University of Richmond Athletics
Jasmonn Coleman Named Football Radio Analyst
June 2, 2005
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. -
Richmond native and former Spider defensive standout Jasmonn Coleman will join the Spider Sports Network as football radio analyst beginning this fall.
Coleman joins Voice of the Spiders, Bob Black, in the booth, while Matt Smith will again provide sideline and locker room coverage. Black returns for his 22nd season of Spider Football, Smith for his third full year.
When Richmond Hall of Famer Ray Tate announced his retirement after 20 seasons and 225 consecutive games of broadcasting Spider Football last fall, Black, who is also the athletic department's Director of Broadcast & Internet Properties, led the search for a new analyst.
"It became apparent very early in the process that Jasmonn was one of the most popular student-athletes to walk the halls of the Robins Center," said Black, "and nothing's changed now that he's an alum.
"Jasmonn has stayed close to the program and to the University. His defensive coordinator, Jeff Hanson, is still on the staff today. He has an outgoing personality and tremendous football knowledge that I'm sure will play well to our Spider fans and listeners."
The defensive lineman, who majored in speech, played in 42 of 44 Spider games from 1994-97, highlighted by a senior season in which he was tied for second on the team with seven quarterback sacks. The 1997 defense led the Atlantic 10 in fewest total yards per game while setting a school record with 60 quarterback sacks.
"I'm honored to be asked to join the broadcast team and excited about the opportunity to watch and talk football from the booth," said Coleman. "I've got one of the best seats in the house.
"I certainly don't think I'm replacing Ray Tate - that's not possible because of the history he has with the football program, broadcast team and University in general. I'm just the guy who's following in his footsteps."
Coleman, 30, is a graduate of Henrico High School in Richmond, where he played football and basketball. He is an Account Manager for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and is engaged to be married this September to Moniko McCoy.
The broadcast team of Black, Coleman and Smith will make its debut Thursday night September 1 at UR Stadium when the Spiders kickoff the 2005 season against Massachusetts. Air time is 6:30. Game time is 7 o'clock.
The Spider Sports Network consists of flagship station WRNL-AM (910) in Richmond, WNDJ-FM (104.9) on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, WPMH-AM (670) in Norfolk, WWWR-AM (910) in Roanoake and WNRV-AM (990) in the New River Valley. All Spider games are also available worldwide at www.RichmondSpiders.com.