Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
- Savannah State will be represented by new head coach Thomas Howard and seniors Emari Napper, Cinsere Clark.
- Head coach Thomas Howard brings FCS experience at Alabama A&M, South Carolina State, North Carolina A&T, and four HBCU national titles involvement.
- Senior DB Emari Napper anchored a defense ranked 14th in total, 10th in rushing; he had 14 tackles and seven pass breakups.
- Senior WR Cinsere Clark led Savannah State with 50 catches for 641 yards, 12.82 yards per reception, and four receiving touchdowns.
Football
Joshua C. Jackson, Assistant AD for Media Relations
SAVANNAH, Ga.-The new look, Savannah State football program is set to take center stage at the 2026 SIAC Football Media Day, presented by Georgia Power. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 22nd and will return to the Tubman African American Museum in Macon, Georgia for the second consecutive year.
Coaches and student-athletes from the league’s 13 football programs will open the two-day event with the SIAC Community Service and Outreach Day on Tuesday, July 21, followed by the SIAC Football Media Day will follow on Wednesday, July 22, and will be open only to institutions and approved members of the media.
This season, Savannah State will be represented by new head football coach Thomas Howard, senior defensive back Emari Napper, and senior wide receiver Cinsere Clark.
Howard was installed as the 28th head football coach in the storied history of Savannah State football on January 5, 2026. Howard brings a wealth of collegiate coaching experience, having served as defensive coordinator at Alabama A&M and South Carolina State along with other career stops North Carolina A&T, the University of Findlay, Lincoln (Mo.), Slippery Rock, and Allen University. Throughout his career, he has coached numerous all-conference performers, FCS Freshman All-Americans, and was part of four HBCU National Championship teams at North Carolina A&T.
Napper was a key member of an SSU defense which ranked 14th nationally in total defense and 10th in rushing defense. A 6’1 redshirt senior from Jacksonville, Florida, Napper appeared in nine games last season, had 14 total tackles, and led the team in pass breakups with seven.
Clark was a main focal point of the Tiger passing game last season. The 6’0, 180lb senior from Durham, North Carolina led Savannah State in receiving with 50 catches for 641 yards, averaged 12.82 yards per reception, and four receiving touchdowns.
Savannah State will open the 2026 campaign on the road on Saturday, August 29th as they will battle defending HBCU Division I National Champions, South Carolina State at 6:00pm in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Stay Connected
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