MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2022 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Norwood, Frazier, Blount, Branning, Butler (38th), DeBar, England, Horhn, McDaniel, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Sparks, Thomas
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY "TIGERS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH DEION SANDERS UPON WINNING THE 2021 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, 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. Linebacker James Houston, Wide Receiver Warren Newman and Cornerback Isaiah Bolden were named to the Stats FCS All-American Team; 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 tied Bethune Cookman's Darnell Deas for the SWAC lead with two; and
WHEREAS, 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 to 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 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 positive attitude and year-round hard work by the following talented student-athletes: Josh Lanier; Shedeur Sanders; C.J. Holmes; Aalah Brown; De'Jahn Warren; Shane Hooks; Kev'ric Wiggins; John Huggins; Keith Corbin, III; J.D. 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.; C.J. 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; D.J. 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; Donovan Hunt; Head Coach, Deion Sanders; Assistant Coach/Quarterbacks, Michael Pollock; Assistant Coach/Wide Receivers, Jason Phillips; Assistant Coach/Running Backs, Gary Harrell; Assistant Coach/Linebackers, Andre' Hart; Assistant Coach/Special Teams, Alan Ricard; Assistant Coach/Offensive Line, Mike Markuson; Assistant Coach/Defensive Line, Jeff Weeks; Assistant Coach/Cornerbacks, Kevin Mathis; Director of Player Personnel, Otis Riddley; Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach, T.C. Taylor; Defensive Coordinator, Dennis Thurman; and Director of Internal Operations and Liaison for Academics, Latoya M. Williams; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Rice, Doug Williams and of course the legend, JSU's own Walter Payton, all came from historically black colleges and universities which have a rich history in football; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this award-winning team of university athletes and their award-winning coaches, who have brought honor and national attention to Jackson State University and to the Capital City:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Jackson State University "Tigers" Football Team and award-winning Coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders for a remarkable program record 11-win season and for winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Title for the first time since 2007, and extend to Coach Prime and his assistants, the team, parents, sponsors and support staff our best wishes for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders for the JSU Tigers, JSU President, Thomas K. Hudson, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.