Not a lot is expected of St. Augustine’s football team this season, at least outside the program.
The Falcons, who won just once a year ago (28-25 on homecoming against Johnson C. Smith), have been picked to finish last in the CIAA.
But nobody seems to have told first-year coach Howard Feggins about the low expectations. He’s aiming high right out of the gates. Consider these words from a recent story published by HBCU Game Day:
“My mindset is that we have to win now. I know coaches sometimes want to build a program,” Feggins told HBCU Gameday. “I’m not here to build. I’m here to win.”
Wow.
Feggins does have experience in that department. In his one season as Fayetteville State’s offensive coordinator in 2022, he helped the Broncos get over the hump of not just making the CIAA title game but winning it. It was partly his call midseason when FSU changed to a two-quarterback system, a move which sparked the team down the stretch.
Feggins, a former UNC defensive back who spent time in the NFL with the Giants and Patriots, has a long resume of coaching experience. He’s been to places like Northwestern, Norfolk State, South Carolina State, Eastern Michigan and Colorado State-Pueblo. He’s been a part of staffs that have won MEAC championships. Northwestern earned a share of the 2000 Big Ten title with Feggins as a receivers coach.
Now Feggins has a chance to put his stamp on a program eager to ascend in the CIAA. St. Aug’s was 1-7 in 2021 and 2-8 in 2019 (COVID canceled the 2020 campaign).
“God put me in a situation that led me here,” Feggins said at CIAA Media Day last month. “When I got this opportunity I looked at the challenges we have. We’ve got a lot of young men that I am excited to coach. The great thing about it is that we only can go up.”
The Falcons started fall camp this week. The team will build around four key returnees from last season.
Lee Sales, a preseason all-CIAA pick, led St. Augustine’s in tackles from his linebacking spot (61) and finished second in sacks (3) a year ago. Defensive back Ty’quereon Hines picked off four passes. Deandre Proctor was a multiple-purpose athlete who paced the Falcons in catches and receiving yards. Dennis Jones, another CIAA preseason pick, keyed the return game.
The roster has been bolstered by a number of transfers. Some names the school has put out as players to watch in 2023:
- Uriah Ratliff, DB: Recorded 63 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1 interception for Bethune Cookman in 2022
- Jaterrian Brooks, DT: Transferring to SAU from Dodge City College in KS.
- Charles Henry, DT: Saw action in one game in 2022 for University of New Mexico, registering a tackle against Maine.
- Jahaven Phillips, DE: Recorded 13 total tackles and 2 tackles for loss for Limestone in 2021
- Monte’ Williams, ILB: Recorded 44 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 3 pass breakups for St. Andrews in 2022.
- Anthony Butler, QB: The 6-4, 230 Transfer from Millersville University (PA) completed 39 of 76 passes for 440 yards with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in 2022.
- Marquis Munoz, RB: Transferring to SAU from Salt River Junior College in AZ.
- Jalen Coutee, TE: Saw action in one game in 2022 for Independence Community College (KS), registering a reception for a touchdown against Highland Community College.
- EJ Alvarez, OL: Transferring to SAU from Fort Lewis College in CO.
St. Augustine’s will face a tough opener, traveling to Lenoir-Rhyne on Sept. 2. The experienced Bears have been projected as a top 25 Division II team. After a game at Elizabeth City State on Sept, 9 (Down East Viking Football Classic), the Falcons face Virginia State (picked 5th in the CIAA), Bowie State (picked 2nd) and Virginia Union (picked 3rd).
Not an easy mountain to scale. But the Falcons seem eager under their new leadership to start the climb.
“We’re really striving for greatness,” sophomore linebacker Jamieson Alston said at CIAA Media Day. “I think we’re going to get it done… I feel like (Feggins’) direction will lead us to the promised land.”
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