GREENSBORO - Seniors Brandon Jackson and Enoch Cohen are the first to admit their careers didn't go according to plan when it comes to wins and losses. They are also quick to say how much they appreciated the opportunity to play college football.
Before its game with South Carolina State Saturday afternoon at Aggie Stadium, the North Carolina A&T family honored 10 seniors on Senior Day.
The No. 12 Bulldogs spoiled the rest of the day by defeating the Aggies 48-3 in the regular-season finale. It was S.C. State's 10th straight win over the Aggies, and it wrapped up what was a disappointing 1-10 season for the Aggies.
"Things didn't always go the way we wanted them to go,'' said Jackson, who is from the small town of Lawndale, N.C. "We didn't get the wins, but I met a lot of new people here. I gained a lot of character. Being here exposed me to so many great things. I'm grateful to have had an opportunity to play college football."
Jackson made 14 tackles to finish the season with 106 tackles as he became the first player in five years to record 100 tackles in one season. Despite Jackson's efforts, the Bulldogs still compiled 267 yards on the ground led by Asheton Jordan's 126 yards.
"We need to come together when adversity comes,'' said Jackson. When adversity hit, we didn't always come together and gel as a team. Next year's seniors need to come in and get these young guys in line when they walk through the door. The team will bounce back because we've learned how to handle adversity a lot better."
Adversity came early for N.C. A&T. High hopes were riding on the right arm of sophomore quarterback Lewis Kindle this season. But an ACL injury during preseason practice ended his season before it started. The Aggies then loss starting defensive linemen Micah Stanfield and Brandon Young prior to season's start because of administrative issues.
It forced the team to use a younger, smaller defensive front. All three of those players will be back next year. Wallace Miles, who can now boast of leading the Aggies in receiving three straight years, will also return. Other weapons at receiver, including Torrian Warren, Buster Cooper and tight end Devon Stewart are also back.
When you add 1,000-yard rusher Mike Mayhew's return, the Aggies are optimistic.
"One and 10 is tough,'' said Aggies head coach Alonzo Lee. "I thought the guys fought hard all year. We never had any quit in us, and we learned a lot of lessons this year."
Along the offensive line, the Aggies lose Cohen at right tackle and Kreg Carter at left guard. They still return three solid linemen in Jason Valmont, Brenton Walker and Alex Harper.
"This team is going to be fine,'' said Cohen. "We are set up for success. Everyone just has to appreciate the game and everyone who plays the game. A lot of people can say this or that, but to put on those pads and do what we do, you have to respect that. I'll respect it for the rest of my life."
Defensively, the Aggies lose Jackson and outstanding linebacker Jeremy Graham. The majority of the secondary returns, including all-conference performer Justin Ferrell and D'Vonte Graham, the conference leader in interceptions.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are still hoping to play in 2010 as they are in search of an at-large bid in the Division I-FCS playoffs. They are 9-2 on the season and have won a share of the MEAC title with Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman at 7-1.
