DURHAM, NC — One week earlier than the season kicks off, North Carolina Central is locked in and prepared for a primetime sport with an HBCU contender in Southern College within the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Problem.
The matchup pits the 2024 MEAC runner-up in opposition to the defending SWAC West champions of 2024 in some of the anticipated HBCU soccer video games of the 12 months.
Previous Faculty Preparation
Head coach Trei Oliver mentioned his crew put in a grueling preseason camp to arrange for Southern.
“That is old fashioned proper right here, man. My outdated coach would’ve been happy with this,” Oliver mentioned. “We had a extremely good camp. I assumed we improved. We nonetheless acquired some work to do, however I like the place our crew is correct now.”
Oliver emphasised the toughness of his gamers throughout camp.
“It was a really aggressive camp. The O-line and D-line have been getting after it. Talent positions had some battles too. It was very bodily. The blokes are bored with hitting on one another, so we’re able to go hit someone in a unique shade uniform now.”
HBCU Powers Lock Up
Getting ready for a crew like Southern, which has reloaded with transfers, might be difficult. However Oliver pressured that his crew is targeted inward.
“The primary sport’s not in regards to the opponent, it’s about us,” Oliver mentioned. “We simply should go on the market and execute. Ensure that we’re environment friendly in what we do, sound with our approach and fundamentals.”
Oliver made it clear that North Carolina Central gained’t depend on fast fixes.
“We don’t depend on an entire lot of transfers and hope and pray. Hope is out of the plan round right here. We should be ready.”
Offensive Confidence
A key to North Carolina Central’s confidence heading into Atlanta is its offensive line, in line with Oliver.
“What excites me about [Walker Harris] is the offensive line. That is in all probability going to be one of the best we’ve been, since I’ve been right here, in entrance on either side of the ball”.
Harris, now an skilled starter, echoed that confidence.
“I really like the place we’re at as an offense this time of the 12 months, much more than final 12 months. The entire offensive line is coming again, which makes me really feel nice. We’ve acquired six or seven receivers that may actually go, which makes my job simple.”
He was particularly complimentary of his middle, Nolan McKinney, one in all his closest mates on the crew.
“He’s been busting his tail all summer time. By the top of the season, I feel we’re going to be this offensive line as among the finest.”
Setting the Tone Early
Harris mentioned the Eagles’ mindset is obvious: begin sturdy.
“We speak day by day about beginning quick, whether or not that’s in follow or within the season. Clearly, sport one the expectation is to go on the market and win”.
For Harris, this opener carries further weight.
“We’ve been placing in work this summer time, this spring, this camp. We’re able to put the ball down. It’s about how we execute, how we maintain the soccer, how we do the little issues proper.”
He additionally views the MEAC/SWAC Problem as a chance to showcase HBCU soccer to a nationwide viewers.
“After we take into consideration these basic video games on TV, I feel our program relishes that highlight. After we contact down in Atlanta, it’s about enterprise, about successful a soccer sport.”
Oliver is aware of the stage is large.
“Week zero, 7:30 primetime. Anytime we’ve the chance to play on nationwide tv, characterize our college and our model, and let folks see what sort of soccer we play—it’s large. I feel we play a extremely good model of soccer right here at North Carolina Central, and I feel our followers are gonna be excited”.
For each Oliver and Harris, the problem is much less about Southern’s expertise and extra about sustaining the Eagles’ commonplace.
“We’ll be ready. It’s a enterprise journey,” Oliver mentioned. “We’re not going out right here to relax and kick it. Guys are prepared. Guys are centered”.
With confidence of their preparation and perception of their identification, North Carolina Central heads to Atlanta decided to show as soon as once more why it belongs among the many elite in HBCU soccer.
