NCCU Star Previews Aggie-Eagle Classic

Celebration Bowl star and team prepares for 2023 Aggie-Eagle Classic.

Latrell "Mookie" Collier delivered one of the most unforgettable plays in the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl, a lethal stiff arm that has been etched into the minds of football fans nationwide. This play would set up an eventual touchdown to solidify the NCCU Eagles' win over the Jackson State Tigers and crown them 2022 HBCU National Champions. 

If you ask him about it, the humble West Virginia native will probably chuckle and tell you that he was only trying to contribute to the team's win. As Saturday's highly anticipated Aggie-Eagle Classic approaches, Collier aims to contribute to a team win over their rival again. 

One of the things that sets the Eagles apart from most teams is the productivity of their backfield, which features quarterback Davius Richard and running backs Mookie Collier, J'Mari Taylor, and Chris Mosley. During the 2022 season, those four players combined for 2,341 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns, averaging 210.0 yards per game. 

Dec 17, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Central Eagles running back Latrell Collier (5) stiff arms Jackson State Tigers safety Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (7) during overtime in the Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The reason why they're so dynamic together? In Mookie's words, they're each different pieces that come together and create a successful backfield. "Each player brings their different style to the game. When J'Mari comes in, they've [opponents] got to be worried about a whole new style of play. We're so dynamic in the backfield that it gives us more plays when we're executing on third downs," Collier said. 

The backfield is protected by all-conference linemen, including Da'Quan Thomas, who earned 'Offensive Lineman of the Week" honors, and Torricelli Simpkins, who joins Davius Richard on the Reese's Senior Bowl watchlist. 

"We have such amazing players all over the field, even on defense. It's a blessing to have so many weapons on offense. There's no drop-off. When someone has to step off, the next person comes in, there's no drop-off, the performance remains the same." 

The Eagles would win the season opener against the Winston-Salem State Rams with a score of 47-21. Mookie Collier led with 72 yards and a touchdown while averaging 4.5 yards a carry. Although they beat the Rams by double digits, Collier didn't celebrate his performance and says there's still room to improve as the season progresses. "I set goals for myself last year and didn't attain all of those, so this year, I have set even higher goals than last year. Week in and week out, I know I have to be better than the week before and never be satisfied."

NCCU's upcoming opponent, NCAT, is an HBCU powerhouse that has won multiple championships and produced many legendary players. The Aggies are under new leadership with former NFL linebacker Vincent Brown. While he is familiar with HBCU football after playing at Mississippi Valley State and coaching stops, including Howard University, this will be his first Aggie-Eagle Classic. Despite a double-digit loss to UAB in Week One, Collier believes they're a team loaded with talent you can't take lightly. 

"They have a great secondary, corner, safeties, and a new defensive coordinator I respect. We have to bring our A-game for this one; if we don't, they'll be able to get through us. I can't wait. It will be a great challenge for us." 

The first meeting between the Aggies and Eagles was played a century ago on Nov. 23, 1922, and North Carolina A&T would defeat North Carolina Central 26-0. This football game symbolizes pride and unity within the HBCU community, bringing students, alumni, and fans of each team to each respective campus. It is an event that brings people together, showing the rich traditions and rivalries that represent HBCU culture. 

Quick Game Facts:

• Event: Aggie-Eagle Classic
• Teams: North Carolina A&T Aggies vs. North Carolina Central Eagles
• Where: Truist Stadium-Greensboro, NC
• When: Saturday, Sept. 9 at 7:00 PM ET
• How to watch: www.myflosports.tv
• First Meeting: 1922- NCAT 26-0
• Series: NCAT 53-36-5