JSU success starts with trait Sanders instilled
Chris Havard was a graduate of the Class of 1984 at Jackson State. He was in attendance for some of the greatest moments in the program's history. He saw them win Southwestern Athletic Conference championships during the days of Keith Taylor, Lewis Tillman and W.C. Gorden.
It was only natural he would be in attendance Sunday for yet another historic moment in his alma mater's history, as the dawn of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders' tenure at Jackson State commenced.
As he sat in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium and looked on as Jackson State rolled to a 53-0 season-opening victory over Edward Waters, he couldn't help but feel the program was trending in the right direction.
It may have only been Sanders' first time in front of the Jackson State fans, but Havard said he already can see the impact he is making on the team.
“They're more disciplined, and they have more talent,” he said. “But it's all about leadership. He's out there having fun with the guys, high-fiving them when they come off the field. They want to play for him.”
Discipline is something that is of the utmost importance to Sanders. He made sure that his players knew that from the moment he took the reins at Jackson State. Each of them know he won't hesitate to chastise a player the moment they step out of line, regardless of their stature.
Wide receiver Daylen Baldwin, who finished Saturday's game with six catches for 70 yards and a touchdown, said it's the main thing he has noticed since "Coach Prime" took over.
“Anybody can get sent out of practice, anybody can get sent to run around the whole field,” Baldwin said after Jackson State's first shutout win since 2014. “Consistency and discipline are two things that he preaches and tells us every single day.”
Ever the perfectionist, Sanders is always looking for ways his team can improve and grow.
Even after a historic win over an overmatched NAIA opponent to open his tenure at JSU, he said he wanted to see more from his offense. He thought his defense was stellar and was impressed with the efforts of Warren Newman, who was named the game's offensive MVP.
Newman finished with 76 receiving yards, 43 return yards and a touchdown.
Sanders said his team accomplished two things that he has often stressed: intellect and discipline.
“We were smart and disciplined,” Sanders said. “We were antagonized quite a bit but the kids didn't go for it. I think we only had one unnecessary roughness. I'm happy with where we are, but we've got a long way to go.”