GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T head coach Shawn Gibbs unveiled his coaching staff on Monday, featuring familiar faces and strong ties to A&T Aggies history.

A&T graduate Denzel Jones takes the helm as defensive coordinator, marking his return to Aggieland. Former Howard University quarterback Greg McGhee joins as the offensive coordinator.

Several key members of past A&T coaching staffs are also returning, including offensive line coach Ron Mattes, wide receivers coach Nate Poole, running backs coach Keith Henry, outside linebackers coach Terry Lantz, tight ends coach Stephen Barnette, and assistant linebackers coach Alex Purviance.

Another notable addition is defensive backs coach Tony McRae, a celebrated A&T alumnus and former standout on defense and special teams. Rounding out the staff is defensive line coach OC Williams II, with Theric Holt appointed as the director of football operations.

“I’m thrilled about the staff we’ve put together,” said Gibbs. “Many of them have deep connections to A&T and have excelled in both HBCU football and professional arenas.”

Defensive Coordinator: Denzel Jones

Jones played for A&T from 2012 to 2015, earning Defensive MVP at the inaugural Celebration Bowl. After three successful seasons as Gibbs’ defensive coordinator at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), where the Wildcats led Division II in total defense and rush defense in 2024, he returns to coach A&T’s linebackers alongside his coordinator duties.

Offensive Coordinator: Greg McGhee

McGhee, a former MEAC Offensive Player of the Year (2013, 2014), is a Howard University Hall of Famer. He previously coached quarterbacks and served as passing game coordinator at Howard, following stints at West Liberty University. McGhee remains the MEAC’s all-time leader in total yards and completions. Alongside his coordinator role, he will coach A&T’s quarterbacks.

Returning Coaches

• Ron Mattes: Returning for his 10th season, Mattes has developed standout offensive linemen, including Atlanta Falcons tackle Brandon Parker.
• Nate Poole: Since 2020, Poole has mentored top receivers like Zachary Leslie and Ger-Cari Caldwell.
• Keith Henry: Transitioning from safeties to running backs coach after two seasons.
• Terry Lantz: Former defensive coordinator at Averett, Lantz previously served A&T under Rod Broadway and Sam Washington.

New and Familiar Faces

• Tony McRae: A former NFL player and dynamic return specialist during his time at A&T, McRae returns after coaching at NC Central, where he contributed to the 2022 Celebration Bowl victory.
• OC Williams II and Theric Holt: Both coached under Gibbs at FVSU, contributing to the Wildcats’ dominance in 2024. Williams will coach the defensive line, while Holt transitions to director of football operations.

The Aggies kick off their season on Saturday, August 30, against Tennessee State. With a blend of seasoned coaches and fresh perspectives, Gibbs’ staff aims to elevate A&T football to new heights.

Jordyn Dorsey delivered a standout performance Friday night, scoring a game-high 16 points to propel North Carolina A&T to a commanding 65-49 victory over the Delaware Blue Hens at the Bob Carpenter Center. The win marked the Aggies’ fifth consecutive triumph, improving their record to 7-7 overall and 3-0 in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play.

Dorsey, who played 38 minutes, was efficient on offense, making five field goals and going 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. She was supported by Paris Locke, who contributed 13 points and seven rebounds in 29 minutes. Maleia Bracone and Chaniya Clark added eight points each to round out the Aggies’ balanced scoring attack.

The Aggies dominated the glass, outrebounding Delaware 43-28, including an 18-4 edge in offensive rebounds. This led to a 19-7 advantage in second-chance points, further demonstrating A&T’s physicality and control of the game.

The contest was closely contested through the first three quarters, with both teams trading leads. However, A&T’s second-ranked scoring defense in the CAA took over in the fourth quarter, holding Delaware to 0-for-8 shooting from the field. Offensively, the Aggies opened the final period with six unanswered points to stretch their lead to 12 and never looked back.

“We know that when our shots aren’t falling, we can always count on our defense,” said head coach Tarrell Robinson. “Tonight was a great example of our defense creating offense and our rebounding giving us second chances to score.”

The Aggies shot an impressive 51.1% inside the arc (24-for-47) despite struggling from beyond it (2-for-14). Locke sealed the game with a powerful drive and scoop layup late in the fourth quarter, pushing the lead to 60-48 with just over two minutes remaining.

Delaware’s Tara Cousins led her team with 15 points, but the Blue Hens dropped to 3-10 overall and 0-3 in conference play. North Carolina A&T will now turn their attention to Towson, where they will face the Tigers on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Wilmington, DE – January 4, 2025 – Lincoln University (PA) women’s basketball delivered an offensive masterclass on Saturday, powering past Shaw University 89-78 in a critical CIAA showdown at Goldey-Beacom College.

Senior guard Ciani Montgomery (Philadelphia, Pa./West Catholic Prep) was unstoppable, dropping 27 points on 12-of-18 shooting while adding 7 assists and 5 rebounds to lead the Lions. Fellow senior Anyssa Fields (Long Branch, N.J./Long Branch) nearly notched a double-double, finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Kaziah Akinniyi (Baltimore, Md./Poly) added 18 points of her own. Freshman Hunter Conway (Belleville, MI/Belleville) chipped in 10 points in a solid supporting role.

Lincoln’s offense was in rhythm from the jump, shooting an impressive 56.7% from the floor and 50% from deep. The Lions dominated the paint with 44 points and capitalized on Shaw’s mistakes, turning 19 turnovers into 21 points. A 51-38 first-half explosion set the tone, and while Shaw made a late push, Lincoln never let the game slip out of their control.

The win moves Lincoln to 6-8 overall and 3-2 in CIAA play, helping the Lions rebound from their previous loss. Up next, they’ll face Fayetteville State University on Saturday, January 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Philadelphia, PA, looking to build on this momentum.

Player of the Game: Ciani Montgomery – 27 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds.

Key Stat: Lincoln shot 56.7% from the field, including a blistering 50% from three-point range.

Next Up: Fayetteville State University, January 6, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA.

Wilmington, DE – January 4, 2025 – HBCU Original was on the scene to witness the Lincoln University (PA) Lions remain undefeated in CIAA action, defeating Shaw University 76-68 at Goldey-Beacom College. This electrifying matchup had the crowd roaring as the Lions improved to 9-5 overall and 4-0 in conference play, notching their fifth consecutive victory.

Senior guard Bakir Cleveland showed out with a standout performance, dropping 19 points on 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc while also grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists. Reggie Hudson, another senior leader, commanded the backcourt with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Contributions from Ethan Garita (10 points, 4 rebounds) and Freddie Young, Jr., who came off the bench to score 14 clutch points, sealed the win for the Lions.

Lincoln’s offense clicked from start to finish, with the team shooting 49.1% from the field and a blistering 47.1% from three-point territory. Their ability to capitalize on turnovers (15 points) and dominate in the paint (34 points) highlighted their versatility. Even as Shaw mounted multiple runs, the Lions maintained composure, holding onto a 32-28 halftime lead and closing out strong.

Next up, the Lions will face Fayetteville State University on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in Philadelphia, PA. HBCU Original will be there to bring you full coverage of another exciting conference clash as Lincoln aims to stay perfect in CIAA play. Stay tuned for game highlights, exclusive interviews, and more!

For more updates on HBCU sports, visit www.hbcuoriginal.com and follow us on social media.

KhaDarel Hodge’s remarkable journey from Prairie View A&M University to the NFL’s elite reached a new milestone with his selection to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, scheduled for February 2, 2025. The Atlanta Falcons special teamer and wide receiver earned this honor alongside teammate Chris Lindstrom, highlighting a season filled with unforgettable moments.

Hodge’s path to this achievement exemplifies determination and versatility. At Prairie View A&M, he excelled as a wide receiver, earning first-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honors in 2017. Despite going undrafted in 2018, Hodge never wavered, making his mark with the Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions before joining the Falcons in 2022.

This season, Hodge delivered standout performances, including recovering a muffed punt in the end zone for a touchdown in Week 4 and catching a 45-yard walk-off touchdown in overtime during Week 5. His exceptional Week 15 performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he blocked one punt and tipped another, earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

“Hodge works his tail off,” Falcons punter Bradley Pinion said. “Phenomenal teammate. Phenomenal gunner. Phenomenal wide receiver. He’s an all-around good guy.”

Head coach Raheem Morris added, “It’s always an honor when those guys have the opportunity to go be a part of anything Pro Bowl related. That’s always pretty cool for us.”

Hodge’s Pro Bowl selection not only celebrates his exceptional season but also highlights the impact of HBCU athletes in the NFL. As a Prairie View A&M alumnus, he carries the pride of his alma mater and serves as an inspiration for future generations.

From recovering punts to catching game-winning touchdowns, KhaDarel Hodge’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the opportunities that arise when talent meets perseverance.

To follow KhaDarel Hodge’s journey and connect with him directly, check out his verified social media accounts:

• Instagram: @kdhodge
• Twitter: @KhaDarelHodge