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Wildcats Hope To Keep Momentum

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By STEVEN HINTON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 29, 2008

Bethune-Cookman finished the past two seasons with losing records, but Coach Alvin Wyatt felt better about 2007 than 2006. Despite identical 5-6 records, the seasons did not end in similar fashion.

In 2006, Bethune-Cookman lost its final three games. But in 2007, it was building momentum.

"We finished strong at the end, winning the last three of four games," Wyatt said. "We were able to end the season winning the big game at the Florida Classic. This past season, we finally turned the corner offensively and got things going in the right direction."

During the final four games, the Wildcats had 1,123 rushing yards, averaging 280.8 per game. They also averaged 379.3 total yards in those four games, going 11-for-14 in the red zone.

And although quarterback Jimmie Russell, a big part of those performances, is gone, Wyatt has someone he thinks is ready to fill Russell's shoes and keep the momentum.

"We have a quarterback that can get us over the hump with McKinson Souverain," Wyatt said. "If he stays healthy, I believe our team will have a lot of success."

Souverain, a senior who transferred from Florida Atlantic in 2007, saw action in 10 games last season and passed for 402 yards.

He'll have help from a pair of seniors, receiver Joe Singleton and A-back Corey Council. Singleton, who played in 10 games last season, led the team with 24 catches for 339 yards and one touchdown. Council is one of the team's most versatile players. Last season, he averaged 5.6 yards per carry and had 141 yards receiving, 228 yards on punt return and 613 yards on kick return.

On the opposite side of the ball, two juniors hope to step up. Linebacker Brendan Odom and defensive back Antwane Cox will look to replace graduates Bobbie Williams and Ronnie McCullough. Odom had 57 tackles and blocked two field goals in 2007. Cox had nine passes defended, forced a fumble and had 38 tackles last season.

Wyatt has two newcomers he is excited about; freshman receiver Jameel McCloud and redshirt sophomore defensive end Joshua Smiley, a transfer from South Florida. Both should see immediate playing time.

"We can't afford to have kids like these two sent our way and not use them," Wyatt said.

Wyatt is excited about this year, because he knows his team is better prepared than in previous seasons.

"The reason why we haven't had success for the past years is because they haven't had a full-time strength training coach in two years," Wyatt says. "As a result, we lost most of our games those past two seasons in the second half, because we were a weaker team."

After a close loss to Norfolk State last season, Wyatt sat down with B-CU president Trudie Kibbe Reed and talked about what the team needed.

"She granted us a trainer, and since then our players have been getting better and better," said Wyatt, a B-CU alumnus.

Despite consecutive losing seasons, Wyatt doesn't feel any pressure.

"I enjoy what I do," he said. "Besides, what other B-CU coach has beaten FAMU four times in six games?" he asked, smiling.

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