When I talk about Historically Black Colleges and Universities I usually am talking about their great football, their passionate fan bases, and halftime shows that can’t be matched by any other venue or event in the country. Sadly though for the last two years these great universities have seen more tarnish than fame.
Last year the SWAC got rocked when it was released that Jackson State and Southern were banned from post season play due to low APR scores. While that was strictly academically, related it still tarnished the conference. Jackson State was a dominant team in the SWAC last year and while they wouldn’t have made the Conference Championship game if eligible, it still had to be disheartening to send great players like senior QB Casey Therriault out with no shot at the conference title.
Now today Howard has announced that they have suspended all athletic activity while the school investigates a potential athletics wide textbook voucher issue. Per a Howard athlete, the school has been allowing any unused voucher money to be spent on anything the athletes want, which of course would be a rather large NCAA violation. The University has reportedly demanded that any unspent money be repaid and until it is repaid those student athletes will not be allowed to register for classes.’
As of today no Howard sporting event has officially been cancelled but they have a number of events upcoming in the different spring sports they participate on. This however is a football blog and that’s what we want to concentrate on.
Howard went 5-6 last year while playing in the MEAC and a suspension of football in 2012 could have a potentially devastating effect on the program as a whole.
That effect will be felt by no one more than by star LB Keith Pough who enters the 2012 season as one of the best players in all of the FCS and considered to be a top prospect for the 2013 NFL Draft. If Howard were to allow this suspension to continue into football season, or if the NCAA stepped in and forced them to, then Pough would undoubtedly be allowed to transfer anywhere he wants and be able to play immediately.
For those that may have not seen him yet, Pough is an absolute monster on the football field. He has terrific range and athleticism for the position, as well as being one of the best blitzers in the country. Needless to say his tape leaves scouts drooling about all the ways they could potentially use 6’2, 225 lbs OLB who made 120 tackles, 21 for loss, three sacks, and produced 11 more QB hurries next season.
Should he hit the market you can all but guarantee teams would be lining up for his services both within the MEAC and within other geographical conferences like the powerful CAA. A regional team like Old Dominion who is only a three hour drive away could become a potentially perfect landing spot.
Regardless of what happens in the coming months we do want the best for the university, its football team, and its student athletes. We’ll be watching very closely to hope this situation is rectified soon.
For all his insight on small school football coverage, draft analysis and more, please follow Matt on Twitter @MatthewCElder.com.
