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Home , 1985 USFL Draft, Bill Arnsparger, Defensive coordinator, Donovan Rose, Jerry Holmes, Justin Durant

Jerry Holmes JERRYHEAD HOLMES COACH

Jerry Holmes enters his first season as head coach at . Prior to becoming head coach, Holmes spent the last three seasons as and coach at Hampton (2004-07). Holmes also spent five years coaching defensive backs for the San Diego Chargers (2002-03), the Washington Redskins (2001) and the Browns (1999-00).

As a coach, Holmes embodies the same characteristics that he demonstrated as a player in the NFL and the USFL: physical play and aggressive football. His coaching prowess has transferred successfully to his players on the field everywhere he has been. In 2001, his Redskins secondary boasted the NFL’s sixth-leading against the pass. The team’s 23 were the fifth-most in the league. During Holmes’ tenure with the Browns, Cleveland ranked 11th and 12th in the league against the pass.

Holmes began his coaching career as the linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator at Hampton University from 1992 to 1994. During those three seasons with the Pirates, Hampton posted a remarkable record of 31-4-1, winning three consecu- tive CIAA championships, making two trips to the NCAA playoffs and capturing the 1994 Black College National Championship.

After leaving Hampton, Holmes spent the next four seasons (1994-98) as the defensive backs coach at his alma mater, West Virginia University. In 1996, the Mountaineers featured the nation’s top-ranked defense that included a No. 5 national ranking against the pass.

He has also completed coaching internships with the Detroit Jerry Holmes Lions, the and Boston University. Quick Facts Since his return to Hampton, Holmes has continued his previous success by guiding PERSONAL Justin Durant to three consecutive MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors, Hometown: Newport News, Va. College: West Virginia, ‘79 while also helping the Pirate defense lead the country in turnovers forced with 43 in Birthdate: December 21, 1957 2004. During the 2005 campaign, his unit finished the year ranking second in the Birthplace: Newport News, VA Wife: Patricia Ann Division I FCS in points allowed at 14 points per game, while also ranking sixth in total Children: Natasha Nicole (11) defense. Last season, the Pirates continued to display their dominance on the defensive COACHING POSITIONS side of the ball, surrendering just 14.5 points per game, ranking third in pass defense Years as college coach: 15 years and second in tackles for loss. Hampton Linebackers/Co-Defensive Coord. As a player, Holmes’ professional career spanned 12 seasons as a and (1992-1994) included stops with the NFL’s (1990-91), (1988-89) West Virginia and (1980-83, 86-87), as well as the USFL’s (1985) Defensive Backs (1994-98) and Maulers (1984). His NFL totals included 25 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Defensive Backs (1999-2000) Holmes began his collegiate career at Chowan Junior College, where he earned an associate degree in business administration before transferring to West Virginia. There Washington Redskins Defensive Backs he was a two-year letterman in football, earning his degree in business administration (2001) in 1979. As the captain of the Mountaineers during his senior campaign, Holmes was San Diego Chargers honored with the Ira A. Rodgers Award as the team’s most valuable player. Defensives Backs (2002-03) Holmes resides in Newport News with his wife Patricia Ann and they have one Hampton daughter, Natasha Nicole (11). Defensive Coord. (2004-2007)

Hampton Head Coach (2007-Present)

43 Jerry Holmes Year-by-Year JERRY HOLMES YEAR-BY-YEAR

YEAR SCHOOL RECORD NOTES Assistant Coach 1992 Hampton 9-2-1; 7-0-1 CIAA CIAA Champs/NCAA Playoffs 1993 Hampton 12-1; 8-0 CIAA CIAA Champs/NCAA Quarterfinalist 1994 Hampton 10-1; 8-0 CIAA CIAA Champs/SBN Black College National Champs 1995 West Virginia 5-6; 4-3 Big East 1996 West Virginia 8-4; 4-3 Big East Lost to North Carolina in Gator Bowl, 20-13 1997 West Virginia 7-5; 4-3 Big East Lost to in Carquest Bowl, 35-30 1998 West Virginia 8-4; 5-2 Big East Lost to Missouri in Insight.com Bowl, 34-31 1999 Cleveland Browns 2-14 2000 Cleveland Browns 3-13 2001 Washington Redskins 8-8 2002 San Diego Chargers 8-8 2003 San Diego Chargers 4-12 2004 Hampton 10-2; 6-1 MEAC Co-MEAC Champs/NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs/SBN Black College National Champions 2005 Hampton 11-1; 7-0 MEAC MEAC Champs/NCAA DI-AA Playoffs/SBN Black College National Champs 2006 Hampton 10-2; 7-1 MEAC MEAC Champs/NCAA DI-AA Playoffs 2007 Hampton 6-5; 5-3 MEAC

Head Coach 2008 Hampton

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WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT COACHcoach HOLMES holmes

Romeo Crennel — Cleveland Browns Head Coach “Jerry is a coach who always showed great attention to detail and tremendous leadership abilities. I have no doubt that these traits, as well as his experience coaching and teaching young men, will help make a positive impact as he leads the football program at Hampton University.”

Bill Arnsparger — San Diego Chargers Defensive Coordinator – 1992-1995 “Jerry Holmes is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with. His ability to deal with peo- ple and teach them, no matter what the level, is really second to none. I’m excited to see him be a head coach, and I know he’ll do wonders for Hampton University.”

Chris Palmers — Coach, /Former Head Coach of the Browns “Jerry Holmes is a special guy who has always had the bug to coach. He’s an excellent football coach and an excellent teacher, and he has a tremendous respect for the game. Anyone who plays for Coach Holmes will benefit, both in the game and as a person.”

Ken Whisenhunt — Head Coach “I have had the great pleasure of working with Coach Holmes and he has a great passion for the game as a teacher and a leader and I just know that he will do a great job.”

Joe Taylor — Florida A&M Head Coach “Integrity, outstanding character … I’ve never met anyone more knowledgeable about the game than Coach Holmes. When you’ve played the game at the highest level for as long as he has, there’s obviously a passion there. There’s no one I’d rather see get this job than Coach Holmes.”

Tony Sparano — Head Coach “I worked with Jerry Holmes for several years. Jerry is an outstanding communicator with his players and really is one of the few coaches who I’ve been around that gets the absolute most out of his players. He coached a difficult position being the secondary, and was able to get an awful lot out of his players in the several places that he and I have been together. I think he will be outstanding for Hampton.”

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Assistant Coaches

DONOVAN ROSE Assistant Head / Defensive Coordinator / Secondary Coach

Donovan Rose is entering his 18th season on the Hampton University football coaching staff and his first as defensive coordinator. As a secondary coach, Donovan’s philosophy and coaching style has attracted attention from the Coaches Association and the NFL. He recently was selected to participate in the NCAA Expert Football Coaching Academy in Miami. Donovan also earned internships with the Miami Dolphins in 1996, San Diego Chargers in 2000 and 2001 and the New York Giants in 2002.

In addition, Donovan has received the 2006 L.D. Britt, M.D. Community Service Award for his involvement and untiring service with youth and student athletes; the 2003 AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year in Division I-AA and the All-American Football Foundation Mike Campbell Top Assistant Coach Award.

As a Distinguished Hamptonian (1979) and Norview (Norfolk, Va.) High School graduate, he began his playing career in 1975 as a walk-on and kicker for the Pirates. By his senior year, he was voted Defensive Player of the Year in the CIAA, All-American and was selected as a starter and captain in the 1978 Black College All-Star game at the Super Dome. He later signed with the in 1980, and also played for several championship teams in the League, winning the Grey Cup with the in 1984.

In 1986, he joined the Miami Dolphins and led the team in inter- ceptions. Rose retired from Miami in 1988.

Since his arrival at Hampton in 1991, the Pirates have won 14 champi- onships, graduated over 185 student-athletes and placed over 40 players in professional leagues. Donovan has developed and placed several defensive backs in the pros and recruited several players who were either drafted or became free agents in the NFL. His most notable recruits have been Cordell Taylor, 2nd round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1998, and Kendall Langford, 3rd round pick for the Miami Dolphins in 2008.

As the defensive coordinator, Rose’s first area of concern is to make sure defensively the players are fundamentally sound, aggressive and students of the game. Speed is the top priority for the upcoming season. Each man must know his individual assignment responsibility on every defense play and go hard for five seconds at a time.

Donovan is married to the former Miss Hampton University (1981) Sylvia Woody, Esq., a native of Tampa, Fla., and they are the parents of two children: Deja (20), a junior at Georgetown University and Donovan Jr. (12), a seventh-grader at Grafton Middle School.

47 Assistant Coaches

COREY SULLIVAN ROY JOHNSON / Wide Receivers

Corey Sullivan is entering his Roy Johnson is entering his 2nd second season as offensive season as a member of the coordinator and his fourth Hampton University coaching season as the wide receivers staff where he serves as the coach at Hampton University. quarterbacks coach. During his time at with the The former Pirate signal caller Pirates, Sullivan has had a great returned to HU after a two-year impact on the receiving corps, stint at Meadowcreek High producing two all-conference School in Georgia. His selections and helping Marquay guidance helped young McDaniel and Onrea Jones earn quarterback, Terry Mitchell, set invitations to the 2007 NFL a new HU single-season passing combine, where they went on yards record of 2309 yards and to be listed on NFL rosters at the Broncos and the a new single season total offense record 2449 yards. , respectively. Before returning to Hampton, Johnson served as an Under Sullivan’s direction McDaniel closed out his career by offensive coordinator and a quarterbacks coach at breaking Hampton’s single-season records for receptions (59) Meadowcreek. Under his watch, the Mustang Offense and touchdown catches (14). The 2007 season was a averaged more than 300 yards of total offense per game positive one for Sullivan where he had the number one utilizing the Wing-T and Veer option. In addition, Johnson scoring offense, number one passing offense and number helped more than 20 Mustangs receive athletic one red zone offense in the MEAC. Sullivan’s direction led scholarships to continue their careers at four-year red-shirt, Senior Jeremy Gilchrist to break the single-season institutions. receiving record with 1,043 yards, single-season records reception with (69) and the only player to Prior to his stint at Meadowcreek, Johnson served as the record a 1,000 yard season. Red-shirt co-offensive coordinator/pass game coordinator and Junior Terry “Tj” Mitchell to break quarterbacks coach at Redan High School in Stone Hampton’s single-season passing yards Mountain, Georgia In his four season with the program with 2,309 yards. Gilchrist and he assisted in the guiding the Raiders to a state playoff Mitchell went on to be All- MEAC birth for the first time in four years. along with Dennis Conley, as an offensive lineman. Johnson is a 1999 graduate of Hampton University, earning his bachelors degree in business management. A four-year letterman at Tennessee As a player, Johnson led the Pirates to consecutive State, Sullivan was a two-time MEAC championships in 1997 and 1998. He is All-Ohio Valley Conference second all-time, at Hampton, in passing yards, receiver for the Tigers. During career total offense (7,086) and (7,556), his senior campaign, the respectively, and ranks fourth in touchdown Miami, Florida native was an passes. All-American and Spirit Award candidate. Following The former HU quarterback has high his days at TSU, he went on to expectation of his quarterbacks for the spend the 2000 season as free 2008 season. Johnson not only wants agent with the the quarterbacks to steadily improve, , in addition to but to continue the tradition of good playing with several Arena League quarterbacks at HU and lead the Pirates teams. Sullivan, who earned his back to the championship status. bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2002, returned to his alma mater in 2004 to coach the wide receivers.

Sullivan’s expectation for the 2008 season include seeing the seniors graduate with their degrees and having one of the most prolific 48 offenses in FCS history. Assistant Coaches

TERRY BEAUFORD Offensive Line

After spending the last season at Fort Valley State University, Terry Beauford returns to Hampton University for his eighth year with the Pirate coaching staff where he’ll resume his duties as offensive line coach.

Beauford spent two years before going to Fort Valley State as the Head Football coach at Morehouse College in Atlanta.

In his last campaign with the Pirates, Beauford directed an offensive line that paved the way for Hampton to average a leagues- best 31.9 points and nearly 370 yards of total offense per game. With his unit leading the way, freshman Alonzo Coleman and Ardell Daniels became the first Pirate rookie to rush for more than 1,000 yards in 2004. In addition, Beauford has produced eight All-Conference linemen in five seasons, along with three consecutive MEAC offensive lineman of the year 2002, 2003, 2004, four SBN All-American, two American Football Coaches Association All-Americans and one Associated Press All-American.

During the 1997 campaign, his first season with the Pirates, Beauford coached the defensive tackles and Hampton won its first MEAC championship and finished with the number one defense in the MEAC. After that season Beauford went on to become Offensive Coordinator at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee.

After two years at Lane College, Beauford returned to Hampton University as the offensive line coach. Beauford’s offensive line led the way for a record setting year by former Hampton running back Montrell Coley. Behind the performance of Beauford’s front five, Coley rushed for 1,582 yards to become Hampton’s all-time Single-Season Rushing Leaders while also scoring 28 touch- downs on the season. Since 2001, when Beauford took over special teams coordinator the Pirates have become one of the most dangerous return units . They led the nation in kickoff returns in 2001 and punt returns in 2002, totaling an astonish- ing 13 touchdowns on returns during his two-year stint as coordinator.

Beauford’s expectation for the 2008 season is to improve the running game, be more consistent in the pass protection, and get back to the normal physical style of football.

A native of Fort Pierce, Fla. where he attended Fort Pierce Central High School, Beauford earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, with a minor in physical education from Florida A & M University. As an Offensive Lineman for Rattlers he was a two-time SBN All-American, NCAA 1AA All- Americans and three time All-MEAC selection, leading the San Diego Chargers to choose him in the seventh round of the 1991 NFL draft.

He is married to Yulonda Darden-Beauford and is the proud father of one daughter Tierra Brianna Beauford (18).

49 Assistant Coaches

DEVAN HILL CANUTE CURTIS Linebackers Defensive Line Coach

Devan Hill is in his sixth year Canute Curtis is entering in his working as an assistant with the first season as a member of the Hampton University Pirates. Hampton University coaching During his previous five sea- staff where he will serve as the sons Hill coached three all- Defensive Line Coach. Curtis conference safeties and four all- responsibilities will include conference corners and a Pirate coaching the extra point/ field defensive unit that finished in goal block team, he will serve the top 5 in the nation in pass as the coaching liaison with defense and interceptions officials and will be responsible 2003-2006. He has coached on for recruiting in the Nashville, all three MEAC championship Memphis, Richmond, Va., teams. He started coaching at Charlotte and New Jersey. Bethel High School in (2000) as defensive back coach and In 2004, Curtis began his coaching career at Towson went to Menchville High School (2001-2002) as a defen- University in Towson, Maryland where he coached the Line sive coordinator. Backers. After just one season at Towson, Curtis took the A four-year letterman and state champion at Bethel High Line Backers and Special Teams coordinator at Tennessee School (1990-1994). A four-year letterman and a two year State University in 2005. During his third season with TSU, starter at cornerback for Joe Taylor and the Pirates, Hill was he coached the Defensive Ends and was the Special Teams a member of a Hampton squad that claimed back-to-back Coach, coaching four All- Conference players. MEAC championships in 1997 and 1998. He is a 2000 Curtis collegiate football career began at West Virginia graduate of Hampton, earn- University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. ing his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. He played rush Line Backer for WVU for 5 seasons from 1992-1996. During the 1995-1996, Curtis earned All- For the 2008 season, Hill Conference honors and was the Big East Defensive Player wants his linebackers to of the Year for 1996. Also during the 1996 season, Curtis not only be physical was a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award, finalists for the but to be leaders Bronco-Nagurski Award, Consensus All-American and team of the defense. MVP. He holds WVU career and single season sack record He expects to holder. His honors helped him to be signed Cincinnati produce at Bengals for seven seasons (1997-2003). least two All- Americans, Curtis expectations for the 2008 season include not only win the winning, but winning MEAC, increasing the number of MEAC and sacks per game and be the foundation for the defense. to do well in the playoffs. He is the husband of the Latoya Curtis- Moore and togeth- er they have two children, Logan (8) and Cydney (4). In his free time enjoys reading and golf.

50 Assistant Coaches

MILO AUSTIN ANDREW F. RHODEN Assistant Running Backs Coach Director of Football Operations & Asst. Recruiting Coordinator Milo Austin is entering his first season as a member of the This is Andrew Rhoden’s third Hampton University coaching season with the Hampton staff, where he will serve University Pirates coaching staff running backs coach. Austin’s and his first season as a fulltime responsibilities will include coach. His responsibilities coaching the running backs, include the day to day kick-off return, recruiting and operations of the Pirate Football serving as the liaison for the Program, coordination of team training room. travel, walk-on players, coordinating the video and Before coming to Hampton to scouting department. He will coach, Austin began his coach- be recruiting in the areas of ing career at Midwestern State Florida, Arizona and California. University, a division II school in Wichita Falls, Texas. As the running backs coach, his team was the number one in Rhoden began his coaching career at Blanche Ely High the nation in total offense in D2 averaging 520 yards per School in Pompano Beach, FL. where he worked with the game, they were ranked number six in the Nation for linebackers and running backs. In 2005, Rhoden came to rushing. His guidance produced an all-conference running Hampton University as a student assistant under now Head back, a running back ranked in the top 10 in scoring in Coach Jerry Holmes to work with the linebackers. During Division 2 with 18 touchdowns and his assistance helped his stint at Hampton, Rhoden’s assistance contributed to Midwestern State University reach the 2nd round of the one of the top defensive units in the nation, a MEAC playoffs for the first time in school history. championship and a NCAA playoff berth. In 2006, Rhoden went to West Virginia University as a defensive student Austin’s collegiate began at Salisbury University (2000- assistant, assisting the Mountaineers to a Gator Bowl 2002) where is was a cornerback and earned 1st team Championship and a top 10 ranking in both polls. In 2007, All-Conference, Conference Rookie of the Year, and AFCA Rhoden returned to Florida to be the youngest Head Coach Southeast Region Rookie of the year in 2001. He finished of junior varsity at Boyd Anderson High School leading up at West Virginia University where he was a wide them to a record setting season at 6-1, scoring an average receiver and was on the Big East Championship team, of 46 points per game and only allowing 6 points a game. 2003-2004. He also served as the Co-Defensive Coordinator for the Austin is a 2005 graduate of West Virginia University where varsity that went 10-2, a District Championship, and a he received a B.S. in Sport Psychology. He is a proud father FHSAA playoff berth. of his 3 month old daughter, Nevaeh and is also a proud Rhoden’s collegiate career began at St. Anslem College member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. In his where he lettered as a true freshman linebacker. In 2003, spare time he likes to cooking, go-karting and relaxing. he transferred to Florida International University before settling at Hampton University in 2004, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. While at Hampton, Rhoden played linebacker under former Hampton Head Coach, Joe Taylor. Rhoden was apart of the 2004 squad that won the SBN National Championship and MEAC championship.

Rhoden received his Master of Science degree in Sport Management from West Virginia University in 2007. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) and ADIMU Men of Excellence.

51 Football Support Staff

Kissie Pettaway Football Office Manager

Kissie Pettaway, Office Manager for Pirate Football, is entering her eighth year at Hampton University. Ms. Kissie, as referred to by players, continues to add to the success of the HU football program through her enthusiasm, hard work, compassion and pleasant personality. The Tarboro, North Carolina native is a 2007 graduate of Hampton University and is the mother of two Tyrese (7) and Omari (5).

Zach Nott Director of Athletic Performance

Zach Nott is entering his fourth season with the Hampton University athletics program and his third as the Director of Athletic Performance. Previously, Nott was the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Colgate University from 2003 to 2005. Before his time at Colgate, Nott spent three years on the staff at the University of Nebraska’s Husker Power. Nott received his Bachelors degree in community health education from the University of Nebraska in 2003 and he is certified by the national Strength and Conditioning Association.

Christina Espinoza Director of Athletic Training and Rehabilitation

Christina Espinoza is entering her second year as the Hampton University Director of Athletic Training and Rehabilitation.

Espinoza heads a facility that offers Pirate athletes a comprehensive program entailing injury prevention, recognition, evaluation and management of injuries, rehabilitation and reconditioning following injury or surgery, education and counseling.

Espinoza joins the Pirate family after having served as an athletic trainer on numerous levels. Before arriving at Hampton she served a year as head athletic trainer of Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee where she was responsible for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic related injuries for the 11 NCAA D2 varsity sports. Prior to that, Espinoza was head football athletic trainer at Alabama State University where she works with football, track and field, women’s and . She also spent a year with the Montgomery Maulers of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL), who went on to become the first NIFL team to win the division in its inaugural season.

Espinoza is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University (1998) where she received a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She is the proud mother of one son, six-year old Nikolas.

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Football Support Staff

Maurice Williams Director of Sports Information

Maurice Williams is entering into his first year as Director of Sports Information at Hampton University. Williams handles the day-to-day functions of the Sports Information Office, and he currently serves as the contact person for all sports. In addition to his SID responsibilities, Williams also aides with the fundraising and marketing activities for Hampton athletics.

Prior to becoming the Director of Sports Information at Hampton, Williams served in the same capacity at Shaw University. Prior to his time at Shaw, he spent five years at Livingstone College as a student assistant and as an intern.

While at Shaw, Williams helped coordinate the publicity efforts for the school’s 14 intercollegiate athletics and served as the primary contact for all of the University’s sports. Williams also assisted in the Marketing and Promotions efforts while at Shaw.

During his time at Livingstone, Williams helped coordinate the publicity efforts for the school’s 13 intercollegiate athletics. He worked as a statistician for the Blue Bear’s football, softball, volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball teams. In addition, he served as the primary media contact for men’s basketball, volleyball and softball and assisted with football, track and field, cross country and women’s basketball.

Williams currently holds memberships in the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and the Black College Sports Information Director’s Association (BcSIDA).

Maurice Williams is a native of Allendale, South Carolina, and a 2005 graduate of Livingstone College, earning a bachelors degree in English.

Jeff Cunningham Sports Information Intern/Administrative Assistant

Jeff Cunningham is in his first year as the Administrative Assistant for Sports Information at Hampton University. Cunningham is responsible for maintaining content for the university’s athletics website, as well as writing and editing content in various Hampton University athletics media guides. He is also the main contact for cross-country and track & field.

Before coming to HU, Cunningham was a freelance high school sports reporter for the Daily Press (Newport News, Va.) and South Hampton Roads high school correspondent for the paper’s high school sports site, HRVarsity.com. He has also worked part-time as a board operator for 102.1 FM The Game in Virginia Beach.

Cunningham is a 2006 graduate of Old Dominion University, where he earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Communications and a minor in English. At ODU, Cunningham spent five years as a sports writer for the campus newspaper, The Mace & Crown. Cunningham was also the play-by-play voice for men’s basketball, women’s basketball and baseball for the campus radio station, WODU. He also co-hosted a weekly sports talk show on the station.

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