Behind the Beak

Alexus Jimmerson is entering her fifth season with the Gamecock softball program after seeing her true senior season cut short after just 21 games due to COVID-19. The power-hitting pitcher, who is known for a heroic postseason homerun as a freshman and dominate pitching performance against Auburn at the 2018 NCAA Tallahassee Regional, talks about her second chance to go out as a JSU legend and secure a fourth OVC Championship for her team as a senior.

Alexus Jimmerson is entering her fifth season with the Gamecock softball program after seeing her true senior season cut short after just 21 games due to COVID-19. The power-hitting pitcher, who is known for a heroic postseason homerun as a freshman and dominate pitching performance against Auburn at the 2018 NCAA Tallahassee Regional, talks about her second chance to go out as a JSU legend and secure a fourth OVC Championship for her team as a senior.

Alex Webb transferred to Jacksonville State in 2018 following a one-year stint at Chipola College and two seasons at Alabama. The catcher arrived just in time to help the Gamecocks win the 2019 OVC baseball title and knock off both Illinois and Clemson in the Oxford Regional of the NCAA Tournament. After his senior season was cut short by COVID-19, Webb is back for a sixth collegiate season, hoping to recreate the magic of 2019 and take the Gamecocks even further in 2021.

Alex Webb transferred to Jacksonville State in 2018 following a one-year stint at Chipola College and two seasons at Alabama. The catcher arrived just in time to help the Gamecocks win the 2019 OVC baseball title and knock off both Illinois and Clemson in the Oxford Regional of the NCAA Tournament. After his senior season was cut short by COVID-19, Webb is back for a sixth collegiate season, hoping to recreate the magic of 2019 and take the Gamecocks even further in 2021.

Tysor Anderson was recently named the newest assistant coach on Ray Harper's men's basketball staff. Prior to the promotion, Anderson served as the team's coordinator of basketball operations. The grandson of hall of fame coach Lefty Driesell, Anderson is excited to be following in the footsteps of his coaching hero. Before becoming a high school coach early in his career, Anderson was a walk-on at Georgia Tech and served in the Peace Corps following graduation. The New Jersey native spent two years in Cambodia where he built a basketball court by hand before returning to the United States to coach prep basketball in Atlanta.

Tysor Anderson was recently named the newest assistant coach on Ray Harper's men's basketball staff. Prior to the promotion, Anderson served as the team's coordinator of basketball operations. The grandson of hall of fame coach Lefty Driesell, Anderson is excited to be following in the footsteps of his coaching hero. Before becoming a high school coach early in his career, Anderson was a walk-on at Georgia Tech and served in the Peace Corps following graduation. The New Jersey native spent two years in Cambodia where he built a basketball court by hand before returning to the United States to coach prep basketball in Atlanta.

Matthew Boone was named the interim track and cross country coach on April 28 in place of long-time coach Steve Ray following his retirement, and was later confirmed as the new head coach of the Gamecocks. The first move of his new tenure was hiring Roger Cooke on September 4 as his assistant coach. Cooke previously served as an assistant coach at Lynn University and Hartford, and is a former Cross Country Runner of the Year at LSU where he walked on as a freshman. Now, the former Tiger is at Jacksonville State and is ready to take the Gamecock programs to new heights.

Matthew Boone was named the interim track and cross country coach on April 28 in place of long-time coach Steve Ray following his retirement, and was later confirmed as the new head coach of the Gamecocks. The first move of his new tenure was hiring Roger Cooke on September 4 as his assistant coach. Cooke previously served as an assistant coach at Lynn University and Hartford, and is a former Cross Country Runner of the Year at LSU where he walked on as a freshman. Now, the former Tiger is at Jacksonville State and is ready to take the Gamecock programs to new heights.

Head men’s basketball coach Ray Harper his entering his fifth year with the Gamecocks, and head women’s basketball coach Rick Pietri is back for his eighth season at the helm in Jacksonville. Both teams began full practices last week and are preparing to open the year on November 25 after COVID-19 pushed the start of the season back a few weeks. Both coaches discuss the challenges the coronavirus pandemic has caused to scheduling, preparation and preseason workouts. Despite the changes to the normal routine, both are happy to a hard start date and are glad to see both teams on the court practicing for the upcoming campaign.

Head men's basketball coach Ray Harper his entering his fifth year with the Gamecocks, and head women's basketball coach Rick Pietri is back for his eighth season at the helm in Jacksonville. Both teams began full practices last week and are preparing to open the year on November 25 after COVID-19 pushed the start of the season back a few weeks. Both coaches discuss the challenges the coronavirus pandemic has caused to scheduling, preparation and preseason workouts. Despite the changes to the normal routine, both are happy to a hard start date and are glad to see both teams on the court practicing for the upcoming campaign.

Michael Shaddix has one of the biggest personalities on the football team, from rocking a mullet to getting retweeted and reposted for his ridiculous photo shoots. Less than a year removed from an ACL tear that ended his 2019 season, the Fort Payne native is leading a group of War Pigs on the offensive line that has shown immense improvement from last year. In this week's episode, Shaddix talks about the team's performance thus far, his return to the field and his journey to Jacksonville State.

Michael Shaddix has one of the biggest personalities on the football team, from rocking a mullet to getting retweeted and reposted for his ridiculous photo shoots. Less than a year removed from an ACL tear that ended his 2019 season, the Fort Payne native is leading a group of War Pigs on the offensive line that has shown immense improvement from last year. In this week's episode, Shaddix talks about the team's performance thus far, his return to the field and his journey to Jacksonville State.

Trae Barry was set to have a breakout year as a junior, but five games in, he suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for the rest of 2019 and the spring. The tight end rehabbed over the offseason and is back to nearly 100 percent as the Gamecocks begin their 2020 slate. As a preseason All-American and All-OVC selection, Barry hopes this is the year he turns the heads of NFL scouts and receives a chance to compete in the Reese's Senior Bowl.

Trae Barry was set to have a breakout year as a junior, but five games in, he suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for the rest of 2019 and the spring. The tight end rehabbed over the offseason and is back to nearly 100 percent as the Gamecocks begin their 2020 slate. As a preseason All-American and All-OVC selection, Barry hopes this is the year he turns the heads of NFL scouts and receives a chance to compete in the Reese's Senior Bowl.

Zerrick Cooper is beginning his third season at Jacksonville State following his transfer from Clemson, so the Gamecock quarterback is definitely familiar with Saturday's ACC opponent. Going into the four-game fall, Cooper is just one touchdown pass away from tying JSU Hall of Famer Ed Lett for most scores through the air in program history with 61. In this week's episode, Coop talks about playing the Seminoles, his friendship with NFL's Cam Newton and Deshaun Watson, and how his team has prepared for 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zerrick Cooper is beginning his third season at Jacksonville State following his transfer from Clemson, so the Gamecock quarterback is definitely familiar with Saturday's ACC opponent. Going into the four-game fall, Cooper is just one touchdown pass away from tying JSU Hall of Famer Ed Lett for most scores through the air in program history with 61. In this week's episode, Coop talks about playing the Seminoles, his friendship with NFL's Cam Newton and Deshaun Watson, and how his team has prepared for 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jeremiah Harris is a redshirt junior on the Gamecocks football team who began his college career as a walk-on. Now, the Shorterville, Ala., native is in a position to be a starting safety for the upcoming season. Harris looks back on his journey from Abbeville High School to Jacksonville State and those who helped him achieve his goal of playing college football, and talks about the upcoming season.

Jeremiah Harris is a redshirt junior on the Gamecocks football team who began his college career as a walk-on. Now, the Shorterville, Ala., native is in a position to be a starting safety for the upcoming season. Harris looks back on his journey from Abbeville High School to Jacksonville State and those who helped him achieve his goal of playing college football, and talks about the upcoming season.

Julie Boland came to Jacksonville State in the late 90's as a recruit to Jana McGinnis' softball program. While on the diamond, Boland became one of the Gamecocks' most prolific hitters, ranking among the all-time best in hits, runs scored, home runs and runs batted in. Following her playing career, the former shortstop became a student assistant, worked her way up to a graduate assistant and was later named a full-time assistant coach. Julie, who is entering her 20th season as an assistant at Jax State, works with the Gamecocks' middle infielders and hitters, and is the program's recruiting coordinator.

Julie Boland came to Jacksonville State in the late 90’s as a recruit to Jana McGinnis’ softball program. While on the diamond, Boland became one of the Gamecocks’ most prolific hitters, ranking among the all-time best in hits, runs scored, home runs and runs batted in. Following her playing career, the former shortstop became a student assistant, worked her way up to a graduate assistant and was later named a full-time assistant coach. Julie, who is entering her 20th season as an assistant at Jax State, works with the Gamecocks’ middle infielders and hitters, and is the program’s recruiting coordinator.

Greg Seitz is entering his fifth full season as Jacksonville State's athletics director since being named to the position full-time in February 2016. The coronavirus pandemic has already radically affected the fall 2020 competition schedule, and a lot of tough decisions have fallen on the AD. From last minute football scheduling to adhering to COVID-19 protocol, Seitz has guided the Jax State sports programs through nearly six months of uncertainty. Seitz joins Tyler Brown to update fans on the state of JSU Athletics and to provide information on the upcoming season. 

Greg Seitz is entering his fifth full season as Jacksonville State's athletics director since being named to the position full-time in February 2016. The coronavirus pandemic has already radically affected the fall 2020 competition schedule, and a lot of tough decisions have fallen on the AD. From last minute football scheduling to adhering to COVID-19 protocol, Seitz has guided the Jax State sports programs through nearly six months of uncertainty. Seitz joins Tyler Brown to update fans on the state of JSU Athletics and to provide information on the upcoming season. 

Ashley Cockrell – Ashley Martin when she wore the No. 89 football jersey for Jacksonville State – made history on August 30, 2001 when she booted a first-quarter extra point against Cumberland University. The kick made her the first female ever to score in an NCAA football game and the first to play in a Division I contest. A two-sport athlete who initially came to Jacksonville to play soccer, she became a media sensation following her 3-for-3 night at Burgess-Snow Field. From Regis & Kelly and Good Morning America to being featured in USA Today, ESPN The Magazine, People Magazine and numerous other publications, Ashley was everywhere. This year marks 19 seasons since Cockrell etched her name into the college football annals.

Ashley Cockrell – Ashley Martin when she wore the No. 89 football jersey for Jacksonville State – made history on August 30, 2001 when she booted a first-quarter extra point against Cumberland University. The kick made her the first female ever to score in an NCAA football game and the first to play in a Division I contest. A two-sport athlete who initially came to Jacksonville to play soccer, she became a media sensation following her 3-for-3 night at Burgess-Snow Field. From Regis & Kelly and Good Morning America to being featured in USA Today, ESPN The Magazine, People Magazine and numerous other publications, Ashley was everywhere. This year marks 19 seasons since Cockrell etched her name into the college football annals.

Earl Warren currently serves as Jacksonville State's Director of Development, but he made his name as a student-athlete on the men's basketball team in the mid 80's. The Oneonta, Ala., native played four seasons, tallying 1,156 points, 461 assists and 226 steals to become the 12th Gamecock to score 1,000 points in a career. His time on the court was highlighted by the 1985 NCAA Division II National Championship, in which a pair of free throws from the senior secured the title. He was inducted into the JSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.

Earl Warren currently serves as Jacksonville State's Director of Development, but he made his name as a student-athlete on the men's basketball team in the mid 80's. The Oneonta, Ala., native played four seasons, tallying 1,156 points, 461 assists and 226 steals to become the 12th Gamecock to score 1,000 points in a career. His time on the court was highlighted by the 1985 NCAA Division II National Championship, in which a pair of free throws from the senior secured the title. He was inducted into the JSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.

Between regular season and tournament crowns, Taylor West contributed to six Ohio Valley Conference titles as a member of the JSU softball team. A nursing major while at Jax State, West was the recipient of the 2017 Eagle Owl Award for her performance on the field, in the classroom and in her community over her four-year career. Since graduating in 2018, Taylor has worked as a nurse in the Chattanooga area, but recently took an offer to move to New York and work with COVID-19 patients. Back in the Tennessee valley, West shares about her recent opportunity and the turn her profession has taken since March.

Between regular season and tournament crowns, Taylor West contributed to six Ohio Valley Conference titles as a member of the JSU softball team. A nursing major while at Jax State, West was the recipient of the 2017 Eagle Owl Award for her performance on the field, in the classroom and in her community over her four-year career. Since graduating in 2018, Taylor has worked as a nurse in the Chattanooga area, but recently took an offer to move to New York and work with COVID-19 patients. Back in the Tennessee valley, West shares about her recent opportunity and the turn her profession has taken since March.

Ray Hammett spent 26 seasons as a color analyst for Jacksonville State football. With 19 seasons under his belt as Mike Parris' right-hand man on the Gamecock Radio Network, with an additional seven season on television, Hammett announced his retirement from the air in July. A former Gamecock himself, Ray graduated from JSU in 1977 and spent four seasons on the gridiron.

Ray Hammett spent 26 seasons as a color analyst for Jacksonville State football. With 19 seasons under his belt as Mike Parris’ right-hand man on the Gamecock Radio Network, with an additional seven season on television, Hammett announced his retirement from the air in July. A former Gamecock himself, Ray graduated from JSU in 1977 and spent four seasons on the gridiron.

Riley Green spent 2007 through 2009 wearing a JSU football uniform, but the former Gamecock is now an up-and-coming country star who had his first No. 1 with the single "There Was This Girl" last summer. With tours canceled due to COVID-19 beginning in March, the former JSU quarterback has spent his time at home in Jacksonville working on new material. In this week's episode, Riley shares how growing up in Jacksonville helped make him a successful song writer, why Jacksonville State is a special place to him and what's next for his young career when things return to normal.

Riley Green spent 2007 through 2009 wearing a JSU football uniform, but the former Gamecock is now an up-and-coming country star who had his first No. 1 with the single "There Was This Girl" last summer. With tours canceled due to COVID-19 beginning in March, the former JSU quarterback has spent his time at home in Jacksonville working on new material. In this week's episode, Riley shares how growing up in Jacksonville helped make him a successful song writer, why Jacksonville State is a special place to him and what's next for his young career when things return to normal.

Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. was named the 13th president of Jacksonville State University on June 23, 2020. A two-time graduate of JSU, President Killingsworth received his bachelor's degree in geography in 1999 and a master's degree in counseling in 2001. He earned his doctorate in higher administration from the University of Alabama in 2016. Taking the helm at a trying time, President Killingsworth is currently guiding the University through the COVID-19 pandemic and is working to put students first as he looks to move JSU forward.

Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. was named the 13th president of Jacksonville State University on June 23, 2020. A two-time graduate of JSU, President Killingsworth received his bachelor's degree in geography in 1999 and a master's degree in counseling in 2001. He earned his doctorate in higher administration from the University of Alabama in 2016. Taking the helm at a trying time, President Killingsworth is currently guiding the University through the COVID-19 pandemic and is working to put students first as he looks to move JSU forward.

Donovan Hand lettered three years for the Gamecocks, leading head coach Jim Case's pitching staff in wins all three seasons he wore a Jacksonville State uniform. After earning the top spot in the JSU Division I record book for career wins and innings pitched, the right-hander was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 14th round of the 2007 MLB Draft. Hand went on to play 11 seasons at the professional level, breaking into the bigs in 2013 with the Brewers. He also pitched for the Cincinnati Reds in 2015 before retiring from the New York Mets farm system in 2017.  

Donovan Hand lettered three years for the Gamecocks, leading head coach Jim Case’s pitching staff in wins all three seasons he wore a Jacksonville State uniform. After earning the top spot in the JSU Division I record book for career wins and innings pitched, the right-hander was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 14th round of the 2007 MLB Draft. Hand went on to play 11 seasons at the professional level, breaking into the bigs in 2013 with the Brewers. He also pitched for the Cincinnati Reds in 2015 before retiring from the New York Mets farm system in 2017.  

Malcolm Drumwright lettered for Jacksonville State from 2014 to 2018 and is a member of the program's 1,000-Point Club. He is JSU's second-leading Division I scorer with 1,429 points and finished his career as the program's DI leader in field goal attempts, games played, games started and minutes played. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2017 Ohio Valley Conference Basketball Championships where he led the Gamecocks to their first Division I title and appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Tyler Brown and Drumwright revisit JSU's OVC Tournament semifinal win over No. 1 seed Belmont in what is possibly the biggest game in Jacksonville State's Division I history.

Malcolm Drumwright lettered for Jacksonville State from 2014 to 2018 and is a member of the program's 1,000-Point Club. He is JSU's second-leading Division I scorer with 1,429 points and finished his career as the program's DI leader in field goal attempts, games played, games started and minutes played. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2017 Ohio Valley Conference Basketball Championships where he led the Gamecocks to their first Division I title and appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Tyler Brown and Drumwright revisit JSU's OVC Tournament semifinal win over No. 1 seed Belmont in what is possibly the biggest game in Jacksonville State's Division I history.

Maxwell Thurmond became a Gamecock in 1996 when we arrived on campus as a cornerback on the football team. After the 2000 season, he became a coach and spent an additional 12 season on the JSU sidelines. His career has seen him make stops at Reinhardt, West Alabama, Austin Peay, Central Arkansas and Charlotte, but the Jax State alum has returned home to coach John Grass' outside linebackers and special teams unit.  

Maxwell Thurmond became a Gamecock in 1996 when we arrived on campus as a cornerback on the football team. After the 2000 season, he became a coach and spent an additional 12 season on the JSU sidelines. His career has seen him make stops at Reinhardt, West Alabama, Austin Peay, Central Arkansas and Charlotte, but the Jax State alum has returned home to coach John Grass’ outside linebackers and special teams unit.  

Former Gamecock pitcher and MLB All-Star Todd Jones sits down with Tyler Brown to discuss his career at Jacksonville State, his time as a major leaguer and what he is doing with his time since retiring after the 2008 season. Jones pitched at JSU from 1987-89 before being taken by the Houston Astros as the 27th overall pick in the 1989 Major League Baseball Draft. In 16 years in the MLB, the right-hander saved 319 games, ranking 21st all-time in the category, and was named the American League's Rolaids Relief Man of the Year in 2000 after leading the league with 42 saves.

Former Gamecock pitcher and MLB All-Star Todd Jones sits down with Tyler Brown to discuss his career at Jacksonville State, his time as a major leaguer and what he is doing with his time since retiring after the 2008 season. Jones pitched at JSU from 1987-89 before being taken by the Houston Astros as the 27th overall pick in the 1989 Major League Baseball Draft. In 16 years in the MLB, the right-hander saved 319 games, ranking 21st all-time in the category, and was named the American League's Rolaids Relief Man of the Year in 2000 after leading the league with 42 saves.

In this week's episode, Tyler Brown sits down with Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner Beth DeBauche and Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications Kyle Schwartz to see how the league has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. DeBauche discusses how the OVC is preparing for the upcoming season, what cost-saving measures could be seen and how her day-to-day has changed since March. Schwartz digs into how this season's media days are changing, how the usual "OVC Football Game of the Week" will broadcast and what fans may see different from a media standpoint.

In this week's episode, Tyler Brown sits down with Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner Beth DeBauche and Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications Kyle Schwartz to see how the league has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. DeBauche discusses how the OVC is preparing for the upcoming season, what cost-saving measures could be seen and how her day-to-day has changed since March. Schwartz digs into how this season's media days are changing, how the usual "OVC Football Game of the Week" will broadcast and what fans may see different from a media standpoint.

Eli Jenkins is one of the most decorated quarterback in Jacksonville State history. All-American, 2015 FCS Quarterback of the Year, 2015-16 OVC Male Athlete of the Year and Player of the Year, National Player of the Week… if there's an award, Jenkins won it in his five seasons as a Gamecock from 2012 to 2016. In this week's episode, Behind the Beak catches up with the football legend and takes a look back at one of his most memorable games – the 2015 win over Chattanooga in the second round of the FCS Playoffs. 

Eli Jenkins is one of the most decorated quarterback in Jacksonville State history. All-American, 2015 FCS Quarterback of the Year, 2015-16 OVC Male Athlete of the Year and Player of the Year, National Player of the Week… if there’s an award, Jenkins won it in his five seasons as a Gamecock from 2012 to 2016. In this week’s episode, Behind the Beak catches up with the football legend and takes a look back at one of his most memorable games – the 2015 win over Chattanooga in the second round of the FCS Playoffs. 

Misty Cassell Ray has served as Jacksonville State's Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance since 2008 and worked in the compliance department since 2004. A two-time JSU graduate, Ray began working in athletics as a student upon her arrival to campus in 2000. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the compliance office is busy sorting out COVID-19 waivers, new recruiting rules and NCAA-implemented dead periods. Misty joins the show to help explain what changes are coming to the world of college athletics and what fans can expect to see happen over the next few months.

Misty Cassell Ray has served as Jacksonville State's Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance since 2008 and worked in the compliance department since 2004. A two-time JSU graduate, Ray began working in athletics as a student upon her arrival to campus in 2000. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the compliance office is busy sorting out COVID-19 waivers, new recruiting rules and NCAA-implemented dead periods. Misty joins the show to help explain what changes are coming to the world of college athletics and what fans can expect to see happen over the next few months.

Head golf coach James Hobbs has been a Gamecock since 1977, coming on as an assistant men's basketball coach to begin his Jacksonville State career. He took over the golf teams in 1983, and between coaching the three programs, he is one of the most decorated coaches in Jax State history. A member of the JSU Athletics Hall of Fame, he helped lead the Gamecocks to the Division II Men's Basketball National Championship title in 1985. On the golf side, Hobbs has made 15 NCAA regional appearances, claimed 13 conference titles and been voted conference coach of the year nine times. He takes listeners through his career, discusses the rise of Jacksonville State golf and reflects on the 1985 basketball national championship run.

Head golf coach James Hobbs has been a Gamecock since 1977, coming on as an assistant men's basketball coach to begin his Jacksonville State career. He took over the golf teams in 1983, and between coaching the three programs, he is one of the most decorated coaches in Jax State history. A member of the JSU Athletics Hall of Fame, he helped lead the Gamecocks to the Division II Men's Basketball National Championship title in 1985. On the golf side, Hobbs has made 15 NCAA regional appearances, claimed 13 conference titles and been voted conference coach of the year nine times. He takes listeners through his career, discusses the rise of Jacksonville State golf and reflects on the 1985 basketball national championship run.

The 2016 softball season was voted the greatest moment in Jacksonville State's 25-year Division I history. That year's squad went 26-0 in Ohio Valley Conference play, claimed the title in the OVC Championships and won two games in the Auburn Regional. Head coach Jana McGinnis was named the league's Coach of the Year and then-senior Ella Denes was named OVC Player of the Year. Both join Tyler Brown for episode 23 to recap the memorable season.