The Jackson State Tigers has a large alumni presence in the area. And it seems they are getting their share of recruits from this area.
Former East St. Louis Flyers standout Daniel Williams is getting his fair share of time playing as a true freshman for the Tigers. He had a five-catch day against Tennessee State in Memphis on Sept. 14 during a nationally televised game on ESPNU. In addition, he has returned punts for the Tigers, who are 4-2 (4-0 in the SWAC East).
Which brings us to another Jackson State football player in LyMontiez Ivy. The former Flyer signal caller would have been the starter at quarterback in 2013 had it not been for an ankle injury that left him with a red-shirt year. The Tigers have a date this weekend with the Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State 1-4 (1-2 in SWAC) and quarterback Patrick Ivy, whose passing stats are 38 for 79 for 455 yards and four TDs. Patrick Ivy was a three-sport star a couple of years ago at Cahokia High School, and he is the brother of Jackson State QB LyMontiez Ivy.
After sitting out a few years, the 6’5” 220-pound Ivy is turning heads not only in the SWAC, but with NFL personnel as well. Both brothers are looking forward to playing against one another next year when they meet again.
Meanwhile, Jackson State held on to defeat rival University of Arkansas at Pine- Bluff in a 42-33 thriller last weekend. The two teams will square off in the 2014 St. Louis Gateway Classic football game here in St. Louis.
Not only will Jackson State bring Ivy and Williams here in next year’s game, they also have a verbal commitment from former East St. Louis Flyer wideout Keonte Minor. Minor, who played at the University of Arkansas last season, transferred after new head coach Bill Biellema wanted to move him to running back. The former All-State receiver then transferred to the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. He will report to Jackson State next spring, I’m told.
Joining Minor there also is former Lutheran North standout Fernando Whigham. He is being recruited by Memphis and Louisville, among other programs. It is also a possibility that three former Flyers will be starting for Jackson State next year at both wide receiver slots, and almost for sure the quarterback for next year’s Gateway Classic.
