photo by Marcus Frazier

Alcorn State wide receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux tries to elude the tackle of Prairie View defensive back Riante Jones in a game last season. Alcorn coach Ernest Jones said Arceneaux has shown leadership throughout the spring practices.

Change is in the air at Alcorn State

By Patrick Ochs (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Monday, June 16, 2008

LORMAN — The new regime in charge of Alcorn State’s football program got off to a productive start this spring.

First-year head coach Ernest T. Jones said he was pleased with the way his first spring practices and the spring game went.

“(The spring) went well, they got better,” Jones said. “I was impressed with the tempo of the team.”

On the defensive side of the ball senior linebacker Lee Robinson, Jr. stood out in Jones’ mind.

“(Robinson) was consistent from day one to day 15,” Jones said.

Junior wide receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux was another standout in Jones’ mind, who noted Arceneaux showed leadership throughout the spring.

Jones went on to say he expects several position battles to last up until the first game’s opening kickoff.

“We’re going to be competitive all over,” Jones said. “We’re going to bring in 24 guys and all 24 have a chance to play.”

The first marquee position battle is at quarterback, where Jones said senior Tony Hobson Jr. and sophomore Tim Buckley are competing for the starting nod.

Jones said Hobson left the spring as the starting signal caller, noting his experience having started last season.

“Buckley is very athletic,” Jones said of the sophomore quarterback. “For what we want to do on offense, we like (his athleticism). He’s a weapon.”

At tailback, Jones expects Davaris Pilcher and incumbent starter Antoine Young to battle for the starting nod.

With Young and Pilcher, Jones is unsure of their full potential because he wasn’t able to see them play at full-strength this spring.

Jones said both Young and Pilcher’s injuries were just minor bumps and bruises from wear and tear and they should be back to full strength for their first game.

“Young is a senior, so he’s been here,” Jones said. “He has good size and he’s proven. He’s played in the games and that goes a long way with me.”

Although Young may be the starter, Jones said Pilcher’s potential could make him a viable starter.

“Pilcher is nipping at (Young’s) heels,” Jones said. “Pilcher is fast and big. He looks like a tailback when you see him.”

Jones said the transition from Cincinnati to Alcorn State has been relatively seamless, with the fans and administration being helpful.

The Braves will kickoff their 2008 season August 30 when they host Southeastern Louisiana.