Jackson State vs. Edward Waters
Jackson, Miss.
1 p.m.
TV: ESPN3
Radio: 95.5 Jackson
Live Stats
Tickets: Online at Ticketmaster. Box Office is CLOSED on game days.
Forecast at kickoff: 55 degrees and slightly cloudy
Jackson State Game Notes

Blessed
 
It's been almost a year since the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world and changed our lives and instituted a new normal and altered our world. On Sunday Jackson State and Edward Waters begin something that's never been done and play a football game in the Spring and it counts.
 
JSU opens its season with the eyes of college football upon it. On September 21 of last year Pro Football Hall of Famer and the best defensive back to play the game, Deion Sanders, was introduced as the programs 21^st head football coach. It's been a 24/7 grind for the unit and the Tigers went out and secured the top class at the FCS level and the best class at an Historically Black College and University – ever.
 
The student-athletes reported to campus in early January and worked their tails off to get where we are today: to play a football game in front of the best fans in the country at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
 
On to football
 
The Tigers return several starters on defense and are led by six-time All-American, reigning SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and Spring 2021 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, Keonte Hampton. Since earning a starting position as a freshman, Hampton has consistently made an impact. Fall of 2021 the West Point, Mississippi native tallied 106 tackles, 69 solo stops and 37 assisted. In a thrilling 31-28 overtime win over in-state foe Mississippi Valley State, Hampton tallied a career-high 15 tackles and forced and recovered a fumble. Hampton averaged an eye-popping 13 tackles per game. In the Tigers base 4-3 defensive package, Hampton has shifted to the outside linebacker position. Khalil Arrington, the team's third-leading tackle from 2019 will play at middle linebacker. Arrington finished with 49 tackles, 28 solo stops and assisted with 21 tackles. Arrington was also disruptive behind the line of scrimmage and tallied 4.0 stops in the backfield.
 
The defensive backs have a new look for the spring season. Da'Jahn Warren, the No. 1-ranked junior college player in the country, and former four-star recruit and Florida State transfer Isaiah Bolden are projected to see significant minutes at the cornerback position. Markel Gladney, Kendrick Paul, Javien Adams, CJ Holmes and Kevin Berthey will see time at the safety positions. On the defensive line, the Tigers return an experienced unit and welcome several newcomers that will see playing time. Miquel Pillow-Smiley, Keshawn Brinkley, Jaumonie Crain, Vincent McIntosh, Devonta Davis, Rasheed Lyles, Tredarius Carr, Brian Mitchell, and Justin Ragin.
 
Offensively, the Tigers will be explosive. At receiver, Daylen Baldwin, Brandon Sanders, Warren Newman, Christian Allen, Corey Reed, and Kortlon Hubbard will see playing time. At tight end Kyland Richey, Robert Washington, and Dwayne Stevens will see the field. In the backfield, Jalon Jones or Quincy Casey will start quarterback back and Desmond Moultrie and Kymani Clark will see action at running back.
 
The offensive line will return an experienced group and welcomes a host of newcomers. Tony Gray, Deontrae Graham, Cedric Dunbar, Vincent Sampson, Jakob Cunningham, Yoseph Carter, Amari Catchings, and David Oghenekaro are listed in the two-deep.