PVAMU SWAC Champion quarterback K.J. Black is in fifth season as a full-time assistant, having been a part of the program since the title-winning season of 2009. This season will be his second season as tight ends coach after spending the previous seasons working with quarterbacks and serving as passing game coordinator.
Last season, Zarrian Holcombe set a career-high in receptions (26), receiving yards (350), and receiving touchdowns (team-high tying seven) in earning first-team All-SWAC honors. Jose Medrano also had career-highs in all three categories as well (20 receptions, 260 yards, one touchdown).
In 2017, Panther QBs combined to pass for nearly 2,900 yards, the highest since 2013. In starting the final six games at quarterback, Neiko Hollins passed for 1,740 yards and 21 touchdowns with three 300+ yard passing games including a 410-yard passing effort in a win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
In 2016, QB Trey Green battled through injuries to throw for more than 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a 400-yard, five-touchdown no-interception contest in his final collegiate game at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Black guided the rapid development of redshirt freshman Jalen Morton, who played in nine game with four starts and passed for nearly 1,000 yards and threw eight touchdown passes while leading the team in rushing touchdowns with six. Morton threw for a career-high 278 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start at Rice.Â
In 2015, Green accounted for 2,862 yards total offense in leading the nation’s highest scoring offense at 44.9 points and the SWAC’s most explosive offense (487.5 ypg). Green was second in the conference in passing yards (2,614), TD passes (21), passing efficiency (150.6), and total offense.
From 2011-14, Black played a key role behind the scenes in the overall success of the Prairie View A&M offense as he helped coach the team’s quarterbacks and tight ends. PVAMU quarterbacks Jerry Lovelocke and De’Auntre Smiley have had career seasons during their tenure under Black as both players have set career and single season passing records. In addition to his on-field duties, Black helped develop the team’s offensive game plans, assisted in football and video operations along with aiding the coaching staff in whatever roles were needed.
Born in Jacksonville, Fla. but raised in Louisville, Ky., Black transferred to Prairie View A&M from Western Kentucky prior to the 2009 campaign. After nearly leading the Panthers to a come-back win at New Mexico State, Black was named the starter in game three. The rest was championship history as Black led PVAMU to eight straight wins and the programs’ first SWAC football championship since 1964. Black earned conference Offensive Player of the Year honors after completing more than 70 percent of his passes (162-230) for 2,033 yards with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions while also rushing for four touchdowns.Â
In his two-year career, Black passed for 4,187 yards and 35 touchdowns passes and just nine interceptions. Black holds several passing records at Prairie View A&M and has also spent time playing professional indoor football.
Black is married to Erin, a former Lady Panther volleyball player, and the couple as one daughter, Peyton Dianne.
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