House Resolution 2

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY "TIGERS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH DEION SANDERS UPON WINNING THE 2021 SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SWAC) CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Jackson State University "Tigers" Football Team, led by "Coach Prime" Deion Sanders, reigned supreme during the 2021 season, winning its first Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship since 2007 and completing its first 11-win season in school history; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers, who had a superior season that was driven by more than just the yearning to succeed, intensely amplified all of their hard work, motivation and audacity, which were so apparent all through the season, for the game that ultimately separated the men from the boys to edge out Prairie View A&M University 27-10 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, on December 4, 2021, and collect the SWAC Football Championship; and

WHEREAS, striving all season long to be the best football program in the state, Jackson State University put aside the excitement, fanfare and attention to focus on the championship game and prepare as they had throughout the season, and that strategy, along with the monumental support from the entire community, helped solidify the Tigers' championship status; and

WHEREAS, bursting with wit and athleticism, the Jackson State University Football Team's mental stamina and determination never waivered from the moment they ran onto the field until the last down was played; and

WHEREAS, during the championship game that kept fans on the edge of their seats for the entire 60 minutes of play, the Tigers were losing 10-7 in the second quarter, and the momentum was not in their favor, but once Isaiah Bolden fielded a kick at the Tigers' 9-yard line, sidestepped a defender, and broke away for a 91-yard kickoff return and touchdown, the Tigers never trailed again; and

WHEREAS, Isaiah Bolden, the SWAC's top return specialist, came into the championship game leading the SWAC in kick return yards with 500 in eight games, and his kickoff return for a touchdown ties Bethune Cookman's Darnell Deas for the SWAC lead with two; and

WHEREAS, while the old saying goes, "defense wins championships," it certainly held true during the championship game, as the Tigers' defense erected an impenetrable stone wall that not only kept the pressure heavy and prevented the Prairie View quarterback from being able get truly comfortable in the pocket but also allowed the Tigers' defense to collect four sacks, each by a different player; and

WHEREAS, James Houston, who is among the leaders in FCS for sacks, opened the lead up to double-digits on an interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter; Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig also added a pair of interceptions; and Aubrey Miller passed 100 tackles for the season; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers, who played with nothing but heart and soul all season, have a very talented and distinguished roster, and each player made a substantial contribution that led to one of the most historic seasons in the history of the Tigers football program; and

WHEREAS, the team's statistics were impressive this season, and there were outstanding performances by individual players, but the key to the team's remarkable success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work by the following talented student-athletes: Josh Lanier, Shedeur Sanders, CJ Holmes, Aalah Brown, De'Jahn Warren, Shane Hooks, Kev'Ric Wiggins, John Huggins, Keith Corbin III, JD Martin, Al Young, Warren Newman, Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig, Greyson Thompson, Malachi Wideman, Christian Allen, Trevonte Rucker, Damon Bell, Cedrick Moffett II, Errick Simmons, Demonte Holliman, Kare' Lyles, Tim Robinson, Caleb Jolivette, Herman Smith III, Shilo Sanders, Peytton Pickett, Isaiah Bolden, Desmond Moultrie, Tyson Alexander, Anthony Petty, Randall Haynie, Trey Lockhart, Kevin May, Lane McGregor, Greg Williams, Javien Adams, Glenn Misiak, Bailey Raborn, Jacob Polite, Santee Marshall, Noah Anderson, Keonte Hampton, James Houston, Jeremiah Brown, Frankie Dunn, Daelyn Dunn, Aubrey Miller, Jr., CJ Nunnally, Baron Hopson, Marcus O'Neal, Kaleb Graham, Cedric Dunbar, Khalil Arrington, Donald Turley, Abdul-Malik McClain, Nyles Gaddy, Lafonzo Ruffin, Tyler Wells, Amari Catchings, Jakob Cunningham, Vincent Sampson, Braxton Bailey, Deontae Graham, James Reddick II, Stephen Singleton, Rufus Carl Jones, Paxton Branning, Kirk Ford, Charlton Goodell, Demetri Jordan, Tony Gray, Jevonte Gardner, John Mitchell, Charles Armstrong, Tre Johnson, Jency Riley, David Studstill, Kobe Paul, Kortlon Hubbard, Kyland Richey, DJ Stevens, Daniel Crowell, Jr., Chad Turner, Katron Evans, Tredarius Carr, Justin Ragin, Tre'von Riggins, Coynis Miller, Jeremiah Williams, Jaumonie Crain, Devonta Davis, Ke'Shawn Brinkley, Antwan Owens, Markeyvrick Eddie and Donovan Hunt; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Deion Sanders has superbly coached and tremendously inspired the Tigers and broadened their knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution, and he continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in his ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Jackson State University "Tigers" Football Team, whose hard work and perseverance brings honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend the Jackson State University "Tigers" Football Team and Head Coach Deion Sanders upon winning the 2021 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship, and extend to them best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Deion Sanders and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.