JC Smith’s next football act: Improve on best roster ever

MATT LACZKO | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Bobby Smith, a redshirt freshman running back who earned All-CIAA after rushing for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns, was the first Johnson C. Smith player to break the 1,000-yard barrier since Emanuel Wilson in 2019. Wilson was a freshman as well.

The best team in Johnson C. Smith football history made its mark in 2025.

What the 2026 squad will look like is a mystery.

The transfer portal gives players freedom of movement and with it roster uncertainty that leaves coaches recruiting their best players in addition to weighing position upgrades. With the Golden Bulls coming off their first CIAA title since 1969 and inaugural berth in the Division II playoffs, JCSU has momentum to do both. 

What will the roster look like by the time spring drills open in March? It’s uncertain today, but based on the group that end the season, conclusions can be drawn in terms of where the Golden Bulls have holes to fill – either by promoting underclassmen already on the squad or bringing in new talent.

Offense

Quarterback
This is bound to be a position of major offseason emphasis because of its importance in Maurice Flowers’ offense, which set a program record with 403 points.

Senior Kelvin Durham, who set school single season records for total offense (3,178) total touchdowns (36), passing yards (2.937) passing touchdowns (26) and completion percentage (64.94) in 2025, is out after a wildly successful campaign. Replacing that dual threat productivity won’t necessarily be easy, which begs the question: will Durham’s successor come from the transfer portal or is he already on the roster?

In four seasons at JCSU, Flowers’ Week 1 quarterback starters have all been transfers. That track record – and Flowers’ philosophy – suggests he’ll look for experience behind center unless someone currently on the roster – Andrew Attmore or Marion Littlejohn – takes a giant leap in the spring.

Running back
Bobby Smith literally came out of nowhere to emerge as an All-CIAA tailback. Smith, a redshirt freshman, rushed for 1,030 yards, becoming the first Golden Bulls back to crack the 1,000-yard barrier since Emanuel Wilson in 2019. 

It’s a good thing Smith was durable enough to survive 236 carries because injuries decimated JCSU’s depth. Kamarro Edmonds, Avante George and Antonio Crim all missed significant time, but the good news is they all have eligibility remaining.

Receiver
JCSU again had the CIAA’s best corps of pass catchers, but the pecking order flipped in 2025. Biggie Proctor earned All-CIAA after snagging 71 passes for 932 yards and 10 scores in a breakout senior campaign.

Brevin Caldwell, a two-time All-CIAA, missed all but one game due to injury, which opened the door for the Golden Bulls’ depth to flourish. The Golden Bulls are going to need reinforcements with Proctor moving on after exhausting his eligibility and Caldwell and Isaiah Perry, an all-conference kick returner who caught nine passes for 174 and two touchdowns, in the portal.

Brian Lane (46 receptions, 676 yards, 5 TDs), Reggie Daniel (18 catches, 345 yards, 6 TDs), Reggie Brigman (11 catches, 165 yards, 2 TDs) and Jordan Black, a punt returner who caught seven passes in spot duty, have an opportunity to move into expanded roles.

Offensive line
JCSU’s record-breaking offensive outburst wouldn’t have been possible without the front wall anchored by All-CIAA right guard Jamari Mason. The redshirt junior is the anchor should he return, and the Golden Bulls also have youngsters in Robert Early (left tackle), Brendan Arrington (left guard) and Daniel Caldwell (right tackle).

Graduate Marcus Andrews is moving on, but overall JCSU has a young group that excelled in clutch situations. 

Defense

The biggest addition might be retaining defensive coordinator Barry Tripp, who was a candidate for the Winston-Salem State head coach job. JCSU has been one of Division II’s top defenses the last three seasons and keeping him on Beatties Ford Road is key to maintaining continuity.

Defensive line
Going into the season, Flowers emphasized improving the pass rush, and JCSU responded with a school-best 31 sacks. Defensive tackle Cadricus Stanley (32 tackles) and end Quentin Williams (18 tackles) led the way with four sacks each. Jalen Alexander, who was part of Flowers’ first recruiting class, paced all Golden Bulls with eight tackles for loss among his career-high 35 tackles as a senior.

Stanley still has eligibility, but Williams is a senior and tackle Steny Joseph (30 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss) is in the portal.

Linebacker
This group might be in the best shape moving forward. Vincent Hill anchored the corps in at middle linebacker and earned All-CIAA as a junior while Kristian Eanes stepped in at weakside when Quavaris Crouch was hobbled by injuries. Hill and Eanes are both juniors.

Secondary
This group will take a hit. Starting cornerbacks Tyquerion Hines and Rontay Dunbar are graduating. Same for free safety Daryl Taybron, who was in Flowers’ first class of recruits. Strong safety Tynan Tucker is the only starter eligible to return for another season.

Special teams
It’s going to be an offseason of transition with All-CIAA kicker Lukasz Smolen (8-of-9 field goals, 47-of-49 extra points) opting for the portal after one season. The hole gets bigger since the sophomore also averaged 37.6 yards per punt.

Andrew Hirst, a sophomore who averaged 35 yards per punt on 15 kicks, is on the roster.

The return team will take a hit with Perry opting out after becoming the first Golden Bull to return two kicks for scores in a single season. He added a pair of receiving touchdowns, too.

This article corrects redshirt freshman receiver Brian Lane's football eligibility.

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