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The debate regarding leveling the playing field between the opportunities for Black athletes at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Power 5 Conference schools has existed for some time.Many hailed the glory days when most professional Black athletes trained at HBCUs. Others lament the fact that today many of the most talented Black players are recruited by Power 5 schools. Few, however, have taken tangible steps to change this reality. In a moment of societal upheaval and a renewed commitment to building and developing Black institutions, this reality might bechanging. Deion Sanders, a popular, former pro athlete in baseball and football, may be in the forefront of initiating a significant change in the dynamics and optics of HBCU football. Last week, Deion Sanders was appointed head football coach at Jackson State University (JSU). Sanders is an accomplished professional athlete with 14 years of experience. He is also the only athlete to play in the Super Bowl and World Series. Sanders is currently serving as a defensive coordinator at Trinity Christian School in Liberty, Texas. Sanders assumed the job at Jackson State University with great pomp and circumstance. He came fully equipped with a marching band, police escorts, and a luxury SUV. Immediately, he promised to recruit some of the nation’s best athletes and build an outstanding coaching staff.
In his introduction to the JSU community, Sanders gave a heartfelt speech about his commitment to the program. He started by reciting the names of former NFL players who are alumni of JSU. He then indicated, using the constant refrain of “I believe” that he could make morale, coaching, staffing, winning games, and athletes’ academic achievement priorities at JSU. He stressed his role as a team player and pledged to help recruit players across the athletic program.
Sanders wasted no time in fulfilling his promises. He plans to construct a staff of eight assistant coaches who are former NFL players. In Sanders words: “They must be grinders because there’s nothing glamorous about coaching college football.” However, rumors that Terrell Owens and Warren Sapp might be new additions to the staff were both denied by the former NFL players.
Sander is also taking steps to recruit top talent. He has spoken with some of the nation’s leading recruits in Mississippi and across the country. Sanders is hoping to capitalize on the recent trend among highly ranked Black athletes. Many highly ranked Black athletes are switching their commitments from Power 5 programs to HBCUs. Recently, Makur Maker, a star basketball player committed to Howard University over UCLA. Cimone and Bria Woodard, who are star volleyball players, also changed their commitment from Texas A&M to Howard University.
Sanders has a difficult task at JSU. JSU is in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). JSU has not won the SWAC Championship since 2007 and has not won its division, SWAC East Division, since 2013. When asked by observers why he decided to assume the coaching job at JSU, Sanders said: “But honestly, man, I’ve been offered pro jobs, so people know. I could be an assistant in any college or a head coach in any college, but at such a time as this God called me to Jackson State and me to these men.”
Sanders is not new to HBCUs, and his hiring may have many hidden benefits for JSU and its community. This spring, he organized the first HBCU combine, which was to feature 50 handpicked athletes from HBCUs. Due to COVID-19, the event was canceled. Sanders hiring also led to speculation about a new stadium for Jackson State University. City Councilman, De’Keither Stamps, suggests JSU’s dire need for a new stadium by noting that both Alcorn State University and Mississippi Valley State University have new stadiums. Additionally, facility upgrades are in the works at JSU. Upgrades are planned for the basketball facility, the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center. Repairs will be made to the exterior and renovations in the locker rooms for men’s and women’s basketball. The Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center will become a football practice pavilion with a covered floor. The facility’s renovations are modeled on University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) facility. It will have a steel foundation and covered roof. The facility will also be surrounded by a track.
The selection of Deion Sanders as head coach at JSU heralds a new day in HBCU football. While the challenges are many, Sanders has made an important first step. His presence and skill set can elevate the playing field to unforeseen levels. Sanders asked the JSU community to believe as he does in the elevation of JSU’s athletic program. As graduates and supporters of HBCUs, we must all look within ourselves and ask: Do “I believe” in the potential of HBCU sports? For us to elevate, the answer requires a resounding: "I believe."