By Wakil Atig
Managing Editor
Since the sudden firing of Jackson State University’s former head coach, John Hendricks, the future of JSU’s football team seemed uncertain. Rumors of various individuals replacing Hendricks began to circulate throughout the media, but nothing seemed to hold validity.
On the Sept. 21 it was official. The greatest player to wear number 21, Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, was named the 21st head football coach of Jackson State.
Sanders, a two time Super Bowl Champion, member of the NFL Hall of Fame, and former MLB player, landed his first head coaching spot at the collegiate level. This news set the sports media world on fire as the clip of Sanders entering the Athletic Assembly Center on JSU’s campus went viral.
“I am truly blessed to be the 21st head football coach of Jackson State University. It’s my desire to continue this storied tradition and history of JSU and prayerfully bring more national recognition to the athletes, the university, the Sonic Boom of the South, and HBCUs in general,” Sanders said in his announcement speech.
This move was not only big for JSU, but for HBCUs in general. Hopes that this could start a trend in big time names going to coach and be more involved in HBCU sports and culture spread among HBCUs.
Since his hiring, many media outlets with large audiences have covered JSU with positive news stories.
“Coach Sanders is student-athlete centered and cares about young men and their wellbeing beyond the football field. We expect to compete for and win championships at Jackson State, and Coach Sanders will help us achieve those goals,” Said by JSU’s Athletic Director, Ashley Robinson in his statement.
There are big expectations at Jackson State now that Sanders is the head coach and that may be all that students and staff members need during these trying times.
Im his closing remarks, Sanders spoke life into the audience as he said that he only plans on winning and getting the best players on the market.
“Why not? Isn’t this the time?” Isn’t this the moment? Isn’t this what’s needed? To match what our president eloquently said, it’s a match made in heaven. This is a God move,” said Sanders.
Coach Prime gave an inspirational speech that had many in the audience eager for the football season to begin.
“I believe that God led me here, not man,” Sanders said, “because man didn’t believe that I was coming.”
He added, “I’m foolish enough to believe; do you believe?” he asked. He says they can fill the 60,000-seat stadium.
Sanders is currently serving as the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas, where he will finish out the season before beginning preparations for Jackson State’s upcoming season, which has been pushed to the spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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