The Prime Blueprint: Will HBCUs Follow Or Challenge Deion Sanders' Model?

Will HBCU football programs choose to pattern their programs with elements of Deion Sanders blueprint for success?
The Prime Blueprint: Will HBCUs Follow Or Challenge Deion Sanders' Model?
The Prime Blueprint: Will HBCUs Follow Or Challenge Deion Sanders' Model? /

HOUSTON — History was met with a confluence of negativity and outrage that distorted the magnitude of the moment when Deion Sanders ascended from ranks of the HBCUs to become a Power 5 head coach. 

A barrage of criticism and cynicism negated what legendary coaches like Eddie Robinson, John Merritt, W. C. Gorden, Jake Gaither, and Merino Casem would have praised — but most failed to embrace and acknowledge the achievement.

THE PRIME BLUEPRINT

A BRILLIANT CAREER MOVE

It was a brilliant power play by Sanders. 

It's common for coaches, particularly in college football, to move between different programs or levels of competition. Although Sanders' decision to leave Jackson State for the University of Colorado is perceived to be a negative development for HBCU football, it isn't the case.

Since Coach Prime's departure from Jackson State, the HBCU football movement will continue, and its momentum will flow into next season. Jackson State has seen a few calculated defections with Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and other players entering the transfer portal for Colorado. Ultimately, new head coach T.C. Taylor and other HBCU coaches have had firm commitments from recruits before, during, and after National Signing Day.

Coach Prime's value as a bold advocate and fearless mouthpiece was only part of the resurgence in HBCU football. Was he a critical element? Yes, without a shadow of a doubt. He challenged traditional thinking and acceptance of mediocrity. More importantly, he set a new standard for HBCU football which raised the level of competition and drew interest from broadcasters, networks, media, and corporations. 

His blueprint was set and televised for HBCU coaches, and department directors to follow, adapt, or implement. 

SELL OUT OR ARCHITECT? 

Sanders didn't sell out. Instead, he laid out the future of HBCU football.

"The movement don't start with a man. Although it may have started like that. But the movement is going to continue with a plan." Deion Sanders' final remarks to HBCU media at the Celebration Bowl.  

It's time for the torch to be passed to another.

Dr. King said it best on April 3, 1968, the night before his tragic assassination. "Longevity has its place...I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the promised land."  

Comparatively, history bares the stories transformative leaders left and never saw beyond the mountaintops. In Sanders' words, it was time to be "elevated" instead of waiting to be "terminated." Whatever his motives, we shouldn't lose faith in the evolution of Black College Sports.

TIME TO MOVE ON

It's time to move. Deion Sanders may never grace the HBCU football sidelines again. Nevertheless, it's important to recognize his contributions while serving as head coach at Jackson State. He helped to bring attention to our sports programs and sparked discussions for financial solvency and brand potency among our HBCU programs.

HBCU football has existed for over 100 years and the fight to strive for greatness predates Sanders' tenure, and it will continue with the current and new crop of coaches in the HBCU landscape.  

What's and who's next?

We shall see.


Published
Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: