July 24, 2008

The Johnson C. Smith University football team under the direction of fourth year head coach Daryl C. McNeill, Sr., were predicted to finish fourth in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) western division as selected by the league's coaches. The Golden Bulls finished the 2007 campaign with a 3-7 overall record and a third place finish in the west.

"A prediction is just that...a prediction, based on last year's wins and losses," stated McNeill. "We feel this year will be a lot better than the way we finished last year."

Senior Rashuan Curry (OL, 6-3, 300, Gastonia, N.C.) was the lone Golden Bull to be named pre-season All-CIAA. Curry returns for his final season as a part of the Golden Bull front line and has started in every game the past two seasons at the left tackle position.

"Our motto for 2008 is 'No Exuses, No Explanations'," said McNeill. "Last year we made excuses for everything whether it was the bus, field, food, or uniforms. There will be no excuses this year."

McNeill and his staff know they will have to hit the ground running beginning on August 5 when the pre-season football camp participants report on campus.

In addition, the community and fans will get a chance to see the 2008 edition of the gold and blue at the fourth annual Festi-BULL (Media Day) to be held on August 23, 2008 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Irwin Belk Complex. There will be free drinks, food, music, inflatables, a rock-climbing wall, t-shirts and a chance to win tickets to the JCSU/N.C. A&T football game.

The Golden Bulls open up the 2008 season on the road on August 30 against North Carolina A&T State University. This will be the first meeting between the two schools since 1993 (L 52-7). Kick-off will take place at 6 p.m. at Aggie Stadium.

2008 CIAA Predicted Order of Finish

Western Division

1. Shaw University

2. Fayetteville State University

3. Saint Augustine's College

4. Johnson C. Smith University

5. Livingstone College

6. Chowan University

Eastern Division

1. Virginia Union UniversityElizabeth City State University

2. Elizabeth City State University

3. Bowie State University

4. Virginia State University

5. Saint Paul's College