
pass breakups. On the outside, Greg Abrams
had a stellar freshman season as he finished
with 25 tackles, three interceptions and 14 pass
breakups. Opposite him, expect a battle between
Devin McCalebb (13 tackles) and transfer Denzel
Malone-Huff (sat out last season due to transfer
rules) for the final starting spot.
Several standout newcomers join the Stillman
defense and are expected to perform and the
same level or higher than their high school
careers.
Georgia native Bryan Hypolite should bring
athleticism and some height to the Tiger
defensive backfield. He registered 133 total
tackles (including 81 solo) and two forced
fumbles in his career. Dothan’s Jeremie Saffold
played a number of positions at Dothan HS, but
spent a lot of time as a linebacker during his
senior year. He finished with 57 total tackles (41
solo) along with four sacks and seven tackles for
loss. Birmingham’s Everett Curry garnered 72
total tackles (43 solo), 12 sacks, three tackles
for loss, two fumble recoveries, one blocked
punt, one blocked field goal and a defensive
touchdown during his senior season. He was
named defensive player of the game in the
AISA 3A championship game against Monroe
Academy where he finished with ten tackles
and 1.5 sacks. Also joining the group is Jorrell
Thurmon, a dual position threat who is expected
to play safety for the Tigers this fall.
12
SCHEDULE
The Tigers face a formidable, but capable
schedule in 2014.
“The 2014 season will be a tough, but
competitive one for us,” said head coach Teddy
Keaton. “From the beginning of the schedule to
the end are teams that each present a different
challenge. However, I do believe that we will be
up for each one.”
The season begins with the start of a new
in-state “classic” as Stillman hosts West
Alabama in “Tiger Bowl 2014 on September 6.
The inaugural Tiger Bowl will mark the fourth
time the two programs square off, with UWA
currently holding a 3-0 series lead. The following
Thursday, Stillman travels to Birmingham to take
on the Samford Bulldogs, 2013 co-champions of
the Southern Conference. The last time these
two programs met was in 2011 when Samford
downed Stillman 45-6 in Birmingham.
On September 20, Stillman welcomes St.
Augustine’s to Tuscaloosa looking to even the
all-time series against the Falcons. The month
ends with the opening of SIAC play as Stillman
and Kentucky State meet at Stillman Stadium
on September 27. Last season, Stillman left
Frankfort with a 26-21 win over the Thorobreds
and are currently riding a four-game series win
streak against KSU.
“We are expecting the 2014 campaign to be
special. With the good group of returning players
along with a talented group of newcomers, we
are hoping for good things to occur. However,
we are not going to overlook anyone on our
schedule, nor will we take anyone lightly. We
TIGER PRIDE
SEASON OUTLOOK
are going to take each game one at a time, each
play one at a time and look to be successful
along the way,” said Keaton.
The month of October features five games
against SIAC Western Division foes. On October
4, Stillman will travel to Jackson, Tennessee
to take on Lane College and look to rebound
from last season’s 27-28 loss at the hands of
the Dragons. The following week, Stillman
will again take to the road, this time a trip to
Columbia, S.C. to face the Benedict Tigers.
Stillman has defeated Benedict the last three
meetings and six of the last ten contests. On
October 18, the Stillman campus will be alive as
the Tigers welcome the Tuskegee Golden Tigers
to Stillman Stadium. Following that contest,
Stillman will take to the road for the third time
in October as they travel to Wilberforce, Ohio
for an October 25 game against Central State.
The Tigers defeated a tough CSU squad 35-33
in Tuscaloosa with several big plays in the final
minutes of regulation. The month ends with the
STILLMAN FOOTBALL 2014
annual renewal of the rivalry between Stillman
and Miles. Stillman enters the game looking to
avenge a one-point loss, 31-30, at the hands of
the Bears in 2013.
“The SIAC portion of our schedule will be critical
in 2014,” said director of athletics Paul Bryant.
“Each game should be tough for the programs
on the field and enjoyable for the fans in the
stands.”
November opens with Stillman hosting Clark
Atlanta for Homecoming 2014. Stillman
defeated the Panthers 27-6 in 2013 and currently
have a three-game win streak over the Atlantabased institution. The season comes to a close
on Saturday, November 22 as Stillman will again
travel to Montgomery, Ala. for the Turkey Day
Classic against Alabama State.
“Playing Alabama State was a good experience
for us last season; we look forward to the
challenge as we participate in this year’s Turkey
Day Classic,” said Bryant.
13
Head Coach
4th year
Teddy
KEATON
KEATON’S FILE
HOMETOWN:
Brewton, Alabama
FAMILY: Two daughters, Taylor and MacKenzie
EDUCATION:
Stillman, 1999
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Stillman (FB Ops/Asst. Coach)
1999-2004
Odessa Roughnecks (NIFL)
2005-06
Asst. HC/Def. Coordinator (20-2 record)
Lakeland Thunderbolts (AIFA)
Head Coach (28-3 record)
2006-07
Huntington Heroes (AIFA)
Head Coach/Dir. of FB Ops (5-1 record)
2008
Webber International University (NAIA)2009-10
Offensive Coordinator
Stillman (Head Coach)
Dec. 2, 2010-present
KEATON’S FILE
Dec. 4, 2011 - Keaton officially named head coach
at Stillman College.
Sept. 3, 2011 - Keaton leads Stillman to a 16-13
win over No. 25 Shaw, his first as a collegiate
head coach.
Sept. 10, 2011 - Keaton suffers first loss as
Stillman’s head coach, 48-6 at Samford.
Sept. 17, 2011 - Keaton leads Stillman to a 31-29
win over Kentucky State, his first road win as a
collegiate head coach.
Sept. 24, 2011 - Keaton guides the Tigers to a
13-9 win at Tuskegee - first set of consucutive
wins.
14
Teddy Keaton enters his fourth season as the
head football coach for the Tigers. A young, energetic, intense and insightful coach, he looks to
become not only a success as a coach, but as a
mentor to young people across the region.
During his first season at the helm, he lead the
Tigers to a 7-4 overall record, a 5-2 mark (2nd in
SIAC West) in conference play and two of the biggest victories in program history. In the season
opener on September 3, 2011, he led Stillman to
a 16-13 win over then-number 25 Shaw - the first
meeting between the two schools. On September
24, 2011 on the road in Tuskegee, Alabama, the
Stillman Tigers defeated the Tuskegee Golden Tigers for the first time in school history. Under his
watch, the Tigers finished the season as the number five squad in total defense and pass defense
in Division II football.
Inspired by a love for his alma mater and instilled
with a purpose to be the best, Keaton consistently
proclaims that he and his staff and not only coaching young men on the field of play, but looking to
build a program from it. “Perfect Attitude, Perfect
Effort” combined with “Crowns aren’t given to
those who start the race, but those who finish ...
here at Stillman, we intend to finish” are just some
of the sayings he instills to the Tigers on a regular
basis. “It is important that we not just be successful on the field, but successful in life. And success
comes from doing the little things and doing them
well.” He says that average young men who give
above average effort are successful on the field,
but it takes more than being mediocre to be successful off the field.
A native of Brewton Ala., Keaton received his
bachelor’s degree in 1999 from Stillman. Keaton
began his coaching career as an assistant football coach and director of football operation at
Stillman. As an assistant coach for six seasons,
he served as running backs coach, special teams
coach and recruiting coordinator.
Keaton began his professional coaching career
with the Odessa Roughnecks in Odessa, Texas.
He served as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. During his tenure at Odessa,
the team compiled a 20-2 record and advanced to
the playoffs both season. Odessa was the league
TIGER PRIDE
leader in all defensive categories and won two consecutive division championships.
He most recently served as offensive coordinator for the Warriors of Webber International University
(WIU). Keaton led the Warriors’ offense to one of its best seasons since the birth of its program in 2002,
finishing 33rd in total offense, which was a big jump from 81st the season before. WIU had their first
winning season, finishing 7-4 and ranked 25th in NAIA polls.
Before coming to WIU, Keaton was the director of football operations and head football coach of the
Huntington Heroes, an indoor professional football team in Huntington, West Virginia. Keaton is best
known in Central Florida as the head coach of the Lakeland Thunderbolts. Keaton compiled a record of
28-3 and won two consecutive conference championships. In 2007, the Thunderbolts won the National
American Indoor Football Championship. As a professional and collegiate coach, Keaton has sent over
50 players to the National Football League and/or the Arena Football League.
STILLMAN FOOTBALL 2014
15
Offensive Coordinator
3rd year at SC
Defensive Coordinator
4th year at SC
Steve
Bruce
MARES
JACKSON
Steve Mares enters his third season at Stillman
and his second as the team’s offensive coordinator. Mares also coordinates the team chapel
services on game day as well as oversee the recruiting efforts for the team.
Former Greene County High football coach Bruce
Jackson returns to Stillman as defensive coordinator for the 2014 season. This is Jackson’s
second stint at Stillman, serving as the defensive
backs coach under Theo Danzy.
In his first season at Stillman, Mares coached the
quarterbacks and assisted with team operations.
In six seasons at Greene County, he led the Tigers to the AHSAA Class 4A state playoffs twice.
The New Mexico native played at Santa Rose Junior College before transferring to LSU. He spent
three seasons as a member of the Tigers football
team.
A defensive back, Jackson played football at
Coahoma Community College in Mississippi and
at the University of Arkansas at Monticello before
earning a teaching certificate from Stillman.
During his first stint at Stillman, Jackson also
coached under Greg Thompson, who replaced
Danzy as head coach. In 2007, Jackson was
the defensive coordinator at Central High School.
The Falcons, with Melvin Pete as the head coach,
went 15-0 and won the AHSAA 4A title.
Offensive Line
1st year at SC
Defensive Line
5th year at SC
John
James
CAUSEY
John Causey is in his first year as the offensive
line coach for the Tigers. Causey most recently
served as the head football coach at American
Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa. While at ACA,
he directed the Patriots to two playoff appearances over three seasons. In his first season as the
head coach, he led the team to a 12-2 record and
reached the AHSAA Class 2A semifinals.
Causey, who is from Hayneville, graduated from
Lowndes Academy and played center at Alabama
(1992-96) when Gene Stallings was the head
coach. A four-year letterman and three-year
starter at center, Causey was a member of the
’92 National Championship team. He earned AllSEC honors, was a ‘96 team captain as well as
recipient of the Pat Trammel Leadership Award.
Causey earned a degree in physical education.
16
JOHNSON
James Johnson enters his fifth season on the
football staff at Stillman. This will be his first on
the defensive side of the football. He will also be
responsible for equipment operations.
Johnson coached the offensive line from 2010 to
2013, serving as the team’s offensive coordinator
in 2011.
A native of Mississippi, Johnson played defensive
line at Tennessee State University in Nashville,
Tennessee. While at TSU, he was named Newcomer of the year.
Prior to Stillman, Johnson coached nine seasons
at Bay Springs, serving as defensive coordinator
for four seasons. In 2008, he was named the
head coach at Newton High School, serving two
seasons before moving to Tuscaloosa.
TIGER PRIDE
Running Backs
2nd year at SC
Defensive Backs
2nd year at SC
Irving
Jerome
SPIKES
Former NFL running back Irving Spikes is in his
second season as the running backs coach for
the Stillman Tigers. Spikes played four seasons
with the Miami Dolphis, amassing more than
900 rushing yards. Over a four-year span, he
averaged nearly four yards per carry and scored
ten touchdowns (eight rushing, two receiving).
The Ocean Springs, Mississippi native played
collegiate football at Louisiana-Monroe before
signing with the Dolphins.
Since playing football, he has served as a coach at
Resurrection Catholic High School (Pascagoula,
Mississippi) before becoming the offensive quality
control coach at ULM. Prior to joining Stillman,
he was the assistant running back coach at
Grambling State University.
JENNINGS
Jerome Jennings is in his second season as the
secondary coach for Stillman.
Jennings spent the 2003 and 2004 seasons as
the head football coach at Central High School in
Tuscaloosa. He also has more than 20 years in
the education system as a teacher. He has also
worked at Pickens County High School and Jackson State University.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in social
science education from JSU in 1977, Jennings
played professional football for the Canadian
Football League with the Ottawa Rough Riders.
He also played for the Mississippi Stars American
Football Association from 1978-1980.
Spikes graduated from the University of Southern
Mississippi with a degree in interdisciplinary
studies.
Linebackers
4th year at SC
Defensive Line
2nd year at SC
Russell
John
RIVERS
Former Stillman linebacker Russell Rivers reprises his role on the defensive side of the football as
he will coach the linebackers this season.
Rivers spent last season as an offensive assistant
coach, working primarily with the offensive line.
He has also coached the defensive line. In addition to his coaching duties, Rivers serves as the
video coordinator for the program and manages
the team’s academic study hall program.
HUGHES
John Hughes is in his second year as the assistant defensive line at Stillman.
Hughes played prep football at Tuscaloosa’s
Northridge High School before attending Alcorn
State University on a football scholarship.
Rivers graduated from East Mississippi Community College in 2002 and from Stillman with a
bachelor’s degree in history in 2007.
In addition to coaching football, Rivers has also
assisted with the track and field program.
STILLMAN FOOTBALL 2014
17
PRESEASON TEAM ROSTER
1
5
6
7
8
10
12
14
15
18
19
21
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
31
32
33
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
45
46
47
48
50
51
52
54
55
58
59
60
61
64
66
69
72
73
74
75
18
Devon Dozier
Jovontae Thurmon
Rovonta Johnson
Dondre Purnell
Cameron Stallings
Reese Sturgis
Josh Straughan
Devonta Gilmore
Yonwaba Pupuma
Joshua Jackson
Wiley Isaac
Greg Abrams
Robert Crosby
Marcus McAfee
Tarronzo Mosley
Jalen Hooks
Devin McCalebb
Keivontae Turk
James Bigham III
Michael Herrod
Jonathan Esther
Eric Childs
John Franklin
Charles Corbitt, III
Josiah Nettles
Dana Washington
DeMichael Wigfall
Jalen Luke
Amir Mills
Sheldon Jackson
Hudson Cain
Peter Dele
Harkeal Hardy
Jeremiah Bailey
Marcus Matthews
Jeremy Hall
Bryan Simpson
Emmanuel Cromuel
Devon Denson
Gerald Hicks
Shenard Martin
Stephen Hodges
Bryson Peterson
Cody Martin
Tavin Ingraham
Jeffery Bass
Kevon Cunningham
Robert Weekley
Shannon Rhodes
Tyler Newton
Zamir Carlis
RB
RB
RB
WR
FS
WR
QB
WR
K
WR
CB
CB
SS
RB
WR
RB
FS
SS
FS
OLB
RB
OLB
DE
FB
DB
FB
FB
SS
DE
DT
WR
DE
MLB
DE
MLB
DT
MLB
DT
DT
OLB
C
LB
OL
G
G
G
T
G
DL
T
DT
So.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
So.
Jr.
Jr.
So.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
So.
So.
Jr.
Jr.
So.
Jr.
So.
So.
So.
So.
Jr.
So.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
Sr
So.
So.
Jr.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
5-6
5-7
5-6
5-10
5-11
5-8
6-3
6-3
5-10
6-0
5-10
5-11
6-1
5-10
5-8
5-7
6-0
5-11
6-1
6-0
5-6
5-9
6-1
5-10
6-4
5-10
5-9
6-1
6-0
6-1
6-1
5-10
5-8
6-3
6-1
6-0
5-11
6-2
5-11
6-1
6-1
5-11
6-0
6-3
5-11
6-1
6-7
6-1
6-2
6-3
6-4
170
194
153
185
176
190
189
193
150
196
165
170
210
208
170
238
170
185
177
196
162
207
230
195
163
242
200
186
218
260
187
201
175
250
216
294
233
310
240
220
355
215
285
295
286
303
295
324
284
342
275
Carona, Calif./Eleanor Roosevelt HS
Florence, Miss./Hinds CC
Lakeland, Fla./Kathleen HS
Powder Spings, Ga./McEachern HS
Hephziosh, Ga./Darton College
Tampa, Fla./C.L. King HS
Colton, Wash./Colton HS
Lakeland, Fla./Lakeland HS
East London, South Africa/Cypress Univ.
Hoover, Ala./Hoover HS
Forkland, Ala. / Demopolis HS
Lakeland, Fla.Kathleen HS
Collins, Miss./Collins HS
Bessemer, Ala./Bessemer Academy
Birmingham, Ala./Faulkner Univ.
Enterprise, Ala./Enterprise HS
Fort Meade, Fla./Fort Meade HS
Tampa, Fla./Jefferson HS
Clewiston, Fla./Clewiston HS
Birmingham, Ala./Pinson Valley HS
Thomaville, Ga./Thomas County HS
Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln HS
Tampa, Fla./Blake HS
Headland, Ala./Dothan HS
Brewton, Ala./W.S. Neal HS
Chelsea, Ala./Chelsea HS
Conwarts, Ala./Ashford HS
Birmingham, Ala./Ramsay HS
College Park, Ga./Carver HS
Tuscaloosa, Ala./Central HS
Tuscaloosa, Ala./American Christian Aca.
Fresno, Texas/Hightower HS
Laurel, Miss./Laurel HS
Jonesboro, Ga./Mundy-s Mill HS
Calera, Ala./Hoover HS
Montgomery, Ala./Sidney Lanier HS
Atlanta, Ga./Straughan HS
Tampa, Fla./Univ. of North Dakota
Lakeland, Fla./Lakeland HS
Pompano Beach, Fla./Coral Springs HS
North Lauderdale, Fla./Straughan HS
Harvest, Ala./Sparkman HS
Brewton, Ala/W.S. Neal HS
Monroeville, Ala./Alabama Southern CC
Brewton, Ala./W.S. Neal HS
Auburn, Ala./Auburn HS
West Point, Miss./Jones County CC
Clewiston, Fla./Clewiston HS
Bay Springs, Miss./Bay Springs MS
Atlanta, Ga./Carver HS
Tuscaloosa, Ala. /B.T. Washington HS
TIGER PRIDE
PRESEASON TEAM ROSTER
76
77
80
82
84
85
88
89
93
94
97
98
99
E.J. Perry
J.T. Myers
Wes Sutherland
Devon Mackey
Terrance Hyde
Omyon Roberson
Octavian Ford
Eric Berry II
Fred Fleeton
Dontavious Lawson
Willie Huggins
Micheal Moore
Jordan Barrett
Ladarius Holt
Denzel Malone-Huff
Jelani Wells
Mikiel Clemons
Brett Standifer
Marcellas Butler
Ryan Sherman
Everett Curry
Jeremie Saffold
Bryan Hypolite
Maurice Crumpton
Luis Pimentel
Jamarcus Brown
Dennis “Zeb” Finch
Kieon Smith
Michael Williams
Malik Williams
Tyree Bell
JaTrae Madison
Colby Mitchell
Corey Ward
Jorrell Thurmon
Dominique Stollings
Conner Eggleton
Darrius McFadden
Lamar Sorey
Terrell McGown
Kadarrius Lawrence
T
Sr.
C
Sr.
WR
Jr.
TE
Jr.
TE
So.
WR
Sr.
TE
Sr.
K
So.
DE
Jr.
DE
Sr.
DE
Sr.
TE
Sr.
DT
Fr.
RB
So.
CB
Jr.
CB
So.
TE
So.
QB
Fr.
QB
Fr.
RB
Fr.
DE
Fr.
LB
Fr.
DB
Fr.
SS
Fr.
K/P
Fr.
RB
Fr.
OL
Fr.
WR
Fr.
LB
Fr.
WR
Fr.
OL
Fr.
CB
Fr.
WR
Fr.
QB
So.
SS
Jr.
WR
Fr.
WR
Fr.
WR
Fr.
LB
LB
OL
STILLMAN FOOTBALL 2014
6-2
6-2
5-8
6-2
6-1
6-0
6-2
5-7
6-0
6-2
6-3
6-3
5-10
5-8
5-10
5-10
6-0
6-2
6-3
5-6
6-0
5-10
5-10
6-2
5-10
5-11
6-2
5-10
6-0
6-2
6-0
5-10
5-11
6-4
6-0
6-2
5-7
6-1
5-10
6-1
6-0
286
312
160
198
167
152
210
151
258
234
285
227
270
175
160
170
208
215
225
180
255
185
175
195
165
170
310
170
205
190
260
170
165
215
195
180
160
175
210
250
307
Toomsuba, Miss./East Mississippi CC
Petal, Miss./Jones County CC
Clarksville, Tenn./Austin Peay State Univ.
Lafayette, Ala./Lafayette HS
Thomasville, Ala./Thomasville HS
Atlanta, Ga./Tech HS
Savannah, Ga./Beach HS
Memphis, Tenn./Southwind HS
Hope Hull, Ala./Alabama Christian Aca.
Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern HS
Clewiston, Fla./Clewiston HS
Tampa, Fla./King HS
Memphis, Tenn./Southwind HS
West Blocton, Ala./West Blocton HS
Gadsden, Ala./Gadsden City HS
Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern HS
Eight Mile, Ala./Blount HS
Cleveland, Tenn./Bradley Central HS
Eufaula, Ala./Eufaula HS
Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern HS
Birmingham, Ala./Bessermer Academy
Dothan, Ala./Dothan HS
Sandersville, Ga./Washington County HS
Orrville, Ala./Keith HS
Dothan, Ala./Dothan HS
Reform, Ala./Pickens County HS
Kennedy, Ala./Pickens County HS
Brewton, Ala./T.R. Miller HS
Brewton, Ala./W.S. Neal HS
Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern HS
Centreville, Ala./Bibb County HS
Fayette, Ala./Fayette County HS
Tuscaloosa, Ala./Northridge HS
Hayden, Ala./Faulkner Univ.
Florence, Miss./East Mississippi CC
Dayton, Ohio/Northmont HS
Dothan, Ala./Dothan HS
Miami, Fla./Stranahan HS
Graceville, Fla./Graceville HS
New Orleans, La./O.P. Walker HS
Birmingham, Ala./Fultondale HS
19