Wildcats Kick-off Saturday Against Rattlers in Jake Gaither Classic

8/27/2018 10:20:00 PM

By: Chris Myers

TALLAHASSE, Fla. – The 2018 Wildcats gridiron kick-off is here. Fort Valley State takes to the Bragg Memorial Stadium against Florida A&M Saturday afternoon in the Jake Gaither Classic.

The Wildcats battle the Rattlers in a 5 p.m. kick-off.

Clear Bag Policy for Stadium
In order to provide a safer environment for all this Saturday, there will be an NFL-style 'clear bag' policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into Bragg Memorial Stadium. These restrictions include:

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12".
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bags.

For more information about Bragg Memorial Stadium procedures please visit http://www.famuathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=25300&ATCLID=211768753.

Porter Set with Third Strong Squad
Head coach Kevin Porter has made his mark upon the Wildcats program in his first two fall seasons at the helm. Porter has quickly made his mark within the SIAC ranks with Championship Game appearance including the 2017 title, to his credit.

The former third-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs has led FVSU has compiled a 10-11 record in his first two years.

Second FCS Opponent in Two Years
For the second year in a row, Fort Valley State will be tested by a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent. Last Sept. 30, FVSU made the trek to Baton Rouge, La., against Southern, but it fell in a 31-14 final.

Drive for Another SIAC Title
After back-to-back Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship game appearances, Fort Valley State's drive for its second title in three years begins in two weeks. The Wildcats received one SIAC East Division first-place vote in the Preseason Rankings behind rival Albany State and Benedict. Tuskgee was named the West Division favorite with six top votes.

Eight Selected Preseason All-SIAC Honors
Heading into the 2018 campaign, the Wildcats saw eight players selected to the Preseason All-SIAC teams. Offensive lineman Darrius Hicks, linebacker David Brown, defensive back Aaron Dore, defensive back Camron Young, and punt returner Lorenzo Smothers were named to First Team.

Quarterback Slade Jarman, defensive lineman Demetrius Harris, defensive back Nicco Whigham, and kick returner Lorenzo Smothers added four more Wildcats to the Second Team.

Young and Smothers in Prestigious Company
Both FVSU's Camron Young and Lorenzo Smothers enter the 2018 season amongst some prestigious company.

Young, a junior defensive back, received Boxtorow HBCU Preseason All-America Team. The third-year strong strong safety registered 72 total tackles, 43 solo, with four interceptions on his way to being named to the All-SIAC First Team.

Smothers' name is among the 2018 Black College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List. The sophomore all-purpose back and kick returner pulled in 35 passes for 428 yards and three scores along with a 6.1 yard per carry average running the football in 29 attempts.

Jarman and Smothers Pace the FVSU Offense
The Wildcats have a solid compliment of offensive weapons back for the 2018 season. Quarterback Slade Jarman and all-purpose player Lorenzo Smothers led the skill players, while offensive lineman Darrius Hicks paces the group upfront.

Jarman completed over 56.1-percent of his attempts (125 of 223) for 1,678 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago. The senior transfer from Mississippi Valley State averaged 167.8 yards through the air each week.

Smothers combined his running and pass receiving to total 605 yards. The second-year player added another 433 between punt and kick returns.

Up front, Hicks helped the Wildcat offense average over 319.6 yards of total offense.

Young, Dore and Whigham Guide Strong Secondary
The FVSU secondary has a strong potential to be a tough unit. The trio of Camron Young, Aaron Dore and Nicco Whigham present a formidable base against the opponents passing game.

Both Young and Dore garnered Preseason All-SIAC First Team, while Whigham grabbed Second Team status. Young led the Wildcats a year ago with 72 tackles from his strong safety spot. Dore contributed 52 stops with 30 solo and a pair of interceptions, while Whigham produced 43 tackles with 5.5 for loss, a team-best nine pass breakups and picked off two passes.

Brown Directs the Interior Defense
Coming off a solid sophomore campaign, linebacker David Brown will direct the Wildcat interior defensive unit. The Preseason All-SIAC First Team pick took down 38 ball carriers by himself and was in on 59 total stops. Brown also stopped six runners for loss.

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Wildcats Kick-off Saturday Against Rattlers in Jake Gaither Classic