The Alabama State University Hornets are getting ready to face off against the North Carolina Central University Eagles in the Orange Blossom Classic, which will take place on Sept. 1 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
The Hornets have high expectations this season as head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. enters his third season leading the program.
“We are hoping to have a championship season,” Robinson said. “We are trying to win one game at a time, but our end goal is to win the SWAC, get into the celebration bowl and win”
He continued,
“It is going to be a competitive league. It’s just a matter of settling in and getting into a rhythm, avoiding injuries, playing hard and consistently. Don’t give up the easy plays to let the other teams beat you.”
Robinson pointed out penalties as something the team needs to improve on. He wants the team to be disciplined on and off the field. He pointed out that showing up to class or practice on time during the week and doing what is right are ways the team can build up discipline so that it can show on game days.
There are plenty of new faces on both sides of the ball. When asked who had been some of the standouts in fall camp, running back Daquon Kincey, wide receivers Asa Gregg, Eric Horn and Ajai Harrell and offensive lineman Jeremiah Frazier were some of the players mentioned.
The quarterback position is far from settled as Andrew Body and Eastern Illinois University transfer Jonah O’Brien continue to battle it out, heading toward the first game of the season. Robinson said O’Brien has come along nicely since joining the team this summer.
“Both of those guys are out there competing like any other position,” he said. “They have done a great job out here. Jonah has done a great job coming here, learning the playbook, competing and playing well and so has Body. It is fun to coach both of them.”
With the team traveling to Miami for the season opener, Robinson does not want the team to lose focus and remember their job is to send the fans home with a victory.
“We are part of the entertainment, so we are not there to have fun,” he said. “Our fun is when we win the football game. We know we have to get it done on the field.”
Robinson had a message for fans who may be traveling to Miami or watching from home.
“The opening game of the football season is always great,” he said. “It’s a great venue and city for Labor Day weekend. Hopefully, everybody can get down there. We definitely want to have more people in the stands than North Carolina Central. But, if you got to stay home and watch it on TV, that’s great.”
He continued.
“We are Montgomery’s division one program, so we just want everybody to come out and see what we are doing.”