SWAC Football Preview - Texas Southern
SWAC.org
Tiger QB Tino Edgecombe
location: Houston, Texas 77004founded: 1947
enrollment: 11,903
nickname: Tigers
school colors: Maroon and Gray
stadium: Alexander Durley
capacity: 5,500
surface: Field Turf
first year of football: 1946
head coach: Steve Wilson
alma mater/year: Howard, 1979
overall record/years: 82-96(16 yrs)
school record/years: 4-29 (3 yrs)
OFFENSE
This will be head coach Steve Wilson's fourth year as head coach and his second as offensive coordinator. Last season, TSU scored 203 points, rushed for 1015 yards and passed for 1966 yards with 23 touchdowns (14 of them passing)."I knew that in order to be successful in this conference, you got to throw the ball. Now we can do that," says Wilson.
The Tigers have played most of their conference games tight to the end...losing two games by one score in the final minutes. With their renewed offensive attack and the return of their dominate defense, you can expect the Tigers of 2007 to continue their growth and log more games in the win column.
Tino Edgecombe (#1) will begin his senior year as the starting quarterback for the Tigers. Edgecombe threw for 1,293 yards and nine touchdowns in 2006...a feat not accomplished since 2002. He also had three games where he passed for more than 200 yards. Cornelius Harmon (#7) and Donnie Shorts (#10) will back up Edgecombe. Harmon started the three games Edgecombe missed while injured. Shorts got lots of experience as a true freshman, playing in six games in 2006. He is very mobile and can hurt you with his arm and legs.
In the backfield, Two veterans return in Brent Wilson (#24) and Junior Fonua (#40). They're a perfect match of speed, quickness and power. Fonua provides the power to clear the hole or muscle his way through for short gains. Wilson suffered a nagging injury last season that kept him from repeating his All-conference performance in 2005.
The Tigers offensive strength is the receiving core. They are led by Daniel Davis (#8). Davis is the Tigers top receiver, recording 34 catches for 425 yards and five touchdowns. Mike Anderson (#87) is another veteran receiver. He began to shine at the end of last season. BJ Haith (#88) is a sophomore with stealth like quickness. William Osbourne (#2) is quick, allusive and hard to catch once the ball is in his hands. He saw some action as a true freshman, recording seven receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns.
The Tigers have a very athletic offensive line, despite losing Robert Leech and Andy Olembge. Led by veterans Holmes Drayton (#69) and Cobb Eshietendoho (#79) on the left with Mario Perez (#65) and converted defensive lineman JL Lawrence (#71) on the right, the Tigers' O-line will be great pass protectors and aggressive blockers for the rush. Aron Delong (#73) will handle the middle. Defenses will have their hands full when they face this athletic wall that weights more than 1500 pounds and averages 6 feet 3 inches tall.
The Tigers are solid at tight end, with two talented players who block well and have great hands. Roland Robins (#48) and Marcus Justice (#89) shared the duties in 2006. Both these guys provide big targets for the quarterback. They also had superior skills at catching the ball and blocking.
DEFENSE
Defensively, the Tigers took a hit in losing five time All-American strong safety Stacey Thomas, corner back Kedron Dunn, linebackers Robert Napier and Vince Davis and defensive linemen Kentavious Jones and Mike Berry. But the replacements for those outstanding athletes have the experience, talent and drive to keep the Tigers Defense dominating in the SWAC.
The Maroon "Mean Streak" Defense is big and tough up front. Returning starter Derrick Gray (#57) will now lead the defensive line. The 6-4, 295 pound defensive tackle is big, long and rangy and he has great pass rushing skills. Valmore Matthew (#90) got lots of playing time at the end of last season. Joe Malone (#78) will be the mountain in the middle for the Tigers. At 6-7, 340 pounds, he will be a big presence at defensive tackle. Glenden Ford (#67) is a second-year performer on the defensive line. He is an aggressive defender with great mobility. Ron Jones (#73)is a Junior College transfer from Bakersfield, California. Jones is a 6-3, 315-pound force who should provide adequate run defense for the Tigers.
All-Conference Linebacker Mike Boyd (#95) returns following his break out season in 2006. He has great size at 6-3, 250 pounds. His 4.6 speed makes him explosive at closing gaps and running down the ball carrier. Harry Dawkins (#52) returns from a knee injury in 2006. This top rated inside linebacker gets to the ball quickly and he loves to hit. Craig McCall (#53) is a weak-side linebacker with great size and agility. He looked good in the spring and should get quality playing time this season. Camrunn Beck (#38) also had a great spring. He is another inside linebacker who will be fighting for playing time.
Lamar Herron (5) - a standout defensive back from Oregon State - will lead the secondary. Now in his second season as a Tiger, he will attempt to fill the spot left by five-time All-American Stacey Thomas. Herron has the size and speed to get the job done. Lonnie Carr (#25) is a two year starter who missed last season because of an injury. He was playing very well before his injury. Carr is great in man-to-man and zone coverage. Chris Salvant (#3), Camreron Gardner (#23), Kenneth Jones (#32) and Tristeon Moore (#43) are other experienced players who are expected to play a major role in the secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Tigers punt returns are touchdowns waiting to happen. Daniel Davis, Junior Osborne and Lamar Herron all have unbelievable speed and quickness. These players will make special teams exciting to watch with their jaw dropping moves.
D'Javan Conway (#15) is proven kicker - booting the game winning field goals in two games last season. Stephon Solomon (#12) has made his mark among the top punters in the conference. He averaged over 39 yards a punt with 11 landing inside the 20.
The Tigers have a great schedule in 2007. They play five games in Houston this season...The Labor Day Classic at Reliant Stadium, three games on TSU Campus...Southern at Reliant Stadium and a Thanksgiving Day treat when the Tigers take on the University of Houston Cougars.
The Tigers play Jackson State on national television (ESPNU). They also head to El Paso to face University of Texas - El Paso.