New Era Begins for Norfolk State Baseball Under First-Year Head Coach

NORFOLK, Va. — A new chapter of Norfolk State baseball begins this spring as first-year head coach M.L. Morgan takes the reins, bringing fresh energy, a deep appreciation for HBCU baseball, and a clear vision for winning.

“It’s exciting, for sure,” Morgan said. “It’s always been a dream to be a Division I head coach, and the opportunity to do it here is extra special for me. HBCU is something that’s important to me, and just the history of this program, it’s a place where you can win. That’s what excites me the most.”

Morgan inherits a roster rich with experience, returning a large core of players who logged meaningful innings and at-bats a season ago. That continuity provides a foundation as the Spartans look to turn the page and compete in the Northeastern Conference (NEC).

Offensively, Norfolk State is led by senior outfielder Justin Journette, the program’s all-time home run leader and a first-team All-NEC selection last season. Morgan expects Journette to anchor the lineup while embracing a leadership role.

“I’m just expecting him to kind of do what he does,” Morgan said. “We don’t want to put any undue pressure on him, just be a leader for us. He’ll hit near the top of the lineup and be a big bat.”

Joining him in the outfield is Jalan Jones, who shifts primarily to center field after two productive seasons. Morgan believes Jones has all-conference potential as he continues to develop into a leader.

In the infield, Jaydan Israel returns after an injury-limited season, providing stability at shortstop and near the top of the order, while graduate catcher Brendan Burke anchors the defense behind the plate.

“His experience back there is huge,” Morgan said. “Being able to manage the pitching staff, be the quarterback of the defense, that leadership is big for us.”

Additional returning contributors include Kydese Queen, Cameron Mazell, Emmett Jefferson, and several underclassmen poised to take on expanded roles as the season unfolds.

On the mound, the Spartans return a sizable group of arms, highlighted by seniors Walker Fuller and Mac Yarborough, along with bullpen mainstays Tyler Mitchell, C.J. Patterson, and Yassel Samboy. Morgan is optimistic about bounce-back seasons across the staff.

“The talent level is there,” Morgan said. “It’s about getting guys comfortable, confident, and understanding they can get outs at this level.”

Norfolk State also welcomes an impactful group of newcomers. Freshmen Hunter Gillespie, Mason Mompoint, Isaac Hayes, and James Godfrey add depth, while transfers Thomas Ealey, Josiah Harrison, Thomas White, and Sean Stewart are expected to contribute immediately.

“Thomas will be a big part of our lineup,” Morgan said. “Between him and Jalan Jones, they’re probably our two best athletes on the team.”

A key focus for Morgan in his first season was assembling a staff that balances continuity, experience, and Spartan pride.

“Especially my first year here, I wanted somebody who had been here,” Morgan said. “Keeping Coach Mays on was huge for us.”

Morgan retained Brett Mays, who oversees the pitching staff while also providing insight into the NEC and the program.

“He can give me insight on the conference and how things work here,” Morgan said.

Veteran assistant Tag Montague joins the staff to help lead the offense, work with infielders, and assist with recruiting.

“He’s been around and seen everything,” Morgan said. “Nothing is going to surprise him.”

Rounding out the staff is alumnus Brad Stevenson, an assistant coach who brings a player’s perspective to the dugout.

“I thought it was important to have someone who’s been in our players’ shoes,” Morgan said. “It’s a good group of guys, and I think they can help us move this thing forward.”

The Spartans open the season at home with three straight nonconference series against Towson, Manhattan, and Mount St. Mary’s before diving into NEC play against conference heavyweights Long Island and Central Connecticut State.

“We’ve got to be ready right out of the gate,” Morgan said. “Those first three weekends are about figuring things out, so once conference play starts, we’re ready to go.”

Midweek matchups against in-state programs such as Old Dominion, VCU, and Virginia provide additional measuring sticks.

“Anytime we play teams in the state, we want to win,” Morgan said. “For recruiting, for competitiveness, we want to be one of the best teams in Virginia.”

Morgan’s message to the team is clear: focus on the details and compete for a championship now.

“The way we do anything is the way we do everything,” Morgan said. “There’s plenty of talent here, but to win, we’ve got to do the little things right. We’re not here to just win a few more games, we’re trying to compete for a championship.”

With a motivated roster, experienced returners, and a clear standard in place, Norfolk State enters the season ready to lay the foundation and start winning immediately.