As the 2024 HBCU football season approaches, the Johnson C Smith Golden Bulls are creating buzz with their preseason ranking. Predicted to finish fourth in the CIAA, the Golden Bulls are ready to showcase their strength under third-year Head Coach Maurice Flowers.
Building a Championship Football Program at Johnson C. Smith
Maurice Flowers is guiding Johnson C. Smith through a transformative phase in HBCU football.
“We’re on schedule,” Flowers stated. “Our big thing is just to make sure we’re having improvement day by day, week by week, month by month. We’ve taken steps in our process each year, and we’re looking to continue building our championship culture and program.”
The Golden Bulls concluded the 2023 season with a 7-4 record, their best start since at least 2012. This notable achievement has led to a high preseason ranking, reflecting the team’s progress. Flowers acknowledged the significance of this ranking but emphasized the need for ongoing effort.
“It feels good, but we also know we’ve earned it,” he said. “Our goal is to build a championship program, not just a team that’s good one year.”
Defensive Excellence
One of Johnson C. Smith’s strengths is its defense, which finished first in total defense last season among HBCU teams. Junior linebacker Benari Black, a preseason All-CIAA selection, is pivotal to this robust defensive lineup. Black’s leadership will be essential as the Golden Bulls aim to maintain their defensive prowess.
Home Field Advantage for Rivals
This season, Johnson C. Smith will host five conference games at home, offering them a significant advantage. The opportunity to leverage the home field could be crucial as they strive to exceed their preseason expectations.
Looking Ahead for HBCU Football
With their preseason CIAA ranking at fourth, the Golden Bulls have a chance to build on last year’s success and aim for even greater achievements.
“The next step for us is to have back-to-back winning seasons and be a challenger in the conference,” Flowers emphasized. “We want to stay on that track and aim for playoff bids.”
Conclusion
As the 2024 HBCU football season begins, the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls are set to prove that their preseason ranking is well-deserved. With Coach Maurice Flowers’ strategic vision, a strong defense led by Benari Black, and a favorable home schedule, the Golden Bulls are poised to make a significant impact.
Click here for more on Flowers and his way of building Johnson C. Smith.
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