Alabama A&M: Smith will return kicks for Bulldogs (Notes)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - When Alabama A&M opens the season Saturday against Hampton in the Chicago Classic, redshirt freshman Montarius Smith will return punts and kickoffs.

Smith will be the Bulldogs' primary punt returner and he will be joined by freshman Reshaad DeJarnett on kickoff returns. Former Sparkman High standout Terrance Pride could also return kickoffs.

"None of them have played, but we believe they'll be OK," said defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns, who works with kick returners. "Hopefully, the lights won't be too bright for them and they'll step up."

The Bulldogs struggled returning kickoffs and punts last season.

A&M was seventh in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in punt returns last season, averaging 7.7 yards, and was ninth in kickoff returns, averaging 15.1 yards per return.

Smith, Towns says, has been the most consistent.

"Montarius has caught the ball well since the spring," he said. "If we carry out our blocking assignments, he could really be an asset for us."

Lovell, Tillman to make trip

Defensive end Clarence Lovell, who sprained his left ankle in Saturday's scrimmage and was held out of practice Tuesday, was back on the field and will make the trip to Chicago, defensive line coach Ben Blacknall said.

Defensive tackle Tim Tillman, who practiced for the first time in a week on Tuesday after suffering a pulled hamstring, practiced for the second day in a row Wednesday and will also make the trip. Blacknall wouldn't say if Tillman or Lovell would start or play.

If Tillman doesn't start, freshman Jawanza Vickers will make his first career start.



If Lovell doesn't start, junior Melvin Payne, an Ohio University transfer, will start.

Ross expected to play despite ankle injury

Left guard Bryant Ross has been slowed by an ankle injury, but is expected to start against Hampton, offensive coordinator Cedric Pearl said Wednesday.

Ross has been able to practice, but hasn't been asked to go the whole way.

"We're being real cautious," said Pearl, who also coaches the offensive line. "He's getting in some drills, but we're not pushing him the whole day."

Senior Carlos Tolbert has been spelling Ross in practice. Tolbert, who can play center and both guard spots, is the Bulldogs' most versatile lineman.

Hampton report

Hampton, who was 6-5 overall and 5-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, was picked to finish fourth in the MEAC preseason poll behind South Carolina State, Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M.

The Pirates placed two players on the first-team All-MEAC preseason squad. Running back Antown Chisholm, the league's reigning Rookie of the Year, rushed for 607 yards on 131 carries and four touchdowns last season. Meanwhile, defensive back Micah Pellerin, had 41 tackles while leading the league with 16 passes defended. He had two interceptions and 14 pass breakups.