NSU looks uninspired in a key MEAC Match up.

Norfolk State went into its homecoming riding a 6 game winning streak and tied for the lead in the MEAC, Howard is a very tough opponent under any circumstances, but this is a game the Spartans should have won and that’s exactly how the team looked like they fully expected to win and did not come close to earning victory until it was too late. Brian Johnson controlled the offense and Rudy Hardie spearheaded the defense as Howard University upset Norfolk State University, 17-10 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference at Dick Price Stadium before a homecoming crowd of 15, 558. The Spartans came into the game ranked as high as Number 23 in the latest FCS poll and tied for first in the MEAC standings with Delaware State. Power back Darryl Jones never got going and NSU’s running game only accounted for -15 yards net, of course sacks count against rushing, but even without the negative yards the ground attack only delivered 21 yards. Casey Hansen was under pressure much of the day from the “Other Book End DEs in the MEAC Rudolf Hardie, think Robert Mathis but a little thicker, less long speed, but more of a force at the point, and Jarrett Burgess who though not as flashy as Hardie is a very solid and powerful DE.
Norfolk State (6-2 overall, 5-1 in the MEAC) finally woke up in the 2nd half, traveling 55 yards in six plays with Casey Hansen capping it off with a 4-yard pass to Jeremy Wicker.
The Bison however were able to regain the lead when John Mendoza kicked a 40-yard field and later added what would prove to be an insurance TD on a 53-yard TD pass from Johnson to Williams. Johnson made a heady play by completing the pass after the Spartans jumped offside and relaxed momentarily. Williams made a spectacular catch on 4th-and-1 from the NSU 47; Johnson’s sideline pass was tipped into the air. Williams snagged the deflection, eluded NSU cornerback Don Carey and ran into the end zone for a 53-yard touchdown. That gave Howard a 17-7 lead with 2:07 left before halftime. Norfolk State seemed to have momentum coming out in the second half, embarking on an 11-play, 59-yard drive, but the Bison defense stiffened and forced a 23-yard field goal by Julian Castellat. The Spartans never scored again as Howard employed its usual ball hog act and kept the ball for almost 13 of the 15 minutes in the final quarter. It is important to note that the Bison came into the game leading the nation in time of possession with 35 minutes per game.
Johnson perhaps the best all-around QB in the conference, despite his mobility and ability to throw downfield being reduced by an apparent ribcage injury, he was the Co-MVP on offense. This year he has posted in 8 games: 125 completions in 209 attempts, for a 59.8 completion percentage, 1540 yards, 16TDs, 5Ints, with a long 55 yards. Not likely that he’ll be an NFL prospect, but if I were a CFL scout I’d be all over him.
Game Notes: Howard
OFFENSE-
[Note] #25 TB Karlos Whittaker 5’10.4” 196 4.54 [est] a Junior transfer from Navy started the year at #3 on the depth chart, and was forced to start sue to injuries, but as a freshman at the Naval Academy scoring six touchdowns before injuring his knew midway during the season. Most notably he had 209 yards of total offense in a nationally televised game against Notre Dame and led the Midshipmen with 537 kick return yards. However what was on display against the Spartan defense was ruggedness rather that speed. He may have only had 84 yards on 31 carries but many of those were crucial short yardage situations additionally he tallied 57 receiving yards on 3 scoops.

QB #13 Brian Johnson 5’11.5” 190 4.69 [est] A tough guy with a little Seneca Wallace in him, though not as fast and not that kind of arm strength, Johnson was limited to 8 carries for -13 yards and passed for 11 of 20 for 196 yards, no INTs or 1 TD, but he missed only 1 or 2 plays and ran many spread speed read option plays after taking a hit to the ribs late in the 1st half. UDFA who might be looked at as a DB/WR, but I think he’s a QB possibly up North. He is strong: benches 325, squats 480, and has a 285 power clean,

#1 WR Jarahn Williams 5’9.6” 184 4.47 [est] A real threat he demonstrated speed, goods hands and great elusiveness in the open field, with 3 catches for 89 yards including 1 circus catch, not likely to be drafted but could become a KR/4thWR think Derek Stanley.

DEFENSE
Note- Only a Junior #45 SS Endor Cooper 6’2.4” 208 4.59 [est] was a force all day racking up 4 solos, 3 helpers and a forced fumble, he has size and looks fast enough to garner pro attention for next year.

DE #98 Jarrett Burgess 6’2.3” 279 4.88 [est] Though not quite the pass rusher that Hardie is I would not be surprised to see Burgess get a camp invite and stick. On the day he posted 1 solo, 1 assist, 1 TFL and I sack and 1 Hurry, if I had a team with no great needs I might take him with a late 7th, but more likely he’ll be a UDFA, somebody going down to scout Hardie will tell his bosses about the “other DE.”

DE #99 6’1.6 274 4.76 [est] Rudolf Hardie was as good as advertised, he rang up 5 TFL, 3 sacks , 2 hurries and 1 PBU, he joins Langford and Dixon as MEAC Des who could hear their names called between rounds 3 and 7 in the next draft. He as some Tapp in his game, hopefully he’ll be invited to an All-Star game where he can show if his motor and leverage against top competition. It is likely that Hardie will be selected by the middle of the 6th round anything later and he’s a bargain. Strength 530 squat, 430 bench, Power clean 315X 3reps.

Norfolk State
OFFENSE
Note: Redshirt Freshman WR#17 Jeremy Wicker 5’10.2” 178 4.49 [est] was one of a very few bright spots for the Spartan’s offense. He had 3 receptions for 43 yards, a long of 34 and 1 TD; he is quick and hard to cover.

Junior WR #11 6’3.3” 226 4.63 [est] Jamar Johnson was the other bright spot as he led NSU’s receivers with six catches for 82 yards. Johnson has good speed for his size and above average hands; he might be a bit of a WR/TE/H-Back tweener.

#5 RB Daryl Jones 5’9.1 252 4.82 [est] The Green and Gold’s best running back played despite an illness and after 38 rushes for 256 yards against FA&MU he was held to a season-low four yards rushing on six carries. He had a horrible game how much was Howard’s tough defense and how much was illness? Hard to say but Jones still has a chance as a camp invite as a FB.

#84 WR Rashad Howard 5’9.4” 180 4.59 [est] Howard made his presence felt as a KO returner with 3 returns for 111 yards and a long of 49, his best chance is as a returner.

#3 QB Casey Hansen 6’5.4” 228 5.06 [est] Casey Hansen completed 17-of-32 passes for 206 yards, but looked very immobile and did not handle the rush well, frankly the game plan did not adjust to help him only a few draws and screens were attempted. His deep balls were well thrown and accurate with the exception of 1 under throw, that may have been designed, but he needs to speed up his delivery and improve pocket movement.

DEFENSE-
# 13 S Anthony Olumba 5’.9.6” 189 4.58 [est] Olumba impressed he was active against the run and pass tallying 5 solos, 3 assists, 3 TFL, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 sack and 1 Hurry and 1 PBU, he has played CB and SS he could play Nickel or either safety position at the next level, he’s raw and he could have used the good old NFLE, but he could be a practice squad guy while he learns.
The best known prospects for NSU are the twins:
#43 ILB Marquez Davis 6’1.6 229 4.72 [est]showed why he’s a PP with 8 solos 8 assists and .5 TFL, unfortunately many of these tackles were 3-6 yards downfield in situation when a negative or no yardage play was needed. Still he showed quickness and instincts, he needs to get stronger and work better off of blocks.

#41 ILB Maguell Davis 6’2.1” 236 4.74 [est] teamed with his twin to add 4 solos 9 assists and he combined for the other .5 of the TFL. As with Marquez not enough tackles made at the line, he also looks more like a natural “Mike” his brother looks a little more like a “Will”

Norfolk State, of course, is known for its fine tradition of exceptional defensive backs and special teamers, right?