Pittman’s Pocket: HBCU Final Week Top Performers and Playoffs

The final week of the HBCU season, along with key Division II playoff matchups, delivered a showcase of elite performances across the country. From record-setting quarterbacks to dominant defenders and explosive running backs, these players made their mark.

---

Alabama State

Te’Sean Smoot, QB – 20-of-24 for 442 yards and 4 TDs

Jalen Jones, WR – 6 receptions for 189 yards

Cameron Gordon, DL – 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 TFL

Ta’Shaun Sims, DB – 2 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble

Alabama State’s offense and defense combined for a dominant final week, with Smoot and Jones lighting up the scoreboard while Gordon and Sims disrupted opponents at every level.

---

Benedict (DII Playoffs vs Albany State)

David Smith, RB – 12 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD

Omari Terry, LB – 12 tackles, 1 sack, 3.5 TFL, 1 forced fumble

Isaiah Stephens, DL – 10 tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 TFL, 1 forced fumble

Taylan Morrow, DL – 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble

Benedict leaned on a balanced attack, with Smith churning out yards on the ground and their defensive stars keeping the game tightly contested.

---

Albany State (DII Playoffs vs Benedict)

Isaiah Knowles, QB – 19-of-29 for 244 yards, 1 TD

Jamill Williams, WR – 6 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD

Liam Dingle, P – 7 punts for 232 yards

Albany State’s offense was led by Knowles and Williams, while Dingle’s punting helped control field position and limit Benedict’s scoring chances.

---

Southern

Cam’Ron McCoy, QB – 6-of-18 for 148 yards, 1 TD

Barry Remo, RB – 7 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD

Trey Holly, RB – 18 carries, 61 yards, 2 TDs

Ckelby Givens, DL – 6 tackles (4 solo), 0.5 sacks, 1.5 TFL

Jerome Wallace, LB – 6 tackles (5 solo), 1 sack, 2 TFL

Southern’s offense ran efficiently by committee, while Givens and Wallace anchored the defense in standout senior performances.

---

Grambling State

Bryce Cage, DL – 7 tackles (6 solo), 4 TFL

Tyrell Raby, DB – 2 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 INT

The Tigers closed the season with dominant defensive performances from Cage and Raby, showcasing skill and leadership in their final game.

---

Florida A&M (FAMU)

Thad Franklin Jr., RB – 15 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD

Jamal Hailey, RB – 12 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD

Kenari Wilcher, WR/Returner – 3 receptions, 57 yards, 1 TD; 2 returns, 101 yards (long of 55)

FAMU’s backfield duo powered the ground game, while Wilcher electrified with big plays both as a receiver and returner, proving crucial to the Rattlers’ offensive success.

---

Summary:
From Alabama State’s aerial fireworks to Benedict’s defensive grit, Albany State’s efficient passing, Southern’s committee-led offense, Grambling’s final-game defenders, and FAMU’s dynamic backfield and return game, this week highlighted HBCU and DII talent at its finest. These players not only delivered individual brilliance but also set the tone for their teams in critical season-defining moments.