As I sit down to analyze what we can expect from Alabama A&M football this upcoming season, I can’t help but draw parallels to the kind of rapid turnarounds we see in other sports leagues—like the Philippine Volleyball League’s recent "PVL on Tour," which, as I read, is hitting multiple stops across Luzon and Visayas with barely a breather between events. That same sense of urgency and momentum is something I believe will define Alabama A&M’s approach this year. The Bulldogs are coming off a season that, frankly, left fans like me wanting more—a 6-5 record that hinted at potential but lacked consistency. But with key players returning and a coaching staff that’s been quietly refining their strategies, I’m optimistic we’ll see a team that’s more cohesive and explosive on the field.

Let’s start with the offense, which I think holds the most promise. Quarterback Xavier Lankford is back for his senior year, and from what I’ve observed in spring practices, his decision-making has sharpened significantly. Last season, he threw for around 1,800 yards with 14 touchdowns and 7 interceptions—decent numbers, but not quite where they need to be for a championship run. This year, I expect him to push those stats closer to 2,200 yards and 18 touchdowns, especially with the receiving corps looking more dynamic. Wideout Terrell Gardner, who snagged 40 receptions for 550 yards last fall, has been working on his route precision, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes Lankford’s go-to target in tight situations. On the ground, running back Donovan Eaglin is another player to watch; he rushed for 700 yards in 2022, and if the offensive line—which added two solid transfers—holds up, I’d bet he cracks 900 yards this season. Personally, I love how the coaches are mixing in more play-action sets, something I’ve always felt was underutilized in their playbook. It reminds me of how teams in leagues like the PVL adapt mid-season, squeezing every ounce of talent from their roster without overcomplicating things.

Defensively, though, there are a few question marks that keep me up at night. The Bulldogs gave up an average of 28 points per game last year, which just isn’t going to cut it in the SWAC. I spoke with a couple of insiders close to the program, and they mentioned that the defensive coordinator has been emphasizing speed drills and situational awareness—think third-down stops and red-zone stands. Linebacker Jordan Jefferson, who led the team with 75 tackles, is the heart of this unit, and I’m hoping he can inspire the younger guys to step up. The secondary, however, is where I see the biggest gap; they allowed 250 passing yards per game in 2022, and if they don’t tighten up, it could be a long season. I’d love to see them adopt a more aggressive press coverage, even if it means risking a few penalties early on. Sometimes, you’ve got to shake things up to find your rhythm, much like how the PVL on Tour teams pivot their strategies across different venues without losing sight of their core strengths.

Special teams often fly under the radar, but I’ve got a good feeling about this area. Kicker Spencer Corey was reliable last season, hitting 12 of 15 field goals, and with an offseason focused on leg strength, I’m predicting he’ll nail a couple from beyond 45 yards. Punt returns, led by speedster Isiah Cox, could be a game-changer in close matchups. Honestly, I think fans underestimate how much these "hidden yards" impact momentum—it’s like the PVL squads capitalizing on quick transitions between tournaments to build cohesion. Speaking of which, the Bulldogs’ schedule includes a tough opener against South Carolina State, followed by a stretch of conference games that will test their depth. If they can steal a win early, it could set the tone for a 7-4 or even 8-3 finish, which I’d consider a huge success.

Now, let’s talk intangibles—because in my years covering college football, I’ve learned that culture often trumps raw talent. Head coach Connell Mayes has been fostering a "next man up" mentality, and from the locker room vibes I’ve picked up, the players are buying in. They’ve been organizing player-led practices during the offseason, which shows initiative you don’t always see at this level. I remember chatting with a former player who said that kind of camaraderie reminded him of tight-knit teams in international leagues, where quick turnarounds force everyone to rely on each other. For Alabama A&M, that could mean weathering injuries or slumps without losing their identity. My gut says this group is hungrier than last year’s squad, and if they can avoid the slow starts that plagued them in 2022—like dropping two of their first three games—they’ll be in the mix for the SWAC East title.

Wrapping it up, I’m cautiously bullish on the Bulldogs this season. They’ve got the pieces to improve on both sides of the ball, and the leadership seems poised to leverage that short turnaround energy we see in sports worldwide. Will they win a championship? Probably not this year, but I’d put money on them being a tougher out than most expect. As a fan, I’m looking forward to seeing how they handle adversity—because, let’s be real, every season has its bumps. But if they channel that PVL-on-Tour mindset of adapting on the fly, Alabama A&M football could deliver some memorable moments that remind us why we love the game.