I Got Next! Special to West Orlando News Online
by Karsceal Turner
Brian Jenkins Sr. rarely, gives anything really juicy during a press conference. Sunday’s Media Day for the Bethune-Cookman University football program was no different. All sorts of baited questions usually are asked in attempt to get a juicy or colorful quote. In “I Got Next!” I’m afforded a little room to interpret for the masses. I shall take it and run with it while still staying within coach’s good graces.
Jenkins stressed the repetitive points of football practice and preparation to a Press box full of reporters in Daytona Beach’s Municipal Stadium. This columnist sort felt like one of his players during a pep talk.
The man is believable. His players have bought into his system. Although he doesn’t say it, things seem to be according to his blueprint, progressively. Jenkins candidly pointed to simple preparation for the job at hand for many questions concerning the Wildcats upcoming season which begins with the Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Sep. 2 against Alabama State of the South Western Athletic Conference (SWAC).
B-CU will showcase new faces on offense and defense but the players are as “tight-lipped” as their coach in regards to any details about changes being effected. “You’ll have to show up at games to see who will have a break-out game.” said Linebacker Jarkevis Fields.
Call it an omen that the junior from Sanford made that comment. Fields will be expected to fill in where Reggie Sandilands and Ryan Lewis (now a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars) left off. With about 299 tackles 17.5 sacks, nine interceptions, and 14 forced fumbles to account for, Fields has his work cut out for him.
Fans may also look forward to David Blackwell racking up some reception yardage in contrast to organizing offensive drives as was the case last season. The senior came to training camp prepared to make a contribution as a receiver. There will be some fresh new faces in the D-line and secondary corps but still no gaps in the level of intensity and no shortage of younger players able to step in and step up.
Jenkins acknowledged parity in the MEAC and took notice of new foes to the current schedule such as Alabama State, Tennessee State, and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) newcomer North Carolina Central University as anybody’s game.
Even with the current level of competition, Jenkins expects his Wildcats to win (ya think?). The goal of a National Championship remains the crowning jewel of a successful season in his mind.
Speaking of ASU, The Hornets are a SWAC powerhouse who finished last season with an 8-3 record and lost to an inter-state rival (sound familiar?) Their last loss was against conference foe Southern University on 23-26 on Nov. 12, 2011. They basically ran through teams in the SWAC with wins over: Grambling 31-17, Jackson State 21-14, Alcorn State 31-23. Look here folks, that either speaks highly of the MEAC or doesn’t speak well of the level competition in the SWAC in comparison. ASU pretty much bashed everyone in their conference until they ran into Southern, then Alabama A&M last fall.
B-CU leads the all-time series 10-3. The Cats are participating in back-to-back appearances in Disney’s second gridiron event. Believe the Hornets intend to send a message that this “ain’t no joke.”
As adamant as Jenkins is about National Championship status, he is just as serious about transformation of his players as stand-up men. A portion is complete since this is a group of stand-up young men. The only part missing is that elusive national championship.
