Brittany Powell

In the most recent news, Jackson State University, one of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU),  announced that the university will be making the  Hall of Famer, Deion Saunders, the new head coach of the Jackson State Football team. 

Deion Saunders is an All-American Football player and Hall of Famer, who is well known in the sports industry. He was a sport’s analyst for CBS Sports, NFL Network, and other sports channels. 

Jackson State University is a popular HBCU that is located in Jackson, Mississippi, and is one of the largest HBCUs in the state. Jackson State is known for its football team and engineering programs.

The best thing about this news is that this will change the atmosphere of the HBCU community. 

In an article by David Cobb, Saunders further said, “I am truly blessed to be the 21st Head football coach of Jackson State University,” Sanders said in a release from the school. “This amazing HBCU has always enjoyed a high level of commitment academically and athletically. It’s my desire to continue this storied tradition and history of JSU and prayerfully bring more national recognition to the athletes, the university, the Sonic Boom of the South, and HBCUs in general. I am TRULY proud to be a part of the JSU Tiger family. ‘I BELIEVE.” He is excited to be working at an HBCU and to be a part of a culture that is accepting of young black men and women. 

This will be a milestone in HBCU culture because this would attract more people to attend HBCUs and could possibly allow other Hall of Famers to be coaches for football or basketball teams.

In an ESPN article “Jackson State announces Deion Sanders as its next head football coach.” “Coach Sanders is student-athlete centered and cares about young men and their wellbeing beyond the football field. We expect to compete for and win championships at Jackson State, and Coach Sanders will help us achieve those goals.”

The HBCU community is able to thrive more because they will feel that they are more noticed by the public rather than PWI’s receiving more of the attention.

With Mr. Deion Saunders coaching college football now, this team will be able to understand first hand about the NFL and the ins and outs of what comes with the sport. 

The NFL will have plenty of Jackson State University college athletes that will now come their way with a better understanding of the league and will be trained to be open to everything the league offers.