Newspapers / Black Ink (Black Student … / Nov. 6, 1978, edition 1 / Page 8
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Page 8 SPORTS Area Black schools produce quality gridders By GREGORYCLAY Sporti Writer Area Black colleges and universities In North Carolina have had a hand In producing some NFL talent the last few years. Louis Breeden, formerly of North Carolina Central, is active with the Cin cinnati Bengals. He missed his roolue season last year because of injuries. The 5- 11, 180 pound defensive back may make a significant contribution to the Bengals’ secondary this year because of the departure of All-Pros liemar Parrish and Tommy Casanova. Breeden wears number 34 for the Bengals. Jethro Pugh should be a household name to many football buffs by now. He has been in the NFL trenches for 14 years now. The 6-6 250 pound defensive tackle from Elizabeth City State is stiU keeping up with Randy White, Harvey Martin and Ca at age 34. Mr. Pugh still wears old number 75 for the World Champion Dallas Cowboys. John Walton, another Elizabeth City State alumnus, found a home in Philadelphia this year. He is now backup quarterback to Ron Jaworski. Although he is 31 years old, Walton has been In the league only three years, llie age and experience gap didn’t seem to hinder Walton from having a good pre-season in ’78 though. Still, number 11 will be one of the few Black quarterbacks in the league, starting or sitting. George Ragsdale of North Carolina A&T is holding on with the Tampa Bay Buc caneers. He is listed as the third string wide receiver on the Bucs’ depth chart. He did play in nine games last season as a running back and gained 21 yards on only three carries, although 15 of them came on one play. Ragsdale carries number 23 on his tock for the Bucs. Mel Phillips is another N.C. A&T graduate now with the San Francisco 49ers. The 36-year old defensive back may decide to play out his option with San Francisco. But before it’s over the 12-year veteran might be better off calling it quits altogether. Phillips did pick off two passes for the 49ers last year, but that jurt ain’t enough for the problem-oriented Bay area team If Phillipe lasts through the rebuilding, he’ll have to change his number 32 because "The Juice” is in town. Maurice Spencer, still another defensive back, but from North Carolina Central missed the entire season last year with the New Orleans Saints due to a broken neck. He was a starter until that tragic hap pening. Spencer is expected back though, and his number is 29. Charles Romes is also a defensive bade and is also from N.C. Central. But he plays for the Buffalo Bills behind the great Tony Greene who was secaid in the league in interceptions last year. At least he has the honor of playing with another North Carolina product in the person of E>ee Hardison from everybody knows where. If Romes gets on the field, number 26 will be his trademark. Elvin Bethea, the 6-2, 255 pound defensive end is a stalwart in the Houston Oilers’ 3-4 defense. The All-Pro lineman from N.C. A&T played in only nine games last year because of a broken arm. But number 65 is back and ready to harass opposing quarterbacks and runners for the 11th consecutive year. Doug Wilderson is a landmark in the NFL after several years of rough going early in his career. The 6-22, 245 pound guard from N.C. Central started his career in Houston and flopped after making some All-America teams in college. He was traded to the San Diego Chargers and was hence rejuvenated. He is rated as one of the better guards in the league. This nine- year veteran wears number 63. Darius Helton was last reported to have San Diego’s Doug Wilkerson, is a NCCU graduate. Photo reprinted from Street and Smith’s Pro Football Handbttek. been on the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster. Being a carbon copy of Wilkerson in position, size and alma mater, Helton may eventually come into his own. Number 62 is on his jersey, but that may change if he ends up switching teams. Barden leads UNC secondary By KIM TURNER Sports Writer A while back, the Tarheel footbaU team lost to Pittsburgh in what was an exciting afternoon of college football. Ricky Antonio Barden, number 11, defaisive back for Carohna felt that the team ‘‘played real good against Pittsburgh. They J^t came up with the big D^vs’at the endof the game,” Barden said. Ricky said the biggest problem the feam has is consistency and he feels that the team really needs to improve in Barden is a junior recreation major from Norfolk, Va. He attended Lake Taylor High School (along with Amos Lawrence), participating in track football and basketbaU (his favorite). As a defensive back for Carolina, his job is to prevent the other team from catching pass^, a position JJat he enjoys^ Looking back at the game against Maryland Ricky ^id, ^e didn t play well against Maryland because we made too many mental mistakes. On the other hand, he was satisfied with the way the H^ls played (against Pitt sburgh) except for “the way they moved the ball on us during their last think if we can continue to friay like we played against Pittsburgh, then we pan hpflt everv team on our sch^ule,” Ricky said. Ricky’s hobbies include backgammon, tennis and basketball. His plans after ararfiiation are to be a recreation director. ‘^If I get a chance to play pro footbaU, I will,” he said. His favorite pro football team is the Pittsburgh Steelere. And who’s to say. . .one day he might be playing with them. Senior Ricky Borden be*to Carollna’i defensive backfleld. Sports InformaUoo photo. Black Ink Needs You 933-8345 933-4602
Black Ink (Black Student Movement, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
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Nov. 6, 1978, edition 1
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