Jackson State adjusts to life without Deion Sanders ahead of Bethune-Cookman matchup

Jackson State football is riding a three-game winning streak and boasted its largest homecoming crowd in school history last week, but the shadow of coach Deion Sanders' unexpected absence looms over the program. 

On Wednesday, the second-season coach announced he will not coach in the Tigers’ matchup against Bethune-Cookman on Saturday following his most recent foot surgery. Jackson State running backs coach Gary Harrell will serve as coach after Sanders was advised by his team of doctors not to coach Saturday. 

“When he got the orders, as far as getting rest, we knew that it was something that was needed very much,” Harrell said. “I was very honored for me to be the guy he chose. But, I know it’s not a one-man show. T.C. Taylor does a great job on offense. Dennis Thurman (does) a great job on defense. We have a great staff and collectively we’re gonna get the job done.” 

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Sanders, who initially had surgery on the foot in September, won’t be far away from the program as the Tigers (5-1, 3-0 SWAC) face the Wildcats (0-7, 0-4) at 1 p.m., Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. 

“He’s Coach Prime,” Harrell said. “He can’t stay away. 

“(Sanders) told me he’ll probably be there this Saturday if he can get out the hospital gurney with his butt out. He probably will show up. But we look forward to Coach Prime being back next week.”

Harrell spent one season as running backs coach at Alabama State and two seasons under Lane Kiffin as a wide receivers coach at Florida Atlantic before joining Sanders’ staff last November. The former Howard wide receiver (1990-93) served as the Bison’s coach from 2011-12 and 2014-16. 

The team had a challenging practice Wednesday without Sanders. Harrell said the practice was “total chaos” as the team coped with the news. 

“We were heartbroken honestly,” senior linebacker Keonte Hampton said. “When Coach Prime is around it’s just different. Everyone’s got their energy but yesterday’s practice — it was horrible because he wasn’t there.” 

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Junior running back Santee Marshall believes the team responded well Thursday. 

“Coach Prime’s presence is always felt wherever he’s on the field,” Marshall said. “He’s always pushing you to do more to keep giving more and go full speed. Having Coach Prime away, you can feel the effect, but today was a great practice.” 

Harrell takes over for the Tigers against Bethune-Cookman after the Wildcats lost their last three games. Hampton isn’t taking the winless SWAC opponent lightly. 

“Bethune-Cookman is a good team actually,” Hampton said. “Their record might not show it but they come close every game. They just don’t finish, but Bethune has some weapons.”