Johnson C. Smith University Men's Football

Since taking over JCSU football in 2022, Coach Flowers has led the Golden Bulls to their best record since 1975 and guided the team to the Florida Beach Bowl, marking the school's first bowl appearance in over a decade. He has proven to be a prolific fundraiser, securing upgraded athletics facilities including a new turf field, weight room, and locker room. Prior to his time at JCSU, Flowers was the head coach at Fort Valley State University. He led the team to a 5-5 finish in the 2021 season, with three All-SIAC selections and three players selected to play in the 2022 HBCU Legacy Bowl. Flowers also served as the offensive coordinator at Fayetteville State University, where he helped lead the team to two CIAA South Division titles and appearances in the CIAA championship game. Before FVSU, Flowers served as the Fayetteville State University offensive coordinator in 2017 and 2019. Both years his offense was one of the top offenses in the CIAA. He helped lead the team to the CIAA South Division titles and the CIAA championship game, averaging 34 points per game. Six offensive players earned All-CIAA recognition in 2019. Flowers began his collegiate coaching career in 2010 at JCSU as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. JCSU finished the 2011 season with a victory over SIAC Champion Miles College in the Pioneer Bowl. Flowers was a high school head coach in Charlotte, first at Olympic High School then West Charlotte High School, before moving on to Chester High School in South Carolina. He’s coached over 50 players who earned college scholarships. Flowers attended East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte before becoming a student-athlete at JCSU, where he excelled in both football and basketball. He was a College Football Preview Magazine All-American Quarterback for three years in a row and served as team captain for the Golden Bulls. Off the field, Coach Flowers and his wife, Tonya, are the proud parents of three daughters.  

Kevin Thompson, a 27 year coaching veteran throughout the Southeast, comes back to Johnson C Smith University after spending 9 seasons at FCS Campbell University, where he served as offensive line coach.   Over the last Nine seasons, Thompson's line has been at the forefront of Campbell’s offensive attack, producing 15 all-conference honorees over two leagues.   Despite playing a four-game, all-FBS schedule in 2020, the Campbell offense ranked No. 4 in the FCS in total offense, No. 3 in rushing offense, No. 5 in passing offense and No. 1 in third down conversions at season's end.   Anchored by All-Big South pick Tyler McLellan, Campbell’s 2020 o-line boasted its largest group in program history, with an average height of 6-5.6  and weighing in at 325 pounds on average (1,625 total pounds), the unit would have ranked as the seventh largest in the FBS (according to Crecent City Sports).   In CU’s second season in the Big South in 2019, the Camels posted a top-three rushing attack for the second straight year, while two members of the offensive line were named to all-conference teams. Bookended by the duo of Jacob Cuddington and Tyler McLellan at left and right tackle, respectively, the group helped pave the way for six individual 100 yard rushing performances, and three individual 100 yard receiving games in 2019. Campbell ran and passed for 200 or more yards six times each, pushing Campbell to a season-high 269 rushing yards at North Alabama.   In 2018, Campbell ranked ninth nationally in fewest sacks allowed, clearing the way for six individual 100-yard rushing games. Campbell owned the Big South's second-ranked passing offense, standing No. 2 in pass completions, passing yards and pass touchdowns, as well as third-ranked totals in scoring offense, touchdowns, total offense, rush yards and rush TDs, while Shuler Littleton was named Second Team All-Big South.   Campbell again produced one of the top rushing outputs in the Pioneer Football League in 2017, ranking second at 228.7 yards per game. CU was also one of two squads in the PFL to average more than 33 points per game, while leading the conference in total yards with a school record 436.5 yards per game. Campbell also set school record for passing touchdowns (21) and passing yards per game (207.8), while hitting the 50 touchdown mark for the second time in the program’s 10 seasons.   Littleton was also named Second Team All-PFL in 2017, paving the way for First Team Freshman All-America and PFL Offensive Freshman of the Year Daniel Smith. The Camels ranked among the national leaders in first down offense (8th), scoring offense (21st), rushing offense (13th) and total offense (24th) at the conclusion of the regular season.   Campbell led the PFL in rushing in 2015 with 1,956 yards, with Thompson's offensive line paving the way for the league's leading rusher, First Team All-PFL running back De'Shawn Jones.   Three members of the offensive line were named all-conference, with redshirt sophomore Brian Stryffeler leading the way with second team honors. Josh Hutto and Laurin O'Briant also earned honorable mention nods for the Camels.   CU ranked third in the PFL in rushing offense in 2016, with Stryffeler and O'Briant earning honorable mention all-conference nods.   In addition to the team's success on the ground, Campbell's last four seasons have been the best in the program's passing history, throwing for more than 2,000 yards in each.   In 2014, Thompson coached three Campbell offensive linemen to All-PFL selections , including First Team member Will Sawyer at left guard. Senior center Dalton Brown and freshman right tackle Josh Hutto were also honorable mentions.   In his first season as the Camels’ offensive line coach, the program set 21 offensive team records, including rushing yards (2,800), passing yards (2,436), and total offense (5,236).   Center Dalton Brown and left guard Will Sawyer also picked up honorable mention nods on the offensive line for the Camels, helping Campbell rank second in the PFL in rushing offense at 233.2 yards per game. The Camels ran for more than 200 yards five times in 2013, including a school record 513 in a win over UVa.-Wise. CU also passed for more than 275 yards four times.   Thompson, will make his return to Johnson C. Smith University 97-02 (Offensive Line) 09 -12 where he served as associate head coach and offensive line coach, while also handling the Golden Bulls’ equipment duties.   Over his final two seasons at Johnson C. Smith, Thompson helped guide the Bulls to back to back winning records for the first time in 40 years. The team also concluded the season on a four-game winning streak, its longest since 1996.   Behind Thompson’s line, quarterback Keahn Wallace set the mark for most passing yards in a single-season at JCSU with 2,280, and Dedrick Anderson became the Golden Bulls’ first 1,000-yard rusher since 1991.   During the Golden Bulls’ Pioneer Bowl championship run in 2011, Thompson constructed an offensive line that allowed JCSU to total 3,881 yards of offense. His o-line also protected quarterback Keahn Wallace, who produced 2,005 yards through the air and a record 473 yards on the ground.   Thompson began coaching at his alma mater, Savannah State University. As a player, Thompson's offensive unit paved the way for both of SSU’s all-time leading rushers. In 1992, his team made the NCAA Division II playoffs and was ranked eighth in the country. That same year saw Thompson gain honorable mention accolades from the SIAC. Thompson earned second team honors on the 1994 All-SIAC list.   Thompson began coaching at SSU in 1995 as a student assistant and took over the Tigers offensive line in 1996. From SSU, Thompson followed his old coach Bill Davis to JCSU. Under Thompson's tutelage, the offensive line at JCSU led the way for the CIAA Offensive Player of the Year and leading rusher in 2000.   Thompson moved on to Livingstone College in 2003. While at Livingstone, his offensive line opened holes for the conference all-purpose yard getter in 2004, giving up only 10 sacks the entire season. Thompson would also send one of his linemen to the All-CIAA ranks both years at Livingstone.   In 2005, Thompson joined the coaching staff at Florida A&M University. While at FAMU, his o-line led the way for the 2005 leading rusher in the MEAC. In 2007, his line would make way for the Offensive Rookie of the Year who was second in the MEAC in rushing.   After leaving FAMU, Thompson became the offensive line coach at Lane College producing one All SIAC offensive lineman Eric Martinear, before returning to JCSU.   A native of Decatur, Ga., Thompson graduated from McNair Sr. High School in Atlanta GA (91), and graduated from Savannah State in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Thompson and his wife, Tennile Simms (Johnson C Smith 98), are the proud parents of 3 children Kevin, Kaylen, and Kamron.    

James Lott joined Johnson C Smith University in 2023, where he currently serves as Corners Coach and Special Teams Coordinator.  Prior to arriving at Johnson C Smith, Coach Lott spent two seasons at Fayetteville State University as Assistant Head and Defensive Backs Coach.  There he assisted the defense as one of the top defenses in the CIAA and highly ranked defensive pass game statistics in the country for Division II, two CIAA Championship appearances winning the Championship in the 2022 season, and a first round appearance in 2022 Division II Playoffs. Prior to Fayetteville State, Lott’s first college coaching stint was at Johnson C Smith. He served eight years collectively working as an Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, and Defensive Backs Coach. Lott coached a Defense team that ranked in the top 20 in several categories and set the school record for interceptions in the CIAA during his time at JCSU.  Coach Lott has mentored over 500 student-athletes during his tenure as a high school and college coach.  Players include All-American players in the CIAA: DB Carlo Thomas, LB Austin Jacques, DE Javonte Williams, DB Brandon Barnes-Brown, DB Josh Williams (current NFL player for Super Bowl Champions, Kansas City Chiefs). Lott attended Clemson University from 1985 to 1989, where he was a four-year starter, and recorded the most starts by a Clemson defensive player in Clemson history.  He is a former All ACC Defensive Back and is also ranked in the top 10 for the best plays by a Clemson Tiger when he caused a safety to help Clemson win the game vs. the Georgia Bulldogs in 1986. He went on to play in Defensive Back in the NFL  for two years with Chicago Bears, and played two seasons in the Canadian Football League. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Catawba College. Lott is a native of Kannapolis, NC, together he and his wife Jena’ have five children and one granddaughter.   

Sadat Chambers enters his second season as Tight Ends and H-Backs coach at Johnson C. Smith University. Chambers comes to JCSU with over a decade of playing and coaching experience. Before joining the Golden Bull family, Chambers started his collegiate coaching at Fork Union Military Academy where he coached the wide receivers and defensive backs. Chambers was the recruiting coordinator and served as the Strength and Conditioning Coach. While there he helped the Blue Devils to their second undefeated season in 2021 since 2017. He developed FBS and FCS NCAA Division 1 athletes during his time there from 2021-2022. Some went on to be freshman All- Americans and starters till this day. Prior to Fork Union Military Academy, Chambers served as Defensive Backs Coach at Central Academy Technology of Arts School in Monroe, NC. While there, he help lead Central Academy to their 1st winning season and 1st appearance in the playoffs since the school opened. His Defensive Backs also ranked 2nd in the state in interceptions that year. Chambers also volunteered at a few other High Schools prior to Central Academy. A five-year letterwinner at Clemson University from (2005-2010) where he played on both sides of the ball as a Defensive Back, Running Back and Linebacker. An Honor roll and one time dean’s list student athlete. Also, player of the week against Central Michigan Chippewas where he recorded 112 rushing yards and a 63-yard touchdown run. Also, the player of the week against North Carolina after stripping Brandon Tate. While at Clemson University Chambers won an ACC Atlantic Division Title as Coach Dabo Swinney first full year as head coach in 2009. The Tigers just was six points short of winning their first ACC title in 18 years. Chambers attended a few NFL camps and played overseas. A native of Pageland, SC, Chambers was an outstanding athlete at Central High School where he won a state 2A title as an Eagle. Chambers is a proud father of three beautiful young queens and two young kings; Trevion Chambers, Kendal Huntley, Kaegan Chambers, Camille Dumas and Skylar Chambers.  

Ryan Heaston enters his first season as the Wide Receivers Coach for Johnson C Smith. Coach Heaston is coming from the University of Indianapolis where he spent 3 years coaching the Running Backs (2020) and Wide Receivers (2021-22).   Heaston was a big part of UIndy's GLVC title in the 2022 season. The Greyhounds had three receivers that earned all-conference honors including Alonzo Derrick who nothced 3 100 yard receiving games with a career best of 10 catches for 155 yards 1 TD at Ohio Dominican. Heaston also coordinated the kickoff return team that ranked top 10 nationally with a 24.5 avg and 2 TDS for the season.   Heaston was also a big part of UIndy's GLVC title in the abbreviated 2021 spring season. The Greyhounds averaged nearly 220 rushing yards per game, including a 235-yard individual performance from future All-American Toriano Clinton in the first-ever GLVC Championship Game that April.   Prior to his time with the Hounds, Heaston helped Division II West Texas A&M to back-to-back winning seasons, including an 8-3 mark in 2019. He also mentored WTAM running back Duke Carter IV to All-Lone Star Conference Honorable Mention accolades. In 2018, Carter had a career game in an upset win over 14th-ranked Central Washington, racking up 259 yards and four touchdowns on the way to LSC Offensive Player of the Week honors.   A native of Cordova, Tenn., Heaston spent his undergrad at Division I Missouri State, compiling more than 1,500 career rushing yards for the Bears. He was named a College Sports Journal Freshman All-American in 2012 after rushing for 367 yards and two touchdowns on 66 carries as a rookie. He was also a member of the Jerry Rice Award Watch List while also being named the Missouri State Media Player of the Week three times.   An honor roll student at MSU, Heaston earned a bachelor’s degree in 2015 and went on to earn a master’s in Sports Administration from Tennessee State in 2017.  

Chi-Emeke Worthington is a 21-year coaching veteran and JCSU Alum class of 2004. Coach Worthington re-joined the JCSU Football staff for his second stint as its Co-Defensive Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator and Defensive backs coach in March 2022, after spending two seasons (2020-22) as Defensive Backs Coach and Academic Coordinator. He also has had coaching stops at Walsh University, Ouachita Baptist, Bethel College, Marian University as well University of Iowa. In 2023 Worthington was a part of the staff that had the #1 Defense in the Country in Division II. As the Safeties Coach for JCSU the Golden Bulls in 2023 were 7th in D2 in Passing Yards Allowed, 6th in Rushing Yards Allowed, 2nd in First Downs allowed, and 2nd in 3rd Down Defense. Worthington led a unit that blocked 7 kicks on PAT/FG’s with 2 Returns for TD’s to help the Golden Bulls to tie for the 2nd most blocked kicks in D2. Coach Worthington KO unite led the CIAA in return avg. of 17.14 yards per return. Worthington Coached Freshman Safety Tynan Tucker to the All-CIAA Rookie Team recognition. In Coach Worthington 1st season back in 2022, the Golden Bulls pass defense made a drastic jump from 2021, improving 102 spots from 120th up to 18th nationally in Passing Yards Allowed per game at 161.9 YPG. While at UNC Pembroke He developed 2021 Spring MEC Defensive Freshman of the Year Dante Bowlding, Devin Jones UDFA CB/KR Carolina Panthers- 1st Team All-MEC CB (21Spr) & KR (21Spr/21FL), Dante Bowlding Spring 21 Hon. Mention and Fl 21 2nd Team All-MEC, John Jones Fl 21 2nd Team All-MEC. In Fall 21 UNCP finished tied for 7th Nationally in INT’S per game at 1.5. Worthington provided a bit of electricity in three seasons (2017-2019) at the helm of the Johnson C. Smith defensive backs as the Golden Bulls registered 26 interceptions over that span, including 11 Int’s in 2017 that helped fuel the nation's third-best passing defense. Redshirt junior Cameron Willis hauled in five interceptions and broke up seven passes in 2019 on the way to All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Conference laurels. Prior to returning to North Carolina, Worthington served a pair of roles on the defensive staff at Walsh in North Canton, Ohio, including a stint as the defensive coordinator for the Cavaliers. With Worthington calling the defensive formations in 2017, Walsh ranked 39th, nationally, in passing yards allowed, fewest yards allowed per game defensively since transitioning to Division II and 5 defensive players went on to earn all-conference accolades from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). In 2 seasons he coached 4 All-Conference players. In 2014, Worthington was the Cornerbacks coach at Ouachita Baptist University, which finished ranked seventh nationally in the final Division II Poll of the regular season. The team went 10-0, in the Great American Conference Champions and received the No. 1 Seed in Super Region 3 of the Division II playoffs. Finishing in the second round of the playoffs 10-1 and a No. 9 ranking in the final Division II poll finishing #11 in the nation in total defense. Prior to Ouachita Baptist, Coach Worthington was the Co. Defensive Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator at Bethel College where he was integral in the rebuilding of the program spearheading the recruitment of 73 student-athletes in the 2013 class. In 2012, at Marian University as the Defensive Backs Coach the Knights led the nation in interceptions with 27, ranking #11 nationally in total defense after in 2011 leading the nation in Defense on all levels of college football, winning the NAIA National Championship and being Back to Back MSFA Conference Champions. Prior to Marian University he spent four seasons at NC Tech Prep, including the last two as Defensive Coordinator and three years as Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach. While serving in his role as Recruiting Coordinator over 30 athletes went on to FBS and FCS programs. Worthington was spent 2 years at the University of Iowa serving as a Recruiting Assistant, responsible for the recruiting areas of Florida, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, and New Jersey. Worthington has played a role in the development of eight professional players over his coaching career, including Cordarrelle Patterson (Tennessee) who was a first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2013 National Football League Draft. A four-year letterwinner at Johnson C. Smith from 2000-03, Worthington was decorated with Football Gazette All-South Region honors at free safety as a senior in 2003. A member of the honors program at JCSU. He earned dean's list recognition four times, as well as a spot on the CIAA's all-academic team. He was a Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges (2004), United States Achievement Academy Collegiate Award Winner (2001), Charlotte Touchdown Club Scholarship Recipient awarded Dec. 9, 2002 and CIAA Conference All-Academic Team (2003). Worthington earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Johnson C. Smith in 2004, and completed his Master’s Degrees in athletic administration and cultural studies at Iowa in 2007. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc and was initiated at Rho Chapter of JCSU in Spring 2002. Serving as Basileus as an Undergrad at Rho Chapter 2003-2004, and at Eta Upsilon Graduate Chapter in Iowa 2005-2007.  

Tyrell Jackson enters his first year as Quarterbacks Coach at JCSU. He comes to the Golden Bulls after finishing a productive playing career at JCSU. In his high school career, in 22 games, he threw for 6,331 yards and 58 touchdowns. In his senior campaign he threw for 4,048 yards and 45 touchdowns finishing 1st in the state (South Carolina) in passing yards and touchdown passes as well finishing 24th overall in the country.  With that senior year he was awarded Statewide Offensive Player of the Year, Palmetto Prep/Rivals SC QB of the year, 4A Upper State Back of the year, Region 1-4A Offensive Player of the Year, Mr. Football runner up and Gatorade Player of the Year runner up.  Recruited out of ASA Brooklyn (Juco), by Coach Flowers, to Fort Valley State in 2021, He spent 2 years there as the starter and ended up transferring and following Coach Flowers to JCSU. Played his last 2 years at JCSU as the starter.  In his 11 games at Fort Valley State, he threw for 2,301 yards and 17 touchdowns, at Johnson C. Smith he played in seven games where he totaled 1,725 yards in the air and 11 passing touchdowns. He received his bachelor’s degree in sports management from Johnson C. Smith in 2024. 

Barry Tripp enters his third season as Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator for Johnson C. Smith In 2024. Johnson C. Smith University’s defense went through a resurgence in 2023. Tripp led a unit that was #1 in the country in Total Defense. The defense also finished #6 in Rushing Defense, #7 in Pass Defense, #2 in 3rd Down Conversion Percentage Defense, and #2 in First Down Defense. This Unit was anchored by 1st Team All-Conference Linebacker Benari Black and 2nd Team All-Conference Linebacker Jaqurius Smith. The 2021 Fort Valley State University led by Tripp ranked 3rd in tackles for loss and 7th in Red Zone Defense. The defense also ranked 18th in Sacks Per Game and 15th in Defensive Touchdowns. The defense was led by 3 First Team All-Conference Players. Antonio Golden, Zaquan Baldwin and Zach Anderson. Under his direction, the Fayetteville State defense ranked seventh in the nation in pass efficiency defense, 10th in 3rd Down Conversion Percentage, and 29th in Total Defense. His defensive unit consisted of an All-CIAA First Team player, Keyshawn James, an All-CIAA Second Team player, Nigel Peele, and two CIAA All-Rookie performers, Tyson Green and Jordan Ferguson. Overall, Tripp spent four seasons at Fayetteville State and he was a part of three CIAA Southern Division Championship teams. Prior to arriving at Fayetteville State, Tripp served as Defensive Line Coach at Greene Central High School (2015), and Defensive Line Coach at Winston Salem State University (2013-2014). Under his direction, Duvontae Covington won the 2014 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year award. Also, in 2014, Alfy Hill and Casey Davenport garnered All-CIAA First Team, as well as Michael Bloomfield (All-CIAA Second Team) and Amyl Smith (All-CIAA Rookie Team). Coach Tripp obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Winston Salem State University.