2023 Virginia Union Panthers football team

From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia

2023 Virginia Union Panthers football
CIAA champion
ConferenceCentral Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Ranking
AFCANo. 20
Record10–2 (7–1 CIAA)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorLuke Bengtson (1st season)
Defensive coordinatorEdward Pointer (5th season)
Home stadiumHovey Field
Seasons
← 2022
2024 →
2023 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
Northern Division
No. 20 Virginia Union xy$^   7 – 1     10 – 2  
Virginia State   6 – 2     8 – 2  
Bowie State   5 – 3     6 – 4  
Lincoln (PA)   3 – 5     4 – 6  
Elizabeth City State   2 – 6     3 – 7  
Bluefield State   0 – 8     1 – 9  
Southern Division
Fayetteville State xy   8 – 0     8 – 3  
Johnson C. Smith #   6 – 2     7 – 4  
Livingstone   4 – 4     4 – 6  
Winston-Salem State   4 – 4     4 – 6  
Shaw   3 – 5     3 – 7  
St. Augustine's   0 – 8     0 – 10  
Championship: Virginia Union 21, Fayetteville State 10
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
  • ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant
  • # – Florida Beach Bowl participant
Rankings from AFCA Poll

The 2023 Virginia Union Panthers football represented Virginia Union University as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) during the 2023 NCAA Division II football season. Led by 5th-year head coach Alvin Parker, the Panthers compiled an overall record of 10–2 with a mark of 7–1 in conference play; winning the CIAA championship.

Virginia Union lost to Kutztown in the first round of the playoffs for back-to-back first round losses and the programs' twelfth consecutive loss in the playoffs with no playoff wins.

Offseason[edit]

Positions key
C Center CB Cornerback DB Defensive back DE Defensive end[a]
DL Defensive lineman DT Defensive tackle FB Fullback FS Free safety
G Guard[b] K Kicker[c] KR Kickoff returner LB Linebacker
LS Long snapper MLB Middle linebacker[d] OT Offensive tackle OL Offensive lineman
OLB Outside linebacker[a] NT Nose tackle P Punter PR Punt returner
QB Quarterback RS Return specialist RB Running back S Safety
SS Strong safety TE Tight end WR Wide receiver
  1. ^ a b May sometimes be referred to as an edge rusher (EDGE)
  2. ^ Also known as offensive guard (OG)
  3. ^ Also known as placekicker (PK)
  4. ^ Also known as inside linebacker (ILB)

Team departures[edit]

2023 Virginia Union offseason departures
Name Number Pos. Height, Weight Year Hometown Notes
John Jiles #0 WR 6'3, 190 Junior Wake Forest, NC Elected to transfer to West Florida
Jahkari Grant #1 QB 6'1, 190 Graduate Windsor, CT Graduated/declared for 2023 NFL draft
Alvin Howard #4 WR 6'0, 175 Junior Key West, FL Elected to transfer to Concord
Devin Sanders #4 DE 6'1, 220 Junior Seat Pleasant, MD N/A
James Jackson #5 WR 6'1, 170 Senior Richmond, VA Graduated
Damontay Rhem #6 LB 6'0, 225 Graduate Wendell, NC Graduated/declared for 2023 NFL draft
Demetrius Mann #7 S 5'9, 180 Graduate Tampa, FL Graduated
Kyron McKinnie-Harper #8 CB 6'1, 190 Sophomore Detroit, MI N/A
Xzavier Hines #9 DE 6'4, 235 Senior Lanham, MD Graduated
Zion Edwards #15 S 6'0, 180 Junior Palm Beach, FL N/A
K'Jon Coley #19 CB 6'0, 180 Graduate Richmond, VA Graduated
Joseph J. Johnson #24 WR 5'6, 175 Sophomore Forestville, MD N/A
Dev'on Grant #28 LB 6'1, 210 Junior Wake Forest, NC Elected to transfer to Elizabeth City State
Shamore Collins #33 LB 6'0, 220 Sophomore Millville, NJ N/A
Donovan Owens #34 S 6'0, 185 Freshman Chesapeake, VA N/A
Mingo Peterson #37 DB 5'11, 175 Graduate Arlington, VA Graduated
Wali-Shahad Sabree #38 LB 6'4, 210 Senior Chester, PA Graduated
R. J. Rountree #39 S 6'0, 185 Graduate Silver Spring, MD Graduated/declared for 2023 NFL draft
Vince Willis #40 LB 5'11, 195 Sophomore Los Angeles, CA N/A
Xavier Wilson #41 CB 5'10, 170 Freshman Richmond, VA N/A
Malique Miller #45 LB 6'1, 215 Sophomore Washington, DC N/A
Andrew Kibler #47 K/P 6'1, 220 Graduate Cape Coral, FL Graduated
Kole Williams #52 LB 6'0, 215 Sophomore Suffolk, VA N/A
Christian Solomon #54 OL 6'3, 285 Freshman Hammonton, NJ N/A
Brian Gibson #57 OL 6'4, 285 Redshirt Senior Baltimore, MD Graduated
Justin Meade #58 OL 6'2, 275 Senior Richmond, VA Graduated
Demetrie Massey #73 OL 6'3, 275 Redshirt Senior Miami, FL Graduated
Darian Bryant #76 OL 6’6, 320 Graduate Philadelphia, PA Graduated/declared for 2023 NFL draft
Ahmad Holloway #85 TE 6'2, 230 Junior Richmond, VA N/A
Dwayne Chandler #89 TE 6'5, 225 Redshirt Freshman Manassas, VA Elected to transfer to Old Dominion
Keenan Evans #90 DL 6'3, 285 Senior Raleigh, NC Graduated/declared for 2023 NFL draft

Transfer portal[edit]

Outgoing transfers[edit]

Four Virginia Union Panthers players left via the NCAA transfer portal during or after the 2022 season.

Virginia Union outgoing transfers
Name No. Pos. Height/Weight Year Hometown College transferred to Sources
John Jiles #0 WR 6'3, 190 Junior Wake Forest, NC West Florida [1]
Alvin Howard #4 WR 6'0, 175 Junior Key West, FL Concord [2]
Dev'on Grant #28 LB 6'1, 210 Junior Wake Forest, NC Elizabeth City State [3]
Dwayne Chandler #89 TE 6'5, 225 Redshirt Freshman Manassas, VA Old Dominion [4]

Incoming transfers[edit]

Over the off-season, Virginia Union added seventeen players via the transfer portal.

Virginia Union Incoming Transfers
Name No. Pos. Height/Weight Year Hometown Previous school Sources
Nehemiah Scott #1 S 6'1, 175 Sophomore Richmond, VA Emory and Henry [5][6]
J'Bore' Gibbs #4 QB 6'3, 225 Graduate Chicago, IL Idaho [7][8]
Navarro Price #12 QB 6'1, 195 Redshirt Junior Hampton, VA Elizabeth City State [9][10]
Kory Fleming #15 TE 6'3, 230 Graduate Clarksburg, MD Morehouse [11][12]
Nahsir Morgan Sr. #16 WR 6'5, 190 Junior Atlantic City, NJ Delaware Valley [13][14]
David Freeman #21 RB 5'10, 195 Senior Baltimore, MD Hartnell College [15][16]
Elijah Rice #23 WR 5'9, 185 Senior Williamsburg, VA Emory and Henry [17][18]
Xzavier Barnes #25 CB 6'0, 185 Redshirt Sophomore Kilmarnock, VA Virginia–Wise [19][20]
Decari Randle #33 LB 6'1, 230 Redshirt Junior Chicago, IL Iowa Central CC [21][22]
Kyle Kidewell #37 S 6'3, 195 Redshirt Sophomore Bowie, MD Atlanta Tech [23]
Jabrill Norman #44 LB 6'2, 220 Junior Salisbury, NC Mars Hill [24][25]
Jerry Newmy #46 FB 6'0, 245 Redshirt Freshman Chester, VA Chowan [26][27]
Jahmel Flowers #48 DE 6'5, 215 Redshirt Junior Atlanta, GA Arkansas–Monticello [28][29]
Josue Hernandez #50 K/P 6'1, 180 Junior Middlesex, NJ Keystone [30]
Dillon Porter #70 OL 6'5, 285 Sophomore Pulaski, VA Virginia–Lynchburg [31][32]
Tajhir Tate #99 DL 6'1, 300 Graduate Elizabeth, NJ Wagner [33][34]
Corie Addo WR 5'10, 195 Redshirt Sophomore Richmond, VA Norfolk State [35][36]

Recruiting class[edit]

Main article: 2023 college football recruiting class

Virginia Union signed 26 players in the class of 2023.

See also: American football positions, Glossary of American football, and Recruiting (college athletics)
US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Jonathan Derricott
QB 		Richmond, VA Varina High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 175 lb (79 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Tayvon Tyler
QB 		Newport News, VA Woodside High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Feb 15, 2023 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Jayden Earley
CB 		Hampton, VA Phoebus High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Jan 28, 2023 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Roberto Alvarez Jr.
RB 		Temple Hills, MD St. Thomas More School 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 180 lb (82 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Aarenamon Johnson
CB 		Richmond, VA Glen Allen High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Mar 24, 2023 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Damon Etheridge
S 		Chesapeake, VA Oscar F. Smith High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Jayden White
CB 		Emporia, VA Southampton High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 190 lb (86 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Damari Mason
S 		Richmond, VA Hermitage High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 170 lb (77 kg) Feb 27, 2023 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Brandan Cammarasana
LB 		Chester, VA Thomas Dale High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 225 lb (102 kg) Jan 1, 2023 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Nathaniel Knox
S 		Norfolk, VA Matthew Fontaine Maury High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Alexandre Lafontant
LS 		Orlando, FL Cypress Creek High School 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 185 lb (84 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Adrian Crespin
OL 		Woodbridge, VA Freedom High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 285 lb (129 kg) Feb 1, 2023 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Diamondz Wells
LB 		Norfolk, VA Booker T. Washington High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 215 lb (98 kg) Feb 1, 2023 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Mathias Nielson
OL 		Gentofte, Denmark Gentofte Skole 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 295 lb (134 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Isaiah Butcher
OL 		Glen Allen, VA Glen Allen High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 310 lb (140 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Justin Royes
OL 		Suffolk, VA Lakeland High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 310 lb (140 kg) Feb 7, 2023 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Isaiah Whitehurst
OL 		Norfolk, VA Matthew Fontaine Maury High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 270 lb (120 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Trai'von Callis
OL 		Brunswick, VA Brunswick High School 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 330 lb (150 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Shawn Battle II
OL 		Franklin, VA Franklin High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 315 lb (143 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Isaiah Wallace
WR 		Newport News, VA Warwick High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 175 lb (79 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Juelz Cooper
TE 		Courtland, VA Southampton High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 230 lb (100 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Samuel Arrey
DL 		Lanham, MD DuVal High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 290 lb (130 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Kamari Federick
DL 		Pompano Beach, FL Blanche Ely High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 280 lb (130 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Jordan Kamara
DL 		Baltimore, MD Seneca Valley High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 230 lb (100 kg) Jan 14, 2023 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Lyvarius Gilbert
WR 		Lynchburg, VA E. C. Glass High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Sean Macon
CB 		Richmond, VA Henrico High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 165 lb (75 kg) Feb 2, 2023 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2023 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved January 18, 2024.


CIAA media day[edit]

The 2023 CIAA Media day were held at 9:30 a.m. on July 20, 2023. Each team had their head coach available to talk to the media at the event.[37]

Preseason All-CIAA teams[edit]

Position Player Class Team
Offense
RB Jada Byers Jr Virginia Union
TE Kalen Carver
Redshirt
Redshirt
Jr 		Virginia Union
OL Justin Meade Sr Virginia Union
Defense
DL Isaac Anderson
Redshirt
Redshirt
Jr 		Virginia Union
Armonii Burden Gr Virginia Union
LB Shamar Graham
Redshirt
Redshirt
So 		Virginia Union
Special teams
PK Brady Myers So Virginia Union
KR Larry Hackey Jr Virginia Union

Schedule[edit]

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendanceSource
September 34:00 p.m.vs. Morehouse*No. 18
NFL NetworkW 45–139,333[38]
September 91:00 p.m.at Shaw*No. 17
W 26–131,863[39]
September 161:00 p.m.at LivingstoneNo. 17
W 28–201,250[40]
September 236:00 p.m.Fayetteville StateNo. 15
L 7–10671[41]
September 301:00 p.m.at St. Augustine's
W 47–7513[42]
October 71:00 p.m.at Elizabeth City State
W 42–20925[43]
October 141:00 p.m.Bowie State
  • Hovey Field
  • Richmond, VA
W 52–3610[44]
October 211:00 p.m.Lincoln (PA)dagger
  • Hovey Field
  • Richmond, VA
W 57–05,250[45]
October 281:00 p.m.at Bluefield StateNo. 23
W 57–12283[46]
November 41:00 p.m.No. 22 Virginia StateNo. 19
  • Hovey Field
  • Richmond, VA
W 30–2015,000[47]
November 113:00 p.m.vs. Fayetteville State*No. 18
W 21–10[48]
November 1812:00 p.m.at No. 7 Kutztown*No. 13
L 14–381,470[49]

[50]

Game summaries[edit]

Vs. Morehouse (Black College Football HOF Classic)[edit]

See also: Morehouse Maroon Tigers football
Game One – No. 18 Virginia Union Panthers (0–0) vs Morehouse Maroon Tigers (0–0)
Period 1 2 34Total
Morehouse 0 0 7613
No. 18 Virginia Union 7 7 72445

at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium • Canton, Ohio

  • Date: Sunday, September 3, 2023
  • Game time: 4:00 P.M. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 86 °F (30 °C) • Weather: Sunny, humid
  • Game attendance: 9,333
  • Referee: Larry Smith
  • TV: NFL Network
  • Recap, box score
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:52) VUU – Jada Byers 29-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 5:08; Virginia Union 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (6:46) VUU – Jabrill Norman 68-yard interception, Brady Myers kick (Virginia Union 14–0)
Third quarter
  • (8:53) MORE – Delvin Olawumi Jr. 10-yard blocked punt return, Danny Elrod kick (Virginia Union 14–7)
  • (1:29) VUU – Jada Byers 24-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 1:57; Virginia Union 21–7)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:56) VUU – Jada Byers 21-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 2 plays, 39 yards, 0:20; Virginia Union 28–7)
  • (12:08) VUU – Joe Johnson 21-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 3 plays, 47 yards, 1:41; Virginia Union 35–7)
  • (8:26) VUU – RJ Rosales 12-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 4 plays, 46 yards, 2:10; Virginia Union 42–7)
  • (6:03) MORE – Brogan Korta 31-yard pass from Jaylon West, Danny Elrod kick blocked (Drive: 4 plays, 57 yards, 2:12; Virginia Union 42–13)
  • (0:36) VUU – Brady Myers 27-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 5:20; Virginia Union 45–13)
Statistics MORE VUU
First downs 15 21
Plays–yards 230 440
Rushes–yards 72 230
Passing yards 158 210
Passing: comp–att–int 14–32–1 13–19–0
Time of possession 29:26 30:34
Team Category Player Statistics
Morehouse Passing Derrach West 13/30, 127 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Zion Bioue 12 carries, 28 yards
Receiving Brogan Korta 2 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD
Virginia Union Passing Christian Reid 11/15, 153 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Jada Byers 24 carries, 147 yards, 3 TDs
Receiving Kalen Carver 3 receptions, 61 yards

On January 13, 2023, Virginia Union was picked to play against fellow HBCU Morehouse in the fourth-annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic.[51] Virginia Union came into the game looking to build upon the previous seasons success as they finished with a 9–2 record and made an appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs under head coach Alvin Parker. Morehouse came into the season with first-year head coach Gerard Wilcher as the team looked to improve following a 1–9 season with former head coach Rich Freeman at the helm.[52]

Virginia Union beat Morehouse while running back Jada Byers scored three touchdowns and the Panther defense held the Maroon Tigers to less than 250 total-yards of offense throughout the entire game.[53][54][55][56][57][58][59]

At Shaw[edit]

See also: Shaw Bears football
Game Two – No. 17 Virginia Union Panthers (1–0) vs Shaw Bears (0–1)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 17 Virginia Union 16 0 10026
Shaw 0 6 7013

at Durham County Memorial Stadium • Durham, North Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023
  • Game time: 3:30 P.M. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 70 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Rainy, cloudy
  • Game attendance: 1,863
  • Referee: Richard Caldwell
  • Recap, box score
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:16) VUU – Jada Byers 1-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 2:55; Virginia Union 7–0)
  • (9:09) VUU – Team safety (Virginia Union 9–0)
  • (4:29) VUU – Said Sidibe 41-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 4:40; Virginia Union 16–0)
Second quarter
  • (2:28) SHAW – Donte Lee Jr. 85-yard pass from Silas Cruise, Silas Cruse two-point pass failed (Drive: 2 plays, 90 yards, 0:39; Virginia Union 16–6)
Third quarter
  • (6:54) VUU – Brady Myers 29-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 2:24; Virginia Union 19–6)
  • (6:41) SU – Donte Lee Jr. 98-yard kickoff return, Dev Vesteegen kick (Virginia Union 19–13)
  • (0:28) VUU – William Davis 50-yard interception, Brady Myers kick (Virginia Union 26–13)
Fourth quarter

No scoring

Statistics VUU SHAW
First downs 21 10
Plays–yards 401 217
Rushes–yards 136 14
Passing yards 265 203
Passing: comp–att–int 24–37–1 15–31–2
Time of possession 37:25 20:01
Team Category Player Statistics
Virginia Union Passing Christian Reid 21/32, 232 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Curtis Allen 8 carries, 53 yards
Receiving Said Sidibe 6 receptions, 91 yards, 1 TD
Shaw Passing Silas Cruse 15/31, 203 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Rushing Sidney Gibbs 12 carries, 24 yards
Receiving Donte Lee Jr. 2 receptions, 84 yards, 1 TD


At Livingstone[edit]

Main article: 2023 Livingstone Blue Bears football team
Game Three – No. 17 Virginia Union Panthers (2–0) vs Livingstone Blue Bears (0–2)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 17 Virginia Union 0 21 7028
Livingstone 13 0 7020

at Alumni Memorial Stadium • Salisbury, North Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, September 16, 2023
  • Game time: 6:00 P.M. EST
  • Game attendance: 1,250
  • Referee: A. Randolph
  • Recap, box score
Game information
First quarter
  • (3:45) LIV – Angel Carrillo 79-yard pass from Brenton Hilton, Tyler Priddy kick failed (Drive: 4 plays, 89 yards, 1:38; Livingstone 0–6)
  • (1:23) LIV – Matthew Henerey 25-yard pass from Brenton Hilton, Jason Zapata kick (Drive: 3 plays, 27 yards, 1:37; Livingstone 0–13)
Second quarter
  • (11:39) VUU – Rashard Jackson 9-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:44; Livingstone 7–13)
  • (5:15) VUU – Rashard Jackson 1-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:27; Virginia Union 14–13)
  • (1:31) VUU – Curis Allen 3-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 3 plays, 46 yards, 1:08; Virginia Union 21–13)
Third quarter
  • (8:29) VUU – RJ Rosales 25-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:39; Virginia Union 28–13)
  • (6:20) LIV – Matthew Henerey 42-yard pass from Brenton Hilton, Jason Zapata kick (Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 2:02; Virginia Union 28–20)
Fourth quarter

No scoring

Statistics VUU LIV
First downs 20 12
Plays–yards 393 332
Rushes–yards 320 313
Passing yards 73 19
Passing: comp–att–int 5–9–2 18–29–4
Time of possession 33:47 26:13
Team Category Player Statistics
Virginia Union Passing Christian Reid 5/8, 73 yards, 2 INTs
Rushing Rashard Jackson 32 carries, 185 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving Said Sadibe 2 receptions, 50 yards
Livingstone Passing Brenton Hilton 17/26, 314 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs
Rushing JyMikaah Wells 11 carries, 14 yards
Receiving Angelo Carrillo 5 receptions, 147 yards, 1 TD

Fayetteville State[edit]

See also: Fayetteville State Broncos football
Game Four – No. 15 Virginia Union Panthers (3–0) vs Fayetteville State Broncos (1–2)
Period 1 2 34Total
Fayetteville State 7 0 0310
No. 15 Virginia Union 0 7 007

at Hovey Field • Richmond, Virginia

  • Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
  • Game time: 6:00 P.M. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 66 °F (19 °C) • Weather: Rain
  • Game attendance: 671
  • Referee: John Holmes
  • Recap, box score
Game information
First quarter
  • (4:15) FSU – Christian Powell 4-yard pass from Caden Davis, Jacob Meneses kick (Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:48; Fayetteville State 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (11:42) VUU – Kalen Carver 9-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 1 plays, 9 yards, 0:07; Tied 7–7)
Third quarter

No scoring

Fourth quarter
  • (0:06) FSU – Jacob Meneses 27-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 28 yards, 4:14; Fayetteville State 10–7)
Statistics FSU VUU
First downs 6 12
Plays–yards 92 184
Rushes–yards 41 164
Passing yards 51 20
Passing: comp–att–int 7–13–0 3–6–0
Time of possession 28:27 31:33
Team Category Player Statistics
Fayetteville State Passing Joe Owens 6/12, 47 yards
Rushing Julian Milligan 14 carries, 34 yards
Receiving Julian Milligan 4 receptions, 34 yards
Virginia Union Passing Christian Reid 3/6, 20 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Curtis Allen 30 carries, 155 yards
Receiving Said Sidibe 2 receptions, 11 yards

At St. Augustine's[edit]

See also: St. Augustine's Falcons football
Game Five – Virginia Union Panthers (3–1) vs St. Augustine's Falcons (0–4)
Period 1 2 34Total
Virginia Union 0 24 14947
St. Augustine's 0 0 077

at John H. Baker Stadium • Raleigh, North Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023
  • Game time: 1:00 P.M. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 73 °F (23 °C) • Weather: Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 513
  • Referee: Ryan Massey
  • Recap, box score
Game information
First quarter

No scoring

Second quarter
  • (12:12) VUU – Brady Myers 37-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 18 yards, 0:54; Virginia Union 3–0)
  • (6:25) VUU – Isaac Anderson 0-yard fumble recovery, Brady Myers kick (Virginia Union 10–0)
  • (4:24) VUU – Nahsir Morgan Sr. 56-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 1 play, 56 yards, 0:11; Virginia Union 17–0)
  • (1:18) VUU – Said Sidibe 15-yard pass from RJ Rosales, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 4 plays, 25 yards, 1:31; Virginia Union 24–0)
Third quarter
  • (14:41) VUU – Curtis Allen 60-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 1 play, 60 yards, 0:13; Virginia Union 31–0)
  • (8:24) VUU – Ricky Key Jr. 33-yard pass from RJ Rosales, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 1 play, 33 yards, 0:06; Virginia Union 38–0)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:00) VUU – Curtis Allen 2-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 1:58; Virginia Union 45–0)
  • (4:48) VUU – Lamumba Howard 21-yard safety (Virginia Union 47–0)
  • (2:40) SAU – Booker Peake 76-yard fumble recovery, James Hobson kick (Virginia Union 47–7)
Statistics VUU SAU
First downs 20 8
Plays–yards 367 163
Rushes–yards 230 -24
Passing yards 137 187
Passing: comp–att–int 9–19–1 20–40–0
Time of possession 29:44 30:16
Team Category Player Statistics
Virginia Union Passing RJ Rosales 5/9, 74 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing Curtis Allen 19 carries, 151 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving Nahsir Morgan Sr. 1 reception, 56 yards, 1 TD
St. Augustine's Passing Anthony Butler 15/31, 150 yards
Rushing Anthony Butler 2 carries, 5 yards
Receiving Christ Perkins 3 receptions, 70 yards

At Elizabeth City State[edit]

See also: Elizabeth City State Vikings football
Game Six – Virginia Union Panthers (4–1) vs Elizabeth City State Vikings (1–4)
Period 1 2 34Total
Virginia Union 7 7 72142
Elizabeth City State 0 0 71320

at Roebuck Stadium • Elizabeth City, North Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
  • Game time: 1:00 P.M. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 74 °F (23 °C) • Weather: Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 925
  • Referee: Derek Hatten
  • Recap, box score
Game information
First quarter
  • (4:57) VUU – Ricky Key Jr. 24-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:46; Virginia Union 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (5:27) VUU – Jada Byers 21-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:21; Virginia Union 14–0)
Third quarter
  • (7:28) ECSU – Quinzel Lockhart 41-yard pass from Donoven Davenport, Carson Hancock kick (Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:27; Virginia Union 14–7)
  • (2:26) VUU – Ricky Key Jr. 21-yard pass from RJ Rosales, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 1:06; Virginia Union 21–7)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:50) VUU – Donald Gatling 45-yard interception, Brady Myers kick (Virginia Union 28–7)
  • (13:45) ECSU – Quinzel Lockhart 95-yard pass from Donoven Davenport, Carson Hancock kick (Drive: 3 plays, 84 yards, 1:01; Virginia Union 28–14)
  • (8:41) ECSU – Quinzel Lockhart 4-yard pass from Donoven Davenport (Drive: 3 plays, 15 yards, 1:16; Virginia Union 28–20)
  • (7:42) VUU – Jada Byers 40-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 2 plays, 58 yards, 0:51; Virginia Union 35–20)
  • (3:21) VUU – Said Sidibe 14-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 1:55; Virginia Union 42–20)
Statistics VUU ECSU
First downs 20 11
Plays–yards 397 311
Rushes–yards 295 10
Passing yards 102 301
Passing: comp–att–int 6–17–1 20–40–4
Time of possession 31:58 28:02
Team Category Player Statistics
Virginia Union Passing RJ Rosales 3/7, 59 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Jada Byers 27 carries, 246 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving Ricky Key Jr. 3 receptions, 78 yards, 2 TDs
Elizabeth City State Passing Donoven Davenport 20/40, 301 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs
Rushing Ian Edwards 3 carries, 16 yards
Receiving Quinzel Lockhart 9 receptions, 175 yards, 3 TDs

Bowie State[edit]

See also: Bowie State Bulldogs football
Game Seven – Virginia Union Panthers (5–1) vs Bowie State Bulldogs (3–3)
Period 1 2 34Total
Bowie State 0 3 003
Virginia Union 0 7 007

at Hovey Field • Richmond, Virginia

  • Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
  • Game time: 1:00 P.M. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 62 °F (17 °C) • Weather: Showers
  • Game attendance: 610
  • Referee: Richard Caldwell
  • Recap, box score
Game information
First quarter
  • (12:00) VUU – Said Sidibe 33-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:00; Virginia Union 7–0)
  • (3:29) VUU – Jada Byers 7-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 2:52; Virginia Union 14–0)
Second quarter
  • (8:58) BSU – Justin Zavala 48-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 3:11; Virginia Union 14–3)
  • (1:34) VUU – Curtis Allen 3-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 5 plays, 78 yards, 2:38; Virginia Union 21–3)
  • (0:29) VUU – Jada Byers 1-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 3 plays, 60 yards, 0:23; Virginia Union 28–3)
Third quarter
  • (8:19) VUU – Jalen Mayo 0-yard blocked punt return, Brady Myers kick (Virginia Union 35–3)
  • (7:13) VUU – Donald Gatling 40-yard fumble recovery, Brady Myers kick (Virginia Union 42–3)
  • (5:00) VUU – Kory Fleming 48-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 1 plays, 48 yards, 0:11; Virginia Union 49–3)
Fourth quarter
  • (7:14) VUU – Brady Myers 46-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 4:08; Virginia Union 52–3)
Statistics BSU VUU
First downs 13 18
Plays–yards 138 458
Rushes–yards 76 299
Passing yards 62 159
Passing: comp–att–int 7–18–2 9–17–1
Time of possession 32:52 26:56
Team Category Player Statistics
Bowie State Passing Amir Jenkins 4/9, 33 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Corey Johnson 22 carries, 80 yards
Receiving James McNeill III 2 receptions, 23 yards
Virginia Union Passing Christian Reid 6/14, 127 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing Jada Byers 19 carries, 223 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving Said Sidibe 5 receptions, 78 yards, 1 TD

Lincoln (PA)[edit]

See also: Lincoln (Pennsylvania) Lions football
Game Eight – Virginia Union Panthers (6–1) vs Lincoln (PA) Lions (4–3)
Period 1 2 34Total
Lincoln (PA) 0 0 000
Virginia Union 17 7 26757

at Hovey Field • Richmond, Virginia

  • Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023
  • Game time: 1:00 P.M. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 66 °F (19 °C) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 5,250
  • Referee: S. Demingo
  • Box score
Game information
First quarter
  • (12:44) VUU – Jada Byers 7-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 4 plays, 38 yards, 1:23; Virginia Union 7–0)
  • (12:34) VUU – Said Sidibe 0-yard fumble recovery, Brady Myers kick (Virginia Union 14–0)
  • (3:15) VUU – Brady Myers 24-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 51 yards, 5:55; Virginia Union 17–0)
Second quarter
  • (10:02) VUU – Jada Byers 5-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 3:03; Virginia Union 24–0)
Third quarter
  • (10:14) VUU – Jada Byers 1-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 9 plays, 31 yards, 4:46; Virginia Union 31–0)
  • (6:56) VUU – Jada Byers 9-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:08; Virginia Union 38–0)
  • (3:57) VUU – Jada Byers 30-yard pass from Nahsir Morgan Sr., Brady Myers kick failed (Drive: 1 play, 30 yards, 0:07; Virginia Union 44–0)
  • (2:25) VUU – Ricky Key Jr. 26-yard pass from RJ Rosales, Brady Myers kick failed (Drive: 1 play, 41 yards, 0:00; Virginia Union 50–0)
Fourth quarter
  • (0:47) VUU – RJ Rosales 19-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 3:27; Virginia Union 57–0)
Statistics LIN VUU
First downs 10 23
Plays–yards 168 481
Rushes–yards 86 249
Passing yards 82 232
Passing: comp–att–int 10–23–0 11–20–0
Time of possession 33:16 26:44
Team Category Player Statistics
Lincoln (PA) Passing Isaiah Freeman 8/21, 69 yards
Rushing Amir Gerald 12 carries, 44 yards
Receiving Malachi Langley 4 receptions, 24 yards
Virginia Union Passing Christian Reid 9/16, 176 yards
Rushing Christian Reid 4 carries, 65 yards
Receiving Reginald Vick Jr. 1 reception, 58 yards

At Bluefield State[edit]

See also: Bluefield State Big Blues football
Game Nine – No. 23 Virginia Union Panthers (7–1) vs Bluefield State Big Blues (1–7)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 23 Virginia Union 7 20 141657
Bluefield State 0 6 0612

at Mitchell Stadium • Bluefield, West Virginia

  • Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
  • Game time: 1:00 P.M. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 70 °F (21 °C) • Weather: Partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 283
  • Referee: Derek Hatten
  • Recap, box score
Game information
First quarter
  • (7:53) VUU – Curtis Allen 2-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:15; Virginia Union 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (10:47) VUU – Said Sidibe 10-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 6 plays, 86 yards, 2:59; Virginia Union 14–0)
  • (3:16) VUU – Reginald Vick Jr. 81-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick blocked (Drive: 3 plays, 76 yards, 1:06; Virginia Union 20–0)
  • (1:22) BLU – Darius Thompson 3-yard pass from Isiah Teal, Braxton Vanscoy kick blocked (Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 1:46; Virginia Union 20–6)
  • (1:01) VUU – Nahsir Morgan Sr. 87-yard kickoff return, Brady Myers kick (Virginia Union 27–6)
Third quarter
  • (12:52) VUU – Jada Byers 9-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 2:01; Virginia Union 34–6)
  • (5:33) VUU – Curtis Allen 7-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 8 plays, 88 yards, 3:26; Virginia Union 41–6)
Fourth quarter
  • (13:59) VUU – RJ Rosales 2-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:26; Virginia Union 48–6)
  • (10:57) BLU – Lucas Moore 31-yard pass from Isiah Teal, Isiah Teal pass intercepted (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:58; Virginia Union 48–12)
  • (10:57) VUU – Ephraim Moore 98-yard PAT return (Virginia Union 50–12)
  • (5:18) VUU – Kenneth Davis 1-yard run, Josue Hernandez kick (Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards, 2:18; Virginia Union 57–12)
Statistics VUU BLU
First downs 26 9
Plays–yards 520 180
Rushes–yards 186 -5
Passing yards 334 185
Passing: comp–att–int 16–31–1 15–30–2
Time of possession 33:19 26:41
Team Category Player Statistics
Virginia Union Passing Christian Reid 12/19, 276 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Jada Byers 12 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Said Sidibe 8 receptions, 165 yards
Bluefield State Passing Isiah Teal 15/30, 185 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Rushing Jahdi Loftlant 9 carries, 29 yards
Receiving Khyon Smith 2 receptions, 49 yards

No. 22 Virginia State[edit]

See also: Virginia State Trojans football
Game Ten – No. 19 Virginia Union Panthers (8–1) vs No. 22 Virginia State Trojans (8–1)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 22 Virginia State 0 0 000
No. 19 Virginia Union 17 7 26757

at Hovey Field • Richmond, Virginia

  • Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023
  • Game time: 1:00 P.M. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 64 °F (18 °C) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 15,000
  • Referee: Ryan Massey
  • Recap, box score
Game information
First quarter
  • (12:10) VUU – Kory Fleming 29-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 2:50; Virginia Union 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (8:12) VUU – Said Sidibe 62-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 2 plays, 62 yards, 0:51; Virginia Union 14–0)
  • (6:14) VSU – Jordan Davis 1-yard run, Kyler Miller kick (Drive: 4 plays, 72 yards, 1:51; Virginia Union 14–7)
  • (1:34) VSU – Malik Hunter 34-yard pass from Jordan Davis, Kyler Miller kick blocked (Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:03; Virginia Union 14–13)
  • (1:34) VUU – Ephraim Moore 98-yard PAT return (Virginia Union 16–13)
  • (0:24) VUU – Ricky Key Jr. 21-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 1:08; Virginia Union 23–13)
Third quarter
  • (9:29) VUU – Jada Byers 7-yard pass from Christian Reid, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 5:22; Virginia Union 30–13)
  • (4:39) VSU – Roy Jackson III 43-yard pass from Jordan Davis, Kyle Miller kick (Drive: 3 plays, 67 yards, 0:54; Virginia Union 30–20)
Fourth quarter

No scoring

Statistics VSU VUU
First downs 23 17
Plays–yards 465 337
Rushes–yards 85 186
Passing yards 380 151
Passing: comp–att–int 24–42–3 8–14–2
Time of possession 29:27 30:33
Team Category Player Statistics
Virginia State Passing Jordan Davis 24/42, 380 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
Rushing Kymani Clarke 18 carries, 59 yards
Receiving Roy Jackson III 3 receptions, 127 yards, 1 TD
Virginia Union Passing Christian Reid 8/14, 151 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs
Rushing Jada Byers 27 carries, 155 yards
Receiving Said Sidibe 1 reception, 62 yards, 1 TD

Vs. Fayetteville State (CIAA Championship)[edit]

Main article: 2023 CIAA Football Championship Game
Game Eleven – No. 18 Virginia Union Panthers (9–1) vs Fayetteville State Broncos (8–2)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 18 Virginia Union 7 7 7021
Fayetteville State 0 7 3010

at Salem Civic Center • Salem, Virginia

  • Date: Sunday, November 11, 2023
  • Game time: 3:00 P.M. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 58 °F (14 °C) • Weather: Sunny
  • Referee: Richard Caldwell
  • Recap, box score
Game information
First quarter
  • (7:27) VUU – Jada Byers 1-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:25; Virginia Union 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (1:00) VUU – Christian Reid 1-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 4:12; Virginia Union 14–0)
  • (0:47) FSU – Barry Elliott 91-yard kickoff return, Jacob Meneses kick (Virginia Union 14–7)
Third quarter
  • (11:57) FSU – Jacob Meneses 20-yard field goal (Virginia Union 14–10)
  • (7:25) VUU – Jada Byers 16-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 5 plays, 27 yards, 2:46; Virginia Union 21–10)
Fourth quarter

No scoring

Statistics VUU FSU
First downs 20 7
Plays–yards 222 130
Rushes–yards 158 36
Passing yards 64 94
Passing: comp–att–int 8–15–0 6–20–0
Time of possession 39:28 20:38
Team Category Player Statistics
Virginia Union Passing Christian Reid 8/15, 64 yards
Rushing Jada Byers 40 carries, 135 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving Reginald Vick Jr. 5 receptions, 42 yards
Fayetteville State Passing Demari Daniels 5/12, 89 yards
Rushing Julian Milligan 7 carries, 28 yards
Receiving Kameron King 3 receptions, 74 yards

At No. 7 Kutztown (NCAA Division II First Round)[edit]

See also: Kutztown Golden Bears football
Game Eleven – No. 13 Virginia Union Panthers (10–1) vs No. 7 Kutztown Golden Bears (9–2)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 13 Virginia Union 0 7 7014
No. 7 Kutztown 21 14 0338

at Andre Reed Stadium • Kutztown, Pennsylvania

  • Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023
  • Game time: 12:00 P.M. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 46 °F (8 °C) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 1,470
  • Referee: Derek Hatten
  • Recap, box score
Game information
First quarter
  • (8:53) KUT – Darryl Davis-McNeil 1-yard run, Dawson Evitts kick (Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 6:07; Kutztown 7–0)
  • (3:09) KUT – Mekhi Gibson 8-yard run, Dawson Evitts kick (Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:38; Kutztown 14–0)
  • (0:43) KUT – Luke Szabo 2-yard punt return, Dawson Evitts kick (Kutztown 21–0)
Second quarter
  • (9:44) KUT – Tyreek Husser 7-yard pass from Judd Novak, Dawson Evitts kick (Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:41; Kutztown 28–0)
  • (3:26) VUU – Kenneth Davis 10-yard punt return, Brady Myers kick (Kutztown 28–7)
  • (0:35) KUT – Kurtis Ravenel Jr. 29-yard pass from Judd Novak, Dawson Evitts kick (Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:44; Kutztown 35–7)
Third quarter
  • (9:29) VUU – Jada Byers 8-yard run, Brady Myers kick (Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 5:24; Kutztown 35–14)
Fourth quarter
  • (5:03) KUT – Dawson Evitts 24-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 44 yards, 5:54; Kutztown 38–14)
Statistics VUU KUT
First downs 13 22
Plays–yards 272 367
Rushes–yards 149 210
Passing yards 123 157
Passing: comp–att–int 16–27–0 8–18–0
Time of possession 28:04 31:56
Team Category Player Statistics
Virginia Union Passing Christian Reid 16/26, 123 yards
Rushing Jada Byers 20 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Ricky Key Jr. 3 receptions, 34 yards
Kutztown Passing Judd Novak 8/18, 157 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing Darryl Davis-McNeill 25 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Kurtis Ravenel Jr. 3 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD

Personnel[edit]

Coaching staff[edit]

Virginia Union Panthers
Name Position Consecutive season at Virginia Union Panthers in current position Previous position VUU profile
Alvin Parker Head coach 5th St. Augustine's assistant head coach and offensive coordinator (2016–2017) [60]
Edward Pointer Assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach 5th St. Augustine's defensive coordinator (2016–2017) [61]
Diego Ryland Associate head coach, special teams coordinator, and running backs coach 5th Hampton running backs coach (2017) [62]
Monterio Hand Wide receivers coach 5th Elizabeth City State special teams coordinator, wide receivers coach, and tight ends coach (2004–2017) [63]
Luke Bengston Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach 1st Virginia Union pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach (2022) [64]
Quinn Brown Run game coordinator and offensive line coach 1st Henderson State assistant head coach, run game coordinator, and offensive line coach (2019–2022) [65]
Solomon Brown Defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach 1st Virginia Union defensive line coach (2022) [66]
Nico Rogers Secondary coach 1st Virginia Union safeties coach (2022) [67]
Justin Smith Tight ends coach 1st Virginia Union graduate assistant (2021–2022) [68]
Evan Jones Cornerbacks coach 1st Stevenson defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach (2020–2022) [69]
Ryan Gould Defensive ends coach 1st Richard J. Reynolds HS (NC) co-offensive coordinator, run game coordinator, and offensive line coach (2021–2022) [70]
Reference:[71]

Support staff[edit]

  • Lane Washington – Director of football operations
  • Bernard Rucker – Equipment manager
  • Keith Swinson – Assistant equipment manager
  • Joe Ellison – Team chaplain

Roster[edit]

2023 Virginia Union Panthers football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
QB 1 Christian Reid GS
WR 2 Said Sidibe Sr
RB 3 Jada Byers Jr
QB 4 J'Bore' Gibbs GS
RB 5 Rashard Jackson Sr
RB 9 Curtis Allen So
QB 10 Jonathan Derricott Fr
WR 11 Larry Hackey Jr
QB 12 Navarro Price  Jr
QB 13 Tayvon Tyler Fr
WR 14 Mykael Anderson Jr
TE 15 Kory Fleming GS
WR 16 Nahsir Morgan Sr. Jr
QB 18 RJ Rosales So
WR 19 Keyon Dickens  Jr
RB 20 Kenneth Davis GS
RB 21 David Freeman Sr
WR 23 Elijah Rice Sr
RB 24 Jerome Jones  Fr
RB 30 Roberto Alvarez Jr. Fr
FB 34 Steven McKinney  Jr
WR 38 Uriah Lawrence So
FB 42 Joe Johnson GS
FB 43 Jimmie Reed So
FB 46 Jerry Newmy  Fr
OL 55 Adrian Crespin Fr
OL 57 Mathias Nielsen Fr
OL 58 Justin Meade Sr
OL 59 Mark Lawton Jr
OL 60 Joseph Rounds  Fr
OL 61 DeMont Wynee Jr
OL 62 Keondre Ruff So
OL 63 Larry Jones Jr.  So
OL 65 Jamaree Moyer So
OL 68 Isaiah Butcher Fr
OL 70 Dillon Porter So
OL 72 Devonte Boyd  So
OL 75 Dequan Boone So
OL 76 Justin Royes Fr
OL 77 Isaiah Whitehurst Fr
OL 78 Trai'von Callis Fr
OL 79 Shawn Battle II Fr
TE 80 Kalen Carver  Jr
WR 81 Ricky Key Jr.  So
WR 82 Jasim Brown  So
WR 83 Jordan Cotman So
WR 84 Isaiah Wallace Fr
TE 85 Juelz Cooper Fr
WR 86 Reginald Vick Jr.  Fr
WR 89 Shane McNeil  So
WR Corie Addo  So
WR Lyvarius Gilbert Fr
WR Jeremiah Jordan  So
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
S 0 William Davis Jr
S 1 Nehemiah Scott So
CB 4 Raylyn Manley  So
DE 5 Armonii Burden GS
LB 6 Shamar Graham  So
S 7 Sean Bowers Sr
DE 8 Jah'Ke Hilliard Jr
DL 9 Isaac Anderson  Jr
CB 10 Ephraim Moore Sr
S 12 Donald Gatling So
S 17 Jabari Parker  So
S 22 Jalen Mayo  Fr
S 23 R'mondo Walker  So
CB 25 Xzavier Barnes  So
CB 26 Satchel McKinney  Jr
S 27 Jymere Melendez  Fr
CB 28 Jayden Earley Fr
LB 32 Lamumba Howard  Jr
LB 33 Decari Randle  Jr
CB 35 Niko McKay  So
CB 36 Aarenamon Johnson Fr
S 37 Kyle Kidewell  So
S 39 Damon Etheridge Fr
CB 40 Jayden White Fr
S 41 Demari Mason Fr
LB 45 Brandan Cammarasana Fr
S 47 Nathaniel Knox Fr
DE 48 Jahmel Flowers  Jr
LB 49 Zachary Weaver  Fr
LB 51 Noah Livingston So
DL 52 De'Andre Crump  Fr
DE 53 Carlik Humes Sr
LB 56 Diamondz Wells Fr
DL 90 Samuel Arrey Fr
DL 93 Kamari Federick Fr
DL 94 Bramon Lane Jr
DL 95 Isaiah Dickens GS
DL 96 Jalen Williamson  So
DL 97 Jordan Kamara Fr
DL 98 Jadacus Logan So
DL 99 Tajhir Tate GS
CB Sean Macon Fr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
P 29 Marvin Holmes Jr
PK 50 Josue Hernandez Jr
LS 54 Alexandre Lafontant Fr
LS 87 Rodney Manning  So
PK 88 Brady Myers So
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Edward Pointer – Assistant head coach/defensive coordinator/linebackers
  • Diego Ryland – Associate head coach/special teams coordinator/running backs
  • Monterio Hand – Wide receivers
  • Luke Bengtson – Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks
  • Quinn Brown – Offensive line/run game coordinator
  • Solomon Brown – Defensive line/defensive run game coordinator
  • Nico Rogers – Secondary
  • Anthony Prevost – Specialist
  • Justin Smith – Tight ends
  • Evan Jones – Cornerbacks
  • Ryan Gould – Defensive ends
  • Lane Washington – Director of football operations
  • Bernard Rucker – Equipment manager
  • Keith Swinson – Assistant equipment manager
  • Joe Ellison – Team chaplain
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster
Last update: 1/18/24

Rankings[edit]

Further information: 2023 NCAA Division II football rankings
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011Final
AFCA18171715RVRVRVRV2319181320
D222241816242322202020181724

Statistics[edit]

Team[edit]

Virginia Union Opp
  Points per Game 35.5 13.8
Total 426 166
First Downs 231 146
  Rushing 132 42
  Passing 74 78
  Penalty 25 26
Rushing yards 2,602 620
  Avg per play 5.2 1.7
  Avg per game 216.8 51.7
  Rushing touchdowns 31 3
Passing yards 1,870 2,173
  Att–Comp–Int 231–128–9 336–164–18
  Avg per pass 8.1 6.5
  Avg per game 155.8 181.1
  Passing touchdowns 18 15
Total Offense 4,472 2,793
  Avg per Play 6.1 4.0
  Avg per Game 372.7 232.8
Fumbles–Lost 7–6 21–10
Penalties–Yards 97–933 91–795
  Avg per Game 77.8 66.3
Punts–Yards 52–1,944 82–2,730
  Avg per Punt 33.3 28.7
Time of Possession/Game 31:40 28:06
3rd Down Conversions 50–138 45–167
4th Down Conversions 6–17 7–22
Sacks–Yards 25–129 19–128
Touchdowns Scored 58 23
Field Goals–Attempts 5–11 4–7
PAT–Attempts 55–58 16–21
Red Zone Attempts–Score 34–39 10–18
Red Zone TD 30 7
Attendance 21,531 4,158
  Games/Avg per Game 5,382.8 831.6
  Neutral Site 9,333

Individual leaders[edit]

Offense[edit]

After the season[edit]

Awards and CIAA honors[edit]

All-CIAA[edit]

[81]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "John Jiles - 2023 - Football". University of West Florida Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  2. ^ "Alvin Howard - Football". Concord University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  3. ^ "De'von Grant - Football". Elizabeth City State University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  4. ^ "DJ Chandler - 2024 - Football". Old Dominion University. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  5. ^ "Nehemiah Scott - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  6. ^ "Nehemiah Scott". Emory & Henry. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  7. ^ "J'Bore' Gibbs - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  8. ^ "J'Bore Gibbs - Football". University of Idaho Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  9. ^ "Navarro Price - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  10. ^ "Navarro Price - Football". Elizabeth City State University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  11. ^ "Kory Fleming - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  12. ^ "Kory Fleming - Football". Morehouse College Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  13. ^ "Nahsir Morgan, Sr. - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  14. ^ "Nahsir Morgan - Football". Delaware Valley University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  15. ^ "David Freeman - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  16. ^ "David Freeman". Hartnell College Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  17. ^ "Elijah Rice - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  18. ^ "Elijah Rice". Emory & Henry. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  19. ^ "Xzavier Barnes - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  20. ^ "Xzavier Barnes - 2022 - Football". The University of Virginia's College at Wise Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  21. ^ "Decari Randle - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  22. ^ "Decari Randle". Iowa Central Community College. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  23. ^ "Kyle Kidewell - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  24. ^ "Jabrill Norman - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  25. ^ "Jabril Norman". Mars Hill University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  26. ^ "Jerry Newmy - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  27. ^ "Jerry Newmy - Football". Chowan University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  28. ^ "Jahmel Flowers - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  29. ^ "Jahmel Flowers - 2021 - Football". University of Arkansas at Monticello Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  30. ^ "Josue Hernandez - 2022 - Football". Keystone College Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  31. ^ "Dillon Porter - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  32. ^ "Dillon Porter". Virginia University of Lynchburg athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  33. ^ "Tajhir Tate - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  34. ^ "Tajhir Tate - 2022 - Football". Wagner College Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  35. ^ "Corie Addo - 2023-24 - Football". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  36. ^ "Corie Addo - Football". Norfolk State University Athletics. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  37. ^ "CIAA Announces 2023 Preseason Football All-Conference Team and Predicted Order of Finish". theciaa.com. December 19, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  38. ^ "MOREHOUSE (0-1) -VS- VIRGINIA UNION (1-0)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  39. ^ "VIRGINIA UNION (1-0) -VS- SHAW (0-1)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  40. ^ "VIRGINIA UNION (3-0 , 1-0) -VS- LIVINGSTONE (0-3 , 0-1)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  41. ^ "FAYETTEVILLE STATE (2-2 , 2-0) -VS- VIRGINIA UNION (3-1 , 1-1)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  42. ^ "VIRGINIA UNION (4-1 , 1-1) -VS- SAINT AUGUSTINE'S (0-5 , 0-2)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  43. ^ "VIRGINIA UNION (5-1 , 3-1) -VS- ELIZABETH CITY ST. (1-5 , 0-4)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  44. ^ "BOWIE STATE (3-4 , 2-3) -VS- VIRGINIA UNION (6-1 , 4-1)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  45. ^ "LINCOLN (PA) (4-4 , 3-3) -VS- VIRGINIA UNION (7-1 , 5-1)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  46. ^ "VIRGINIA UNION (8-1 , 6-1) -VS- BLUEFIELD ST. (1-8 , 0-7)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  47. ^ "# 19 VIRGINIA STATE (8-2 , 6-2) -VS- # 22 VIRGINIA UNION (9-1 , 7-1)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  48. ^ "VIRGINIA UNION (10-1 , 8-1) -VS- FAYETTEVILLE ST. (8-3 , 8-1)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  49. ^ "# 13 VIRGINIA UNION (10-2) -VS- KUTZTOWN (10-2)". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  50. ^ "2023 Football Schedule". vuusports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  51. ^ Mosley, Kyle T. (January 13, 2023). "Morehouse to Battle VA Union at 2023 Black College Football HOF Classic". HBCU Legends. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  52. ^ Gaither, Steven J. (February 2, 2023). "Morehouse College to hire alumnus, FBS assistant as coach". HBCU Gameday. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  53. ^ "VUU Defeats Morehouse in Black College Hall of Fame Classic". Virginia Union University Athletics. September 3, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  54. ^ Murray, Jack. "Virginia Union Defeats Morehouse in 2023 Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic". Bleacher Report. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  55. ^ Bona, Marc (September 4, 2023). "Virginia Union University trounces Morehouse College in 4th BCFHOF Classic". cleveland. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  56. ^ Mosley, Kyle T. (September 3, 2023). "VA Union Routs Morehouse At Black College Football Hall Of Fame Classic". HBCU Legends. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  57. ^ O'Connor, John (September 3, 2023). "VUU rides defense, tailback Jada Byers to 'Classic' victory over Morehouse". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  58. ^ "The Maroon Tigers Open Season With A Loss Against Virginia Union". Morehouse College Athletics. September 3, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  59. ^ "'These guys responded': Virginia Union wins Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic". Canton Repository. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  60. ^ "Alvin Parker - Associate Athletic Director / Head Football Coach - Football Coaches". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  61. ^ "Edward Pointer - Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers - Football Coaches". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  62. ^ "Diego Ryland - Associate Head Coach / Special Teams Coordinator / Running Backs - Football Coaches". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  63. ^ "Monterio Hand - Wide Receivers / Strength & Conditioning Coordinator - Football Coaches". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  64. ^ "Luke Bengtson - Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks - Football Coaches". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  65. ^ "Quinn Brown - Offensive Line / Run Game Coordinator - Football Coaches". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  66. ^ "Solomon Brown - Defensive Line / Defensive Run Game Coordinator - Football Coaches". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  67. ^ "Nico Rogers - Secondary Coach / Recruiting Coordinator - Football Coaches". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  68. ^ "Justin Smith - Tight Ends - Football Coaches". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  69. ^ "Evan Jones - Cornerbacks - Football Coaches". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  70. ^ "Ryan Gould - Defensive Ends - Football Coaches". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  71. ^ "2023-24 Football Roster". Virginia Union University Athletics. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  72. ^ a b c "CIAA Announces Football Weekly Honors #1". theciaa.com. December 19, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  73. ^ a b "CIAA Announces Football Weekly Honors #2". theciaa.com. September 11, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  74. ^ "CIAA Announces Football Weekly Honors #4". theciaa.com. September 18, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  75. ^ "CIAA Announces Football Weekly Honors #5". theciaa.com. October 2, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  76. ^ "CIAA Announces Football Weekly Honors #6". theciaa.com. October 9, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  77. ^ a b c "CIAA Announces Football Weekly Honors #7". theciaa.com. October 16, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  78. ^ "CIAA Announces Football Weekly Honors #8". theciaa.com. October 23, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  79. ^ a b "CIAA Announces Football Weekly Honors #9". theciaa.com. October 30, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  80. ^ a b c "CIAA Announces Football Weekly Honors #10". theciaa.com. November 6, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  81. ^ a b c d "CIAA Announces 2023 Football All-Conference Teams and Superlatives". theciaa.com. November 10, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2023_Virginia_Union_Panthers_football_team&oldid=1218026562"