Alabama State wants a faster start to winning in 2016
Linebacker Kourtney Berry is a standout for the Alabama State defense. (Alabama State Athletics)
Brian Jenkins’ first season as coach at Alabama State had its ups and downs. The downs included a 0-3 start to the 2015 season; the ups were highlighted by a 4-1 stretch at the end.
“Our guys persevered through a lot,” said Jenkins, whose Hornets finished 6-5. “It just shows these guys are committed to this program. I would consider last year a success.”
Alabama NewsCenter is posing five questions to state college coaches as the 2016 football season draws near. Next up are Jenkins and his Hornets, who open their season at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, at Texas-San Antonio.
NC: What is the outlook for this season?
BJ: This year, we have high expectations. We’re going into this year to give our best and try to be that last team standing in the end to receive that crown of glory. Our expectation is to win, and we don’t see it no other way. If we can carry over the performance that we’ve had in the classroom lately to the football field, it looks like we’ll have a championship season.
NC: What is your team’s strength?
BJ: I would say the camaraderie that they have. This team is very close. After going through what they went through last year and still be able to stand together is tremendous. It’s still yet to be seen what’s going to be our power source.
NC: Who are your standouts this season?
BJ: A couple of guys have been real steady, real consistent. That’s Tytus Howard, the left tackle, and Kerry Williams, our center, on offense. And, of course, (linebacker) Kourtney Berry on defense. He’s been steady. Those guys have been the most consistent so far.
NC: What game do your fans have circled on your schedule?
BJ: Of course, I think they’re going to circle the Alcorn game because that’s an early game with championship implications. Of course, our fans are always going to have the Magic City Classic circled because that’s an historic game with so many relationships and traditions tied into it. Hopefully, our fans will see it as we see it and circle them all, because we strongly believe that if you’re not in that old gold and black and white, you’re a rival.
NC: What is your lingering question?
BJ: What kind of football team are we going to be? That’s the lingering question. We know that we’ve got some pieces in place to be a good football team. We know what kind of football team we want to be. But it’s yet to be seen if we’re going to be the kind of team that we desire to be.
Also in this series: Read Alabama NewsCenter’s interviews with head coaches Reginald Ruffin of Miles College, Bobby Wallace of the University of North Alabama, Brett Gilliland of the University of West Alabama, Eddie Garfinkle of Birmingham-Southern College, Willie Slater of Tuskegee University, Chris Hatcher of Samford University, Joey Jones of the University of South Alabama, James Spady of Alabama A&M University and John Grass of Jacksonville State University.
