What Is 2017 Norfolk State Spartans football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Norfolk State Spartans football team represented Norfolk State University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season. They finished with a 4–7 overall record under head coach Latrell Scott.

Key Facts

The 2017 Norfolk State Spartans finished with a 4–7 overall record
They competed in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with a 2–6 conference record
Head coach Latrell Scott led the team for the second consecutive season
The Spartans played home games at William “Dick” Price Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia
Quarterback Malcolm Brown was the team's leading passer with 1,508 yards

Overview

The 2017 Norfolk State Spartans football team represented Norfolk State University during the 2017 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), the Spartans aimed to improve on their previous season’s performance under second-year head coach Latrell Scott.

Despite high expectations, the team struggled to find consistency, finishing the season with a 4–7 overall record and a 2–6 mark in conference play. The Spartans played their home games at William “Dick” Price Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia, a venue with a capacity of 30,000 that has hosted MEAC championships in prior years.

Record: The Spartans posted a 4–7 overall record and a 2–6 record in MEAC play, placing them near the bottom of the conference standings.
Head Coach: Latrell Scott entered his second season at the helm, having taken over in 2016 after a successful stint as offensive coordinator at the University of Richmond.
Stadium: William “Dick” Price Stadium, with a 30,000-seat capacity, served as the home venue and has been the team’s home since 1997.
Quarterback: Malcolm Brown led the offense, throwing for 1,508 yards and 10 touchdowns while completing 56% of his passes.
Key Game: A 21–20 win over Howard on October 21, 2017, was one of only two conference victories and a highlight of the season.

How It Works

The 2017 season followed the standard NCAA FCS football structure, with a 12-game regular season schedule and no postseason bowl or playoff appearance for Norfolk State. The team operated within the MEAC’s scheduling framework, which emphasizes in-conference matchups.

Season Duration: The regular season spanned from September 2 to November 18, 2017, with games played weekly on Saturdays.
Conference Play: The MEAC required six conference games; Norfolk State played teams like North Carolina A&T, South Carolina State, and Delaware State.
Roster Size: The Spartans maintained a roster of approximately 105 players, including scholarship and walk-on athletes.
Recruiting: The 2017 recruiting class included 22 new players, primarily from Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.
Game Strategy: The offense relied on a balanced attack, averaging 23.5 points per game and 345 total yards per contest.
Injuries: Key injuries to starters on the offensive line disrupted continuity, contributing to inconsistent performance.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Norfolk State Spartans with select MEAC teams from the same season:

Team	Overall Record	MEAC Record	Head Coach	Postseason
North Carolina A&T	9–3	6–2	Sam Washington	Won Celebration Bowl
South Carolina State	7–4	6–2	Carl Reed	FCS Playoffs
Howard	5–6	3–5	Gary Harrell	None
Norfolk State	4–7	2–6	Latrell Scott	None
Delaware State	3–8	2–6	Kenny Carter	None

The table highlights Norfolk State’s middle-to-lower standing in the MEAC during the 2017 season. While they outperformed Delaware State in overall wins, they trailed behind powerhouses like North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State, both of which advanced deep into postseason play.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a transitional year for the Spartans, reflecting both the challenges of rebuilding and the competitive nature of MEAC football. It provided valuable experience for younger players and set the foundation for future improvements.

Player Development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, including true freshman linebacker Jordan Johnson, who recorded 78 tackles.
Recruiting Momentum: Despite a losing record, the program retained regional recruiting strength, particularly in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Coaching Evaluation: The season put pressure on Latrell Scott to improve in 2018, with expectations rising for a winning conference record.
Facility Investment: Continued use of William “Dick” Price Stadium emphasized the need for modernization to attract top talent.
Conference Relevance: MEAC teams like Norfolk State play a vital role in HBCU football culture and national visibility.
Fan Engagement: Attendance averaged around 10,000 per home game, showing steady community support despite on-field struggles.

Overall, the 2017 campaign was a learning year that underscored the importance of consistency, depth, and development in collegiate football at the FCS level.