Of the Few That Remain
- pvvseverybody
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Written by Lionel Mosby Jr.
It is no secret that Coach Tremaine Jackson, in his few months as the Prairie View A&M Head Coach, has completely overturned the roster. According to HeroSports, the Panthers have added 15 FCS transfers and 23 FBS transfers. The quality and quantity of Coach Jackson's recruiting class is the reason his transfer class ranks #1 among HBCUs and #4 in the nation among FCS programs.
This infusion of talent will play a very significant role in determining PVAMU's fate during the 2025 season, but there are a few familiar faces that have a chance to contribute in major ways to the Panther success under this new regime.
A Few Familiar Faces
Here's a breakdown of some top returning players and how Coach Jackson might deploy them:
Offense:
Lamagea McDowell (RB, Senior)
* Measurables: 6'2", 220 lbs
McDowell was the primary workhorse in the backfield for the Panthers, leading the team with 482 rushing yards on 115 carries for a 4.2 yards per carry average and an impressive 7 rushing touchdowns.
McDowell's powerful running style and nose for the end zone make him a vital asset. His ability to break tackles and gain tough yardage will be critical for sustaining drives and short-yardage situations. In 2024, 347 of McDowell's 482 net rushing yards were gained after contact. With an improved emphasis on offensive line play, Prairie View coaches hope to see him untouched to the second line of defenders more often this season.
McDowell will be the hammer in the Panthers' rushing attack. Coach Jackson's use of the air raid system hasn't eliminated his desire for physicality, and McDowell embodies that. He'll be used to wear down defenses, control the clock, and convert in crucial situations. Expect a heavy dose of McDowell early and often, setting the tone for the offense and opening up play-action opportunities.
Chase Bingmon (RB, Sophomore)
* Measurables: 5'9", 185 lbs
As a true freshman, Bingmon showed flashes of explosive potential with 5 of his 21 rushing attempts going for 10+ yards including longs of 26 & 23. He ended His season accumulating a total of 139 rushing yards with a yards per carry average of 6.62. He also had 30 receiving yards.
Bingmon's agility and quickness provide a complementary style to McDowell's power. His ability to contribute in the passing game adds another layer to his versatility and will be key in Coach Buckner's system.
Bingmon only saw action in 4 games last year in order to maintain his redshirt but was still named to the Pittman's Pocket All-American True Freshman team. His growth and potential could mean he sees an increased workload as PV looks to overcome the offensive challenges it has faced the last two seasons. Bingmon could be a dynamic change-of-pace back, offering a different look than McDowell. This fall expect to see his usage go up on rushing and passing downs.
Ethan John (TE, Redshirt Junior)
* Measurables: 6'3", 230 lbs
John led the tight end room in total snaps (547) and targets (15) in 2024 snagging 9 receptions for 95 yards with his longest catch going for 21 yards. He also provided great help as a pass blocker with a 68.1% PFF grade listed in true pass block situations.
John's size and position as a tight end suggest he can be a valuable asset in both the run-blocking and passing game especially as Coach Buckner installs his version of the Air Raid system.
John's versatility should increase his utilization in a pass friendly offense as he continues to be a solid inline blocker to bolster the run game. Expect him to be a reliable target in the short to intermediate passing game, providing a big body for critical third-down conversions or red-zone opportunities.
Defense:
Jamal Marshall (DL, Graduate Student)
* Measurables: 5'11", 315 lbs
As the elder statesman on a completely reimagined defensive lineman, Marshall is looking forward to a massive year at the center of PVAMU's improved defensive line room. Over the past two seasons, Marshall has recorded 61 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
With over 1,000 snaps over the last two seasons, Marshall's presence on the roster as a graduate student will be a value add even as Coach Jackson beefs up the defensive line.
Marshall's size and experience on the interior defensive line are crucial. He will be tasked with anchoring the run defense and creating interior pressure, allowing the edge rushers and linebackers to penetrate. In his occupying blockers, it frees up the new look linebacker core to make plays. He was a Pre-Season All-SWAC selection last year and looks up vie for a spot on the All-SWAC defensive team at the end of the season.
Eric Zachery (DB, Sophomore)
* Measurables: 6'1", 170 lbs
As a true freshman defensive back, Zachery had an impressive flrst year and looks to grow tremendously under Coach Garrigan's guidance in the DB room. He ended last year with 29 tackles, 1 INT (returned for a TD) and 3 pass break ups.
Zachery's length and athleticism at defensive back are promising. His natural coverage and tackling abilities (79% according to PFF) will only improve as he receives that next level development and continues in contributing to a strong secondary. He looks to battle it out for a starting role out wide, but will be a regular member of the rotation whether the starter or not.
Zachery's height gives him an advantage against taller receivers. Coach Andersen will likely look to develop his technique and instincts in coverage. He certainly has the potential to be deployed as a boundary corner to lock down one side of the field. His upside is through the roof.
Kamren Amao (DB, Senior)
* Measurables: 6'1", 200 lbs
Amao saw limited action in 8 games last year for a coverage grade of 73.7%. He only gave up 6 receptions for 40 yards with no TDs in 2024, but his spring campaign has him as a strong candidate to be a member of the wide corner rotation.
Amao brings strong Division II experience and proven playmaking ability in the secondary after his time at UTPB. His tackling, pass-breakup skills, and interception prowess can make him a valuable defensive stalwart.
Amao will likely be an immediate impact player in the secondary this year. Coach Jackson, known for leveraging experienced talent, will utilize Amao's ball-hawking skills to create turnovers and disrupt passing lanes. On the high end, he could be a starting cornerback for the Panthers, providing leadership and a consistent presence in the defensive backfield.
Jeremiah Harris (LB, Redshirt Senior)
* Measurables: 6'1", 220 lbs
Harris recorded 36 total tackles (18 solo, 18 assist), 5 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 QB hurry.
Harris is a highly productive linebacker who excels in both run defense and pass coverage. His ability to make plays in the backfield and disrupt passing lanes makes him a true three-down linebacker.
As a graduate returner, Harris will be one of the undisputed leaders of the linebacker corps. His versatility will allow Coach Andersen to use him in various schemes – blitzing, covering tight ends, or patrolling the middle of the field against the run. His high tackle numbers and proven playmaking ability will be critical to the success of Prairie View's defense, especially as Coach Jackson aims to implement an aggressive and disciplined unit.
With these talented individuals forming the backbone of his roster, Coach Tremaine Jackson has the pieces in place to begin building the "premier, elite FCS program" he envisions at Prairie View A&M. The synergy between the returning players' skills and Jackson's strategic approach to recruiting will be a key storyline to watch as the 2025 season unfolds.
About the Author:
Lionel Mosby Jr is a 2009 Graduate of Prairie View A&M University and was the sports editor for The Panther, PVAMU's student newspaper, during PV's last championship run. He is the founder & host of the PV vs Everybody podcast channel. This podcast channel is dedicated to covering all things PV Athletics.
You can email Lionel at pvvseverybody@gmail.com
This rebuild was long over due. Last seasons losses were due to a lack of commitment from the players on the field due to them being undisciplined. Penalties because of their thuggery caused them 3 losses last season. From what I'm hearing from the inside, the military type discipline being enforced by the new coaching staff is exactly what the Panthers need to be successful. I'm looking forward to this up and coming season. Go Panthers