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Morgan Sends Two More to the NFL

By Albert Lewis
Black College Wire

With Morgan State's Vishante Shiancoe picked by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft, teams around the league made sure that Morgan was a prime target for scouting talent.

morgan.edu Clifford Johnson

Shiancoe will now be joined in the league by two of his teammates at Morgan, Clifford Johnson and Sam Massey, who have signed with the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens, respectively.

"I feel good these young men got the opportunity to extend their athletic careers," said Donald Hill-Eley, entering his third season as head football coach at Morgan having ushered three of his troops to the pros.

"This shows that our program and university are visible. But the thing I feel is most important is that both of these young men will be graduating with their degrees."

Johnson signed with Detroit on April 26.

"I was happy," said the Baltimore native. "I am just grateful to do what it is that I love to do."

Detroit Lions Sam Massey

A transfer student from the University of Maryland, Johnson was a two-year letter man during his tenure as a Bear. At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, the defensive back finished the 2003 season with 46 tackles (25 solo) and three interceptions. Johnson capped his collegiate playing career by being selected to play in the Inaugural Las Vegas All-American Classic in January.

"Being picked up by the Ravens was a privilege," said Massey. "Especially playing for one of the best teams in the league."

Massey, who signed his free-agent contract with the Ravens, hails from Waverly, Ga.

The defensive back had a breakout season for the orange and blue, collecting 26 tackles (20 solo) and an interception, and six pass breakups.

Massey was selected for the annual Hula Bowl All-Star Classic, where he played in January on Team Aina, and competed in The Villages Gridiron Classic, an all-star game for potential NFL players. Both games were televised on ESPN.

Albert Lewis, a student at Morgan State University, writes for The Spokesman.

Posted June 1, 2004