If you've followed a long long enough, you know the mantra: New coach, new uniforms.
The saying isn't always true, of course. Sark isn't bringing new uniforms to Texas, and neither is Josh Heupel to Tennessee. But it's true often enough because the reasons are so obvious. New uniforms are a way to generate excitement for the program, the easiest way. They're a metaphor for everything the new coach is trying to do -- out with the old, in with the new.
And it's especially true in Jackson State's case, where a change in uniforms was a contractual requirement due to the head coach's longstanding relationship with a specific apparel provider.
If Jackson State wanted Deion Sanders, it would have to ditch Nike for Under Armour.
Jackson State ditched Nike for Under Armour.
UA gear has been available for purchase on Jackson State's campus since early October, and on Tuesday Sanders gave a sneak peak at the Tigers' new stripes.
The new uniforms, which will presumably be formally unveiled at some point in the near future, will feature red, white and blue jerseys that can be mixed and matched with blue and white pants. We've had no indications of changes to JSU's helmets, which came in blue and white options.
Compare those to Jackson State's previous uniforms.
The new uniforms look like upgrades to me. (I like the white helmet better than the blue.)
The back wall in Deion's office at Jackson State is adorned with his favorite phrases. The biggest of those sits directly behind his desk. "You look good, you feel good. You feel good, you play good. You play good. They play good!" it says.
Coach Prime will have Jackson State looking good when the Tigers hit the field for the first time on Feb. 21 against Edward Waters. We'll find out soon enough if they play good, too.