SWAC West Storylines in 2023
In 2022, the SWAC West was a four-team race until the final regular season games. Southern head coach Eric Dooley led the Jaguars to a division title in his first season at the helm, while Alcorn State running back, Jarveon Howard, became the best running back in the conference. There's only one new head coach in the West, but Alonzo Hampton has brought enthusiasm to Arkansas-Pine Bluff ahead of 2023.
After highlighting the SWAC East storylines, it's time to highlight them in the SWAC West.
What will it take for Jarveon Howard's repeat performance at Alcorn State?
Alcorn's quarterback situation will be addressed, but the SWAC's leading rusher and offensive engine is back for another season. Howard ran for 1,275 yards in 2022 (the only 1,200-yard rusher in the conference), and when head coach Fred McNair was asked about keeping the production up, he was clear about where he wanted to improve.
"We have to get some guys up front that can move people," McNair told HBCU Legends. "Even in the passing game, that will be the key. We had a 1,200-yard rusher, which could've been much more. We've got to get those guys moving. Put them in a position to make moves and rush for as many yards as we can this year."
The offensive line will depend heavily on T.J. Yarbrough and Will Ready, the two Preseason All-SWAC First-Team selections. But it'll have to rely on others to fill the gaps and solidify the trenches.
Alonzo Hampton's tenure begins at Arkansas-Pine Bluff
The Golden Lions' new head coach spoke to HBCU Legends in a one-on-one interview shortly after he was hired in January, and he's just as excited now as he was then about leading the program. A video was posted on social media of Hampton talking to his team during practice, fired up about the team being picked last in the preseason standings.
As he begins camp, Hampton has liked what he's seen from his offensive line and his two All-SWAC defenders, Rico Dozier and Kendarius Clark.
"It's fun watching these young men grow from when I got here in January to now," Hampton said. "The kids are working hard, they're doing what we ask them to do, and they have a thirst to want to be good."
Pine Bluff has its work cut out, but having a coach that embraces the status and pushes for success is a good mindset for building a program.
Hue Jackson's second season at Grambling State
Hue Jackson's first season as the Tigers head coach couldn't have gone any worse, from a 3-8 record to removing the iconic "G" of the helmets for players not living up to the standard. He'll have a stout defense on the field, led by Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Sundiata Anderson and First Team linebacker Lewis Matthews. Still, he recognized it wasn't easy getting to this point.
"It was difficult; it was different," Jackson said. "But we made it through last year, and I had a better idea of what I needed to do as a head football coach."
One of the most significant changes he's made to the roster was former Alabama State quarterback Myles Crawley, who's looked strong in camp. If Grambling will improve, Crawley will need to be the real deal.
Ahmad Antoine is back for Prairie View A&M
The Panthers were one win away from representing the SWAC West in the championship, but a late loss to Mississippi Valley cost them the spot. But Bubba McDowell is ready for year two and is happy to have his running back return to the field after suffering two concussions last season.
Prairie View also addressed the passing game, adding wide receiver Brian "Juice" Jenkins from Alabama A&M. The offense threw less than anyone else in the SWAC, so the ability to add another weapon, plus the return of Antoine, can lead to a more balanced offense in 2023.
Eric Dooley believes in Harold Blood as Southern's next quarterback
Southern had Besean McCray and Glendon McDaniel as the two quarterbacks in 2022, and now both are gone. But Dooley has all the confidence that Harold Blood, who's in his graduate year, can get the job done.
"It's not something that came overnight; it's something he does consistently," Dooley said. "That young man works extremely hard. He wants to be the best in everything that he does.
"It's still some things he has to accomplish. We do have a room that we feel any one of those guys can win the game for us. Right now, Blood is the one that stands above for us."
Dooley recalled Blood's high school tape, where he played for one of the best programs in Louisiana. It's now about if he can do it on the college level.
Is Texas Southern's Andrew Body the next great SWAC Quarterback?
If you watched any film on the Texas Southern signal-caller has all of the tools to not only bew6ywfsaf the best quarterback in the SWAC, but he's also in the running for best in FCS. That said, Body is a junior and lacked the production and polish of Florida A&M's Jeremy Moussa in 2022, which is why Moussa got the nod as the Preseason All-SWAC First Team quarterback.
Body talked about what he's worked on leading up to the season, saying, " I'm stepping up his game mentally, and I'm taking film much more seriously.
"I want to go to the NFL, so I have to train like an NFL quarterback."
Head coach Clarence McKinney agreed with Body's sentiment, and he added that "the sky's the limit" for him, and he believes he can play "at the highest level."