Alteration season is at hand for Golden Bulls football

MATT LACZKO | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Johnson C. Smith, which advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in school history in 2025 along with the school’s first CIAA title since 1969, must replace their starting quarterback and top receiver. Defensively, the Golden Bulls must replace nine opening-day starters from 2025.

Spring football is the first step in Johnson C. Smith’s drive to improve on its best season ever.

The Golden Bulls, who start drills on March 31, went a school-best 10-2 last year and won the CIAA title – their first since 1969 – but are under roster construction. The most notable spots are across the defense, receiver and quarterback, where graduation and transfers took a toll. The portal delivered short-term alternatives, but coach Maurice Flowers has a roster that retained most of its experienced underclassmen.

Practice concludes on April 25 with an intrasquad scrimmage, but in the interim, here are areas worth taking note before coaches begin their assessments.

Mr. Football behind center

Josh Jackson, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound former Tennessee Mr. Football who spent two years at FCS program Central Connecticut State, has impressive measurables. What he doesn’t have is extensive game experience. Flowers has succeeded with inexperienced quarterbacks in the past, so Jackson will have every chance to put his skills to use.

Stacked at running back

All-CIAA pick Bobby Smith burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman, rushing for 1,030 yards last year, becoming the first Golden Bulls back to crack the 1,000-yard barrier since Emanuel Wilson in 2019. He won’t be alone when it comes to carries, either. 

Fabian Duncan, a North Mecklenburg High graduate, transferred from Allen, where he earned SIAC player of the year as a sophomore. Duncan, who has two years of eligibility remaining, led the SIAC with 1,301 rushing yards in 2025 (ninth in Division II) and 15 rushing touchdowns (tied for 14th). Kamarro Edmonds, who missed most of 2025 with a lower leg injury, returns to the fold along with Avante George and Antonio Crim.

Grab opportunity at receiver

All-CIAA talents Biggie Proctor (71 catches for 932 yards and 10 scores in 2025) and Brevin Caldwell are gone, but the cupboard isn’t bare. 

Smith added former UNC Pembroke receiver JaQuan Albright (6-0, 180) caught 64 passes for 895 yards and five touchdowns in 2025 as a redshirt junior. He also rushed for 132 yards on 22 carries. 

Among the returnees, Brian Lane (46 receptions, 676 yards, 5 TDs), Reggie Daniel (18 catches, 345 yards, 6 TDs) and Reggie Brigman (11 catches, 165 yards, 2 TDs) are taking on expanded roles. 

Offensive line returns

The group that started JCSU’s playoff game against Frostburg State returns, anchored by All-CIAA right guard Jamari Mason. 

The Golden Bulls are young and experienced with stalwarts Robert Early (left tackle), Brendan Arrington (left guard) and Daniel Caldwell (right tackle).

Defensive line remake

Defensive tackle Cadricus Stanley (32 tackles) is the most experienced returning player, but an overhaul is coming. JCSU went to the transfer portal for edge Jason Romero (6-5, 250), who played at East Carolina.

Another signing is 2022 All-CIAA defensive tackle Anthony Binyard (6-2, 290), who played on the Broncos’ 2022 conference title team as a redshirt freshman. 
As a sophomore in 2023, he racked up 29 tacks (15 solo) and five sacks – including a pair against Smith. 

Linebacker stability

Vincent Hill earned All-CIAA as a junior and classmate Kristian Eanes is a capable running mate. The starters are likely set, but there’s depth to establish.

Secondary

This group will take a hit. Strong safety Tynan Tucker is the only starter eligible to return for another season. Whoever steps in has big cleats to fill. Marque Vereen, a cornerback who played at West Florida last year, will have an opportunity to play immediately with a strong spring.

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