We’ve all seen a lot in 2020. However, no one forecasted Pro Football Hall of Famer and Social Influencer Extraordinaire, Deion “Primetime” Sanders, becoming the Head Coach of Division 1 Jackson State University.
We’re not even sure if Deion saw it coming…
Claiming “God Brought me to Jackson State.”
The significance of one of the most polarizing figures in all of sports entertainment, being willing to coach and educate at a Historical Black College or University (H.B.C.U) is absolutely huge!
But will it work?
Only time will tell. Keep in mind. Working can mean a lot more than just “Wins” and “Losses” for a football program and conference, that has been relatively obscure when it comes to the College Football National landscape.
Sometimes thinking outside-the-box is the only way to see significant change. The “Coach Prime Era” has officially begun in Jackson, Mississippi.
Here are our Top 4 Reasons the move may just pay off for Jackson State University and H.B.C.U football programs across the Country!
- Recruiting
Everyone knows Recruiting is the life-blood of a College Football program. There is always a direct correlation to who is at the top of the National Recruiting Rankings and the top of the College Football Playoff polls at the end of each season. It’s not rocket science. With the hiring of Deion Sanders, more big name recruits in the South may be willing to listen to a pitch from Jackson State. Remember. It’s about the Tyrone’s and Joe’s, not the X’s and O’s!
- Media Exposure
If you couldn’t tell from the National media coverage of Deion Sanders hire. Sanders brings the cache and showmanship, that only a handful of coaches at the college or pro level possess. Hence the nickname “Coach Prime!”
There were 39 New FBS (D1-A) and FCS (D1-AA) Coaches announced for the 2020-2021 college football season.
None of them garnered the media exposure that Deion Sanders did signing on to become the 21st Head Coach of Jackson State University. The media exposure Coach Prime will bring to Jackson State, the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) and H.B.C.U football, is built in National media exposure that none of the 3 entities would be able to cut-the-check for themselves.
- Validation
If it’s good enough for “Coach Prime,” it’s good enough for me!
There’s a calming effect that leaders have that let’s everyone know it’s okay to jump in the water. With Deion’s decision, more top-tier athletes and coaches are starting to think, “Why Not HBCU Football?”
Now it will be a very long time before programs at Historical Black Colleges and Universities will be able to offer a student-athlete the resources and “Bling” of a University of Alabama or a University of Michigan.
However, you have to start somewhere. Someone at Jackson State decided to get very creative to validate the experience. And bringing in a football industry influencer, like Deion Sanders, might just do the trick.
What would Deion Sanders coaching against Jerry Rice or Randy Moss, do for the perception of HBCU football?
We may soon find out!
- Revenue
No different than people wanting to go to Motown or Nashville, to touch the greats of the music industry. Coach Prime will definitely bring a traveling entourage to Jackson, Mississippi. Local business owners near Jackson State University are already reporting a buzz in the area and an uptick in sales after the announcement of Deion Sanders as their New Head Coach.
Once again. Wins can come in more forms than just a box score. It will be interesting to see if “Coach Prime,” can put the “Showtime,” in H.B.C.U football and inspire a New generation of amazing coaches and players to choose the SWAC or MEAC over more traditional football universities.
Let the experiment begin!
*Side Note:
There are Historical Black Colleges and Universities that play at the D1, D-II an D-III levels of the NCAA. They do provide football scholarship money and grants for their athletes, and fully accept athletes of all colors, creeds, ethnicities, and religious practices.
Do yourself a favor and look up a few H.B.C.U schools online today. You will be surprised at the opportunities available for you!
Before You Go Pro is more than just a blog. We are also a Student-Athlete Development and Recruiting Company, and we work with Football Programs and Families across the Country. There’s no need to do Recruiting alone. Click picture below to see the services we offer!
