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EWU Football: Representation Matters

"Anytime they want a high five, or anything, picture, I make sure I do it with them after the game, before the game. I was there before"

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Edward Waters University (EWU) is the only Historically Black College University in our area. They've been in existence since 1866.

I caught up with the Tigers on how important it is to wear purple and orange with pride.

"It's a privilege to walk around with the Edward Waters title on your back, and honestly it's a target because everyone knows who you are especially in this area and this community. It's a blessing though. The fact that I'm here and I'm able to have to title I have as a starting quarterback."

There are only four historically black college universities (HBCU) in Florida.

Edward Waters University, Bethune-Cookman University, Florida A&M University and Florida memorial University.

"They're representing something a lot bigger than what they did and they're standing on the shoulders of giants. They don't want to be known as the group that didn't get it done," said Toriano Morgan, the Head Football coach of EWU.

What they want to get done, besides secure a National Title, of course is represent a community and show the next generation they can live their dreams like the guys on the field do.

"Anytime they want a high five, or anything, picture, I make sure I do it with them after the game, before the game. I was there before and I want to make sure I set that example for them," said Jyron Russell, the starting quarterback for EWU.

Representing the community in a positive light is Russell's version of living the dream.

"When I wake up in the morning and look at myself in the mirror, it's like 'I'm really doing this,'" Russell added.

Russell said inspiration is everything to a young kid with a dream. He recalled his.

"It was Michael Vick. Every time I watched him play going up, I said "I want to be like him". That's why I wear #7 now. Everything he did, I wanted to do just like him."

The Tigers have an even .500 record. They're 3-3 with two more home games left for the regular season.

If you would like to catch a Tigers game, click here for details.

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