State football report: Clark Atlanta opens with new enthusiasm

Thursday

Chattanooga 66, Shorter 0

The Citadel 24, Mercer 23

Saturday

Cincinnati Christian at Reinhardt, 1:30 p.m.

Catawba at West Georgia, 2 p.m.

Point at Mississippi College, 3 p.m.

Fort Valley State at Miles, 4 p.m.

Maryville (Tenn.) at Berry, 6 p.m.

Savannah State at Georgia Southern, 6 p.m.

Middle Georgia State at Georgia Military, 6 p.m.

Albany State at Valdosta State, 7 p.m.

Tuskegee at Clark Atlanta, 7 p.m.

East Tennessee State at Kennesaw State, 7 p.m.

LaGrange at Birmingham Southern, 7 p.m.

Morehouse at Edward Waters, 7 p.m.

Matthew Daniels is excited.

He’s seen the progress Clark Atlanta has made in the past year under coach Kevin Ramsey and is ready to start the season against perennial Division II playoff team Tuskegee at 7 p.m. today at Panther Stadium.

“He’s brought an edge to the program that we didn’t have before,” said Daniels, a junior running back who played at Dutchtown High. “We’re more cohesive now and know what we’re capable of doing. In knowing that, we have a chance to beat anybody we play this year, without a doubt.”

Ramsey took over the program in July last year, giving him and his staff little time to work with the Panthers before the season, leading to a 1-8 record in 2015.

He’s instilled his philosophy, structure and discipline in a program that has averaged two wins a season the past five years.

And Ramsey has brought in new players, such as former Vanderbilt starting quarterback Johnny McCrary (Cedar Grove) and former Massachusetts offensive tackle Tyshon Henderson, who Ramsey said is 6 feet 6 and 320 pounds.

“To really have the impact of what we do, is the totality of our program,” he said. “Having gone through weight training with the guys. Having gone through spring ball with this group. We have a lot of new faces, but those guys have really bought in. We’re of the same blood type, sort of speak.”

McCrary, who graduated and has two years of eligibility left, threw for 2,518 yards, 15 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in 17 career games (12 career starts) at Vanderbilt.

He arrived at Clark Atlanta this summer and is expected to share time with returning starter Dashawn Blow.

With McCrary at 6-5 and Blow at 5-8, they have contrasting styles, but “both of them can spin it and both of them can run,” Ramsey said.

Leading rusher Jaha McCray also returns after rushing nearly 400 of his 486 yards in the final four games.