A new era of Virginia Union University football has begun with first-year head coach Greg Richardson at the helm of the program. Richardson, who previously served as the team's defensive coordinator, takes over a team that is coming of its best season in over 15 years. The Panthers posted a 9-3 record in 2007, including appearances in the CIAA Championship Game and Pioneer Bowl X. 

“Seasoned Veterans” is what best describes the crop of talent that will take the field for VUU this season. The 2008 edition of the Virginia Union University football team could quite possibly be the most experienced team in the history of the program. The Panthers return a wealth of talent and are favored to return the coveted CIAA Championship game. VUU returns 58 letterwinners in total, including 10 starters on both sides of the ball. 

The Panthers return an explosive offense that will be orchestrated by the 2007 CIAA Player of the Year Lamar Little (Sr./5-11/210/Candor, NC). Last season, Little wooed crowds everywhere with his stellar performances week-in and week-out. The southpaw quarterback threw for 2,340 yards and 28 touchdowns. He added 513 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns. Little will have plenty of options in his passing game, with the return of senior sensations Jarad Taylor (Sr./6-1/195/Centreville, VA) and Michael Hampton (Sr./5-10/180/Charlotte, NC). Taylor returns as the one of the conference's top-rated receivers after reeling in 703 yards and 10 touchdowns on 42 receptions last season. Hampton continues to be an elusive threat each time he touches the ball. He is the CIAA's premier all-purpose player after recording a conference-high 1,148 all-purpose yards last season. The Panthers backfield will be sparked by Tarian Donaldson (Jr./5-9/180/Virginia Beach, VA) who posted 698 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Donaldson should have no problem finding open ground, as the offensive line returns All-Americans LaQuentin Blair (Sr./6-4/260/Dallas, TX) and Kynneth Moses (Sr./6-2/280/Chesapeake, VA). Blair and Moses anchored an offensive line that allowed VUU to lead the conference in total offense, averaging 401.3 yards of offense per contest. 

A parsimonious defense returns for the Panthers, led by 1^st Team All-Region selection Brandon Smith (Jr./6-0/215/Virginia Beach, VA). Smith joins Stevie Johnson (Jr./6-3/240/Spotsylvania, VA) and Hurley Hemphill (Jr./6-2/240/Kannapolis, NC) in a linebacker trio that has started as a unit since they were freshmen. This is possibly the most talented unit on the team; last season the trio combined for 269 total tackles. The Panthers return a solid secondary, highlighted by 2007 CIAA Defensive Rookie of the Year Andre LeBlanc II (So./6-0/205/Lithonia, GA).  Also returning in the secondary are corners Niles Rainey (Jr./5-10/165/College Park, GA) and Levon Hyatt (Jr./6-0/204/Detroit, MI) who continue to limit opponents' passing attacks. VUU will only have one position that needs to be filled across the line of scrimmage heading into the 2008 season. Jerrin Jones (Sr./6-2/285/Cleveland, OH) and Reginald Smalls (Jr./6-4/270/Lithonia, GA)will anchor a skilled defensive line that will continue to limit opponents rushing attacks. 

VUU feels very comfortable with Gil Hernandez (Sr./5-9/160/East Palo Alto, CA) returning to handle the kicking responsibilities for the Panthers. Special teams showman Michael Hampton (Sr./5-10/180/Charlotte, NC). will continue to be electric on both return teams, averaging just over 13 yards per return.