2021 NCCU Football Season Preview
DURHAM, NC – North Carolina Central University head coach Trei Oliver enters his third year as the leader of his alma mater’s football program, but just his second on-field campaign after COVID-19 kept the Eagles off the gridiron during the 2020 season.
The extended break from competition reinforced the value of perseverance and battling through adversity, while also granting the Eagles an opportunity for growth.
“We had a chance to take our time and develop these young men,” Oliver said. “We really saw their bodies change, and they spent time in the classroom and in film sessions going through the playbook. With two new coordinators (Juan Navarro-defense, Matt Leone-offense), they had more time to install their offensive and defensive philosophies.”
The lengthy time away from the field also provided Oliver with the chance to establish the culture he envisions for the program.
“We have changed the culture,” said Oliver. “I truly expect to be in the championship mix when the smoke clears at the end of the season.”
OFFENSE:
Returning Starters: 8 (RB Isaiah Totten, WR Ryan McDaniel, WR Daeshawn Stephens, OL Robert Mitchell, TE Quentin Chaplin, WR Tyler Barnes, OL Devin Jordan, QB Davius Richard)
Coaches: Matt Leone (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Moses Ware (wide receivers/tight ends), Antonio King (running backs), Isaac Williams (offensive line).
“We have a more experienced group, and I think we added bona fide playmakers at the skill positions,” Oliver said. “We did a good job in the spring with getting the ball in the playmakers’ hands.”
Quarterbacks
Oliver’s Analysis: “A very young room with only one of those guys having game experience. Still, I think we have three quarterbacks that can lead the team, and there are not as many question marks with the quarterback position this year.”
Players to Watch:
Davius Richard (So., 6-3, 200, Belle Glade, Fla.): “Mentally and physically tough. He’s a true leader and he can do it all. He is much more comfortable with the playbook this year, and has a better overall feel of the game.” Played in 11 games, serving as the starting quarterback in the final 10 games of the season as a true freshman. Completed 169-of-326 passes (51.8%) for 2,020 yards and 12 touchdowns with 9 interceptions while rushing for 245 yards (3.2 yards per carry) and 3 touchdowns. Ranked fourth in the MEAC in passing, averaging 183.6 passing yards per game. Became just the sixth quarterback in NCCU history to pass for more than 2,000 yards in a season (2,020 passing yards).
Walker Harris (Fr., 6-0, 180, Rolesville, N.C.): “Great ball placement. Very smart. He understands reads and where to go with the ball. He’s a competitor.”
Quest Powell (Fr., 6-2, 180, Woodbridge, Va.): “He’s a true dual-threat quarterback. He can beat you with his legs and his arm. He’s athletic and one of the fastest in the group.”
Running Backs
Oliver’s Analysis: “We are loaded! I’ll put our backfield up against anybody in the FCS. We have a great mix of skill sets in that room. Whether it be speed from Jamal Currie-Elliott and Jordan Freeman or a great all-around back like Isaiah Totten and Latrell Collier – two guys that just have it all or a big bruiser like Josh Pullen. They are all talented.”
Players to Watch:
Isaiah Totten (R-Sr., 5-9, 195, Apex, N.C.): Three-time All-MEAC selection (2019 First Team, 2018 First Team, 2017 Second Team). Through the 2019 season, ranks seventh on NCCU’s all-time rushing list with 2,122 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per run with 15 touchdowns. Started all 12 games in 2019, running for 636 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.0 yards per carry. Voted to 2021 Preseason All-MEAC First Team.
Jordan Freeman (R-Sr., 5-9, 195, Charlotte, N.C.): Played in all 12 games. Team’s second-leading rusher with 365 yards and 2 touchdowns on 72 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per run. Collected 11 receptions for 79 yards.
Latrell Collier (R-So., 5-10, 185, Bluefield, W.Va.): Played in all 12 games in first season at NCCU. Led the team with 5 touchdowns (3 rushing, 2 receiving). Rushed for 210 yards and 3 touchdowns on 62 carries, averaging 3.4 yards per attempt. Caught 5 passes for 74 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 14.8 yards per reception.
Jamal Currie-Elliott (R-So., 5-10, 185, Durham, N.C.): In two seasons at NCCU (2018, 2019), has only played in two games due to multiple injuries. In the 2018 MEAC/SWAC Challenge versus Prairie View A&M, he amassed 62 all-purpose yards with 38 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with 2 receptions for 24 yards.
Josh Pullen (So., 6-1, 220, Rolesville, N.C.): Transfer from Fort Scott Community College in Kansas. As a senior at Rolesville High School in 2019, rushed for 1,859 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per carry, with 32 touchdowns. Amassed 278 rushing yards with 5 touchdowns against Panther Creek in the first round of the 4AA State Playoffs (Nov 15, 2019). Named 2019 Northern Athletic Conference IV Offensive Player of the Year.
Wide Receivers
Oliver’s Analysis: “Another talented room. A lot of guys that have played a lot of football in that room. We have some big receivers that can run and have play-making ability.” Note: The top four receivers from the 2019 season, combining for 114 receptions, 1,308 yards, and eight touchdowns, are all returning for the 2021 campaign.
Players to Watch:
Ryan McDaniel (Sr., 6-2, 215, Sugar Land, Texas): “He’s a big physical receiver that can take the top off the coverage.” Played in all 12 games, including 10 as a starter. Collected team-highs of 39 receptions, 368 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns, averaging 9.4 yards per catch.
Daeshawn Stephens (R-Sr., 6-2, 220, Durham, N.C.): “The old man of the group (smile). He brings a lot of experience to the position.” Played in all 12 games with 8 starts. Placed second on the team with 28 catches for 354 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 12.6 yards per grab.
E.J. Hicks (Sr., 5-11, 170, Rolesville, N.C.): “He’s elusive with overall playmaking ability.” Played in 11 games, including 5 as a starter. Ranked third on the team with 24 receptions for 351 yards and a touchdown, averaging 14.6 yards per catch.
Tyler Barnes (Jr., 6-4, 210, Charlotte, N.C.): “Has good size and is physical.” Played in all 12 games, including 9 as a starter. Finished fourth on the team with 23 receptions for 235 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 10.2 yards per catch.
Tight Ends
Oliver’s Analysis: “The best looking group. They can help in both the run game and the pass game.”
Players to Watch:
Quentin Chaplin (R-Jr., 6-5, 240, New Bern, N.C.): “Coming off an injury from 2019. He’s back full go. Right now, he’s the leader of the group. He can do it all. He’s a vertical threat with a large catch radius. He’s a matchup problem for both linebackers and safeties.” Played in 9 games with 5 starts before suffering a season-ending injury. Recorded 7 receptions for 95 yards, averaging 13.6 yards per catch.
Isiah Macklin (R-Sr., 6-5, 215, Las Vegas, Nev.): “He’s very athletic, can run, and has great ball skills.” A graduate transfer from San Diego State University, where he played three seasons (2017-19) with the Aztecs.
Kyle Morgan (Fr., 6-2, 240, Holly Springs, N.C.): “He’s really coming along.”
Offensive Line
Oliver’s Analysis: “The offensive line was a position we needed to address this off-season. We needed to add depth and experience. Right now, we will have 18 offensive linemen coming into camp. We upgraded the most at that position this offseason. We will have a lot of competition throughout camp.”
Players to Watch:
Robert Mitchell (Sr., 6-4, 310, Millsboro, Del.): “He can play both guard and center positions, and is the most experienced of the group.” Played in all 12 games on the offensive line, including 10 as a starter in 2019. Voted to 2021 Preseason All-MEAC Second Team.
Corey Bullock (So., 6-4, 290, Accokeek, Md.): “He played a whole lot as a freshman. He has really transformed his body. Great work ethic. He got a lot of snaps last season (2019).” Appeared in 8 games as a rookie with 4 starts on the offensive front. Voted to 2021 Preseason All-MEAC Second Team.
Devin Jordan (R-So., 6-4, 325, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.): “He provides experience after playing a lot of snaps last season, and will help us at the offensive tackle position.” Played in 10 games in 2019, including 9 as a starter.
Torricelli Simpkins III (Fr., 6-3, 300, Charlotte, N.C.): “He has a high football IQ with good length and athleticism at the center position.”
Kideam Diouf (R-Sr., 6-7, 290, Elkton, Md.): Transfer from Arkansas State University.
Bruce Trigg (R-Sr., 6-4, 300, Loganville, Ga.): Transfer from Morgan State University.
Da’Quan Thomas (R-Fr., 6-2, 315, West Palm Beach, Fla.): Transfer from the University of Florida.
DEFENSE:
Returning Starters: 4 (DB Stephen Stokes, DL Jessie Malit, DB Justin Nicholson, DB Manny Smith)
Coaches: Juan Navarro (defensive coordinator/linebackers), Ty Greenwood (cornerbacks), Dan Owens (safeties), Claude Clayborne (defensive line).
2019 NCAA Division I-FCS Rankings:
#5 – Fourth Down Conversion Percentage Defense (30.8%) – #1 MEAC
#11 – Passing Yards Allowed (170.0 per game) – #1 MEAC
#17 – Total Defense (325.6 yards allowed per game) – #3 in MEAC
#20 – Passes Intercepted (14) – #2 MEAC
#29 – Turnovers Gained (23) – #2 in MEAC
“It starts up front,” Oliver said. “We’ve got a lot of depth at the defensive line position to keep guys fresh and their snap count down. We’ve gotten bigger on the defensive line, which is the most veteran group on defense.”
“We have to be physical and make teams one-dimensional. We have to stop the run, first and foremost, and we have to out-work people, especially the defensive line.”
Defensive Ends
Oliver’s Analysis: “I can’t speak enough about the depth on the defensive line, particularly at the end position. We have a lot of guys who have played a lot of snaps.”
Players to Watch:
Jessie Malit (R-Jr., 6-3, 235, Concord, N.C.): “He’s probably the most consistent at the position and the leader of the group.” Started all 12 games at defensive end in 2019. Recorded 26 tackles with 5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Presented with the 2020-21 STATS Perform FCS Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award, presented to the nation’s top FCS student-athlete who excels both in the classroom and in the community. Voted to 2021 Preseason All-MEAC Second Team.
Chidi Okonya (R-Sr., 6-6, 245, Riverdale, Ga.): “He’s extremely long at 6-6. He’s done a great job in the off-season at increasing his total body strength and worked into a leadership role.” Played in 10 games during first season at NCCU in 2019 as a graduate transfer from Duke University. Registered 11 tackles (8 solo), including 1.5 sacks.
Deontrae Brown (So., 6-6, 210, Durham, N.C.): “He’s the most athletic of the bunch and plays with a tremendous motor.” Appeared in 11 games as a true freshman. Collected 11 tackles (7 solo) with a takedown for a loss and a quarterback hurry.
Tre Turner (R-Jr., 6-5, 247, Huntersville, N.C.): Transfer from Eastern Kentucky University, where he was a starter for two seasons (2018, 2019) on the defensive front.
Colby Warrior (R-Jr., 6-2, 230, Tyrghe, Ga.): Transfer from Morgan State University, where he amassed 37 tackles (25 solo) with 8.0 hits for a loss and 3.0 sacks during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Desmond Quinerly (R-Sr., 6-4, 275, Raleigh, N.C.): Transfer from Saint Augustine’s University, where he totaled 49 tackles (31 solo), 8.0 stops for a loss, 4.0 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries during the 2019 campaign.
Defensive Tackles
Players to Watch:
Chuck Manning (Jr., 6-2, 255, Durham, N.C.): “Explosive and physically dominant on the inside.” Played in all 12 games in 2019. Collected 20 tackles, including 4.0 stops behind the line of scrimmage with 2.0 sacks, and a quarterback hurry.
Quantez Mansfield (So., 6-2, 290, Greensboro, N.C.): “He’s extremely powerful and moves very well for his size. I’ve seen the most improvement from him in the off-season.” Appeared in 8 games as a freshman in 2019. Registered 4 tackles with a hit for a loss and a quarterback hurry.
Kenneth Royster (Fr., 6-4, 280, Charlotte, N.C.): Named 2019 Southwestern 4A All-Conference Team out of Rocky River High School.
Jaden Taylor (R-Fr., 6-1, 274, Durham, N.C.): Transfer from Mercer University. Attended Northern Durham High School.
Charlie Brooks (R-So., 6-2, 270, Chicago, Ill.): Transfer from Iowa Western Community College (2020) and Eastern Illinois University (2019), where he played in 10 games with two starts.
Linebackers
Oliver’s Analysis: “A versatile group at linebacker. We have a couple of safeties that we have moved to linebacker, so we think we are athletic there.”
Players to Watch:
Noah Rainbow-Douglas (R-Sr., 6-0, 215, Philadelphia, Pa.): “A physical player who is very knowledgeable and passionate about the game.” Played in all 12 games in 2019. Ranked eighth on the team with 33 tackles (17 solo) with an assisted sack and a forced fumble.
Matt Stevens (R-Sr., 6-1, 220, Charlotte, N.C.): “He has played a lot of snaps for us.” Played the first 5 games in 2019. Recorded 12 tackles (9 solo) with an assisted takedown for a loss.
Cole Williams (R-So., 6-0, 210, Laurel, Md.): “A former safety moved to linebacker. He gives us more athleticism at the linebacker position.”
Jaki Brevard (Fr., 6-0, 200, Durham, N.C.): Selected for the 2019 Shrine Bowl out of Southern High School. Amassed 141 tackles, 21 stops for a loss, 10 sacks, 6 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble in 2019.
Isaiah Lawson (Fr., 6-1, 205, Matthews, N.C.): Selected to the 2020 Shrine Bowl out of Butler High School.
“Two young guys that I think are really good (Brevard and Lawson).”
Cornerbacks
Oliver’s Analysis: “A very competitive group that plays with a lot of confidence. They have a knack for making plays on the ball.”
Players to Watch:
Brandon Codrington (So., 5-9, 170, Raleigh, N.C.): “He played both corner and safety as a freshman. He possesses good speed, good feet, and great instincts.” Appeared in all 12 games as a true freshman. Recorded 6 tackles (4 solo) on the year.
Justin Nicholson (R-Jr., 6-0, 195, Concord, N.C.): Played in 11 games, including 9 starts at cornerback. Ranked second on the team and seventh in the MEAC with 10 passes defended (1 interception, 9 pass breakups). Finished with 21 tackles (10 solos), including a stop for a loss.
Romeo Stancil (R-So., 6-1, 175, Clayton, N.C.): Played in 10 games with 3 starts. Achieved 9 tackles (8 solo) with a hit for a loss and a pass break-up.
“Both have a lot of playing experience and both have good size and length (Nicholson and Stancil).”
Kole Jones (Fr., 5-10, 185, Chesapeake, Va.): “Among the young talent.” Out of Oscar Smith High School.
Safeties
Oliver’s Analysis: “That’s a very versatile group. They can play multiple positions. As a unit, they do a good job of communicating and they are very intelligent.”
Players to Watch:
Stephen Stokes (R-Sr., 5-11, 170, Baltimore, Md.): “He’s the lone senior back there. He’s a Swiss Army Knife… he can do everything. He has played a bunch of positions and can play wherever is needed. A great cover-guy who is very dependable.” Started all 12 games in the defensive secondary in 2019. Ranked fourth on the team and 17th in the MEAC with 62 tackles (46 solo), including 7.0 hits for a loss and a sack, with 2 forced fumbles. Placed third on the team and 10th in the conference with 8 passes defended (2 interceptions, 6 pass breakups). Selected as one of only 22 college football players in the nation to earn distinguished recognition as a member of the 2020 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of college football student-athletes on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Voted to 2021 Preseason All-MEAC First Team.
Manny Smith (R-So., 6-0, 180, Laurel Hill, Md.): “He can do it all. He’s good in coverage – man or zone, and he’s physical when defending the run game.” Played in all 12 games, including the final 11 as a starter. Ranked sixth on the team with 43 tackles (30 solo), including 3.0 hits for a loss, and 3 pass break-ups. Voted to 2021 Preseason All-MEAC Second Team.
Travon Wallace (R-So., 6-0, 190, Jacksonville, Fla.): Played in 11 games in 2019. Registered 13 tackles (9 solo) with an assisted hit for a loss, and a pass break-up.
Marvin Reed (Fr., 6-1, 180, Glenn Allen, Va.): Collected a team-high 5 interceptions at Life Christian Academy in 2018.
“(Wallace and Reed) Two other safeties we expect to get a lot of mileage out of.”
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Kickers
Players to Watch:
Adrian Olivo (PK, So., 5-10, 160, Plant City, Fla.): “I was pleased with his accuracy as a true freshman (in 2019) and how he handled the pressure. He spent the off-season improving his leg strength.” Named to FCS Freshman All-American Team by Phil Steele college football magazine. Ranked fourth in MEAC in field goals made per game (0.83), field goal percentage (76.9%), and extra-point kick percentage (92.3%). Team’s top scorer with 54 points, converting 10 of 13 field attempts and 24 of 26 extra-point kicks. Voted to 2021 Preseason All-MEAC Second Team.
Juan Velarde (P, Fr., 5-10, 180, Anderson, S.C.): “He has a strong leg and can flip the field.” As a senior at T.L. Hanna High School in 2019, averaged 39.9 yards per punt with a long of 66 yards.
Return Specialists
Players to Watch:
Brandon Codrington (So., 5-9, 170, Raleigh, N.C.): “He’s fearless. He’s a flat-out playmaker. He’s elusive and has good speed.” Voted to 2019 All-MEAC Third Team as return specialist. Finished among MEAC leaders in both punt returns and kickoff returns, ranking third in the conference with a punt return average of 7.8 yards, and averaged 18.8 yards per kickoff return. In the final minute of a tie game versus Delaware State (Oct. 26, 2019), returned a kickoff 75 yards for the game-winning touchdown, earning MEAC Specialist of the Week award. Voted to 2021 Preseason All-MEAC First Team.
Jamal Currie-Elliott (R-So., 5-10, 185, Durham, N.C.): “He’s probably the fastest player on the team. He has great long speed and acceleration.”
E.J. Hicks (Sr., 5-11, 170, Rolesville, N.C.): “Explosive and elusive player. He’s electrifying when he gets the ball in his hands.” Averaged 8.0 yards per punt return in 2018.
Long Snapper
Players to Watch:
Alex Harper (So., 6-0, 250, Goldsboro, N.C.): “He was very consistent as a true freshman. We hope to continue to get that type of play out of him.”
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