“We’ve Been Here Before” Alabama A&M Football National Signing Day 2026 Recap
- David Thomas
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Alabama A&M Football welcomed the future of Bulldog Nation on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, as the program officially signed 39 new Bulldogs during its National Signing Day event on The Hill. The atmosphere was one of honesty, confidence, and renewed belief — a clear signal that this coaching staff knows exactly where the program has been and where it’s headed.
Hosted by Alabama A&M Athletics’ new External Creative Coordinator Abreon Scott — better known as “Scottay” — the event opened with Head Coach Sam Shade, who didn’t shy away from addressing last season’s results. Coming off a 4–8 overall record and a 1–7 conference finish, Scottay asked Coach Shade about the mindset entering the offseason and attacking this recruiting cycle.
Coach Shade’s response set the tone for the entire event.
“We’ve been here before.”
He explained that the approach mirrored his first season as head coach at Miles College in 2022, when his team finished 1–9. The response then — and now — was simple: self-scout, bring in more talent, and improve the roster across the board. That same blueprint is now being applied at Alabama A&M.
Turning the Page from 2025
The 2025 season showed flashes early, particularly on offense, but injuries quickly shifted the trajectory. Season-ending injuries to key offensive contributors, including starting quarterback Cornelious “Quad” Brown IV and multiple skill position starters, forced the Bulldogs to rely heavily on depth.
Rather than dwell on what could have been, the staff made it clear that the focus is firmly on what’s next.
And what’s next starts with recruiting.
Defense Gets the Priority
If there was one message that resonated clearly throughout the event, it was this: defense was a point of emphasis.
Defensive Coordinator Chris Shelling addressed the areas that needed immediate improvement — stopping the run and generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He also noted roster turnover that forced the staff to play different personnel than originally expected during the season.
The response? Bring in bigger, stronger, more disruptive bodies.
Among the defensive additions were Javeon Campbell, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive line transfer from Kentucky, and Antonio Coleman, a defensive lineman from Auburn. In total, 13 defensive players were signed in this class, with more potentially on the way during the summer.
Coach Shelling emphasized that the goal is to field a defense capable of competing week-in and week-out in the SWAC — physically and mentally.
Building the Trenches on Offense
Offensive Coordinator Dennis Alexander recapped the productivity of last year’s offense before injuries stalled momentum. Despite those challenges, the staff doubled down on strengthening the foundation up front.
Eight offensive linemen were signed in this class, including transfers such as Adrian Griffin (South Alabama) and Tamarley Smith (Eastern Michigan). Coach Alexander made it clear: DAWGS were needed in the trenches — and DAWGS were added.
The offense also picked up talent at the skill positions, including running back Drew Pickett (Wake Forest) and wide receiver Imari Conley (San Jose State), adding depth and versatility to the unit.
A Loaded QB Room
As expected, the quarterback room drew plenty of attention — and for good reason.
Alabama A&M signed two quarterbacks in this class, including one that sent shockwaves through Bulldog Nation: Bekkem Kritza, a 6-foot-5 redshirt freshman transfer from Penn State. Coach Shade described Kritza as a quarterback with a big arm, strong flashes, and the ability to extend plays with his elusiveness.
Also joining the room is Mac Armstrong, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Butler Community College, praised for his decision-making and winning mentality.
Combined with returning quarterbacks Quad Brown, Eric Handley, and the re-emergence of Mekhi Hagens, the Bulldogs now boast a quarterback room filled with competition and depth — a good problem to have.
photos courtesy of Mac Armstrong and Bekkem Kritza X page
What This Class Signals
Beyond the names and numbers, this signing class reflects something bigger: intent.
The coaching staff didn’t avoid discussing last season’s shortcomings. Instead, they addressed them head-on and attacked the recruiting trail accordingly. With 39 signees spanning high school, JUCO, and Division I transfers, the message is clear — Alabama A&M is building toward sustained competitiveness.
Your Turn, Bulldog Nation
So what do you think?
What stands out most about the 2026 signing class?
Does this group address the Bulldogs’ biggest needs?
What grade would you give this class?
Click 2026 Signing Class for the full list
Drop your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear from Bulldog Nation.
And if you missed the Signing Day event, be sure to check out the full replay on Bulldogs All-Access.
Coming up next on the From The Hill Podcast, we’ll be joined by Head Coach Sam Shade and Passing Game Coordinator / Director of Football Operations Jason Mai. You may even see some of the newest Bulldogs. We’re live every Tuesday at 8 PM EST / 7 PM CST. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss it.
Comments