A&M Looking for Play Makers 
8/6/02

Alabama A&M Head Coach Anthony Jones is desperately looking for help in the skill position. ''I wasn't extremely pleased with our ability to make plays in the spring,'' Jones said. ''Somebody is going to have to emerge as a playmaker. I don't care if it's some of our old guys or some of our new guys. The bottom line is we need to find some playmakers because they help you win games.''

The sudden problem emerged when two of the returning running backs were declared ineligible (see A&M Bulldogs Lose Five Players). The only returning running back left is senior Melvin Gideon. Gideon only had 114 yards with 28 carries. Gideon will have to compete with Memphis transfer Jeremiah Bonds, and junior college transfers Leo Hamilton and Rory Palmer. When asked if theses guys could help the current situation, Jones responded

''How much these guys will be able to help us remains to be seen, That's why we have training camp.''

A&M Bulldogs Lose Five Starters
8/4/02

The bulldogs have already started in the hole and the season hasn't even started. Less than one week from the varsity reporting five of A&M's starters have been declared ineligible. Running backs Jonathan Burroughs and Brian Thompson, tight end Teddy Minter, defensive end Solie White and free safety Jesse Bailey complete the list.

New Head Coach Anthony Jones feels his team will make through the tough times. ''It's a blow to our football team, but when you don't do what you're supposed to do academically there's not much we can do,''  Jones said in response to questions about the situation.

''I met individually with each kid and I told them academics had to come first. 'Most of them took the warning and applied themselves. Some others did not. If you don't apply yourself, it won't work. Unfortunately, we have some young men who fit that bill.''

The only thing Jones can do now is make sure the team stays focus and find replacements for the missing players.