NORFOLK, Va., - Preseason MEAC football predictions were being tossed around on Friday at the 2010 MEAC Football Press Luncheon held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel. That can only mean one thing. The 2010 North Carolina A&T football season is on its way.
Aggie players report to August camp on Sunday. The first practice of the camp will be held Tuesday morning at 8:30.
"My coaching staff is excited about getting out there,'' said second-year N.C. A&T head coach Alonzo Lee. "We believe the players have really put in the hard work necessary to be successful, so we are eager to see how that translates to the field."
The Aggies had two players earn first-team All-MEAC preseason honors. It makes sense that both of those players are from the Aggies secondary. The Aggies ranked ninth in the nation in pass defense last season thanks to the play of junior defensive backs Justin Ferrell and Quay Long.
Ferrell, a strong safety out of Danville, Va., led the MEAC with six interceptions last season. He started the season at cornerback until the coaching staff decided to utilize his speed and cover skills at the safety position. It resulted in Ferrell having one of the best seasons in school history by a defensive back.
"Justin makes us a team that can really get after you blitz-wise because he can cover like a corner,'' said Lee. "It gives us a chance to play a little more man coverage. His presence really makes us a better defense."
Long, a 5-9, 180-pound native of Charlotte, will enter his third season as a starter. A year ago, he intercepted three passes and had five pass deflections. Long is also the Aggies punt returner, and had a 96-yard punt return for a touchdown in 2009.
In addition to Ferrell and Long, the Aggies also placed three players on the preseason second team, led by 2009 MEAC Rookie of the Year Mike Mayhew. The junior running back out of Charlotte led the Aggies in rushing with 471 yards. He also scored six touchdowns and caught 14 passes. Junior defensive tackle Micah Stanfield and sophomore punter Alex Grubb were also second-team selections.
As a team, the Aggies were picked to finish sixth in the conference. S.C. State, the two-time defending MEAC Champion, was picked to win the conference. Florida A&M, Norfolk State, Hampton, Morgan State, N.C. A&T, Delaware State, Bethune-Cookman and Howard followed the Bulldogs in that order.
The MEAC also released 39 of the 40 members on its 40th Anniversary Team. The 40th member will be decided by online voting. Former San Francisco 49er and Super Bowl Champion Dwaine Board and N.C. A&T all-time leading rusher Maurice Hicks represented the Aggies on the team.
