2009 Football Preview: Texas Southern
SWAC.org
Aug. 27, 2009
Houston, Texas -
Texas Southern Tigers
2008 Finish: 4-8 overall (1-6 SWAC; 5th Western Division)
2009 Preseason Prediction: 4th place Western Division
The Texas Southern Tigers did something in 2008 that we have not seen in a long time...WIN! Their victories last season equaled the previous four seasons combined.
"We want to be 8-4, but we will accept the 4-8 considering were we came from", said football head coach Johnnie Cole.
OFFENSE
Cole is entering his second season as head coach of the Texas Southern Tigers. If history holds, this should be the breakout year for his team. Cole started his back to back winning seasons at Lane College in his second year with the program. Cole is determined to repeat his accomplishments in 2009. He plan starts with an offense that ranked 4th in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in scoring and total offense.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Much of that success centered on returning senior and SNB Black College All-American and All-SWAC first team receiver/punt returner William Osbourne. The 5-8, 165 pound receiver from Marshal, Texas was second in the nation in total offense, seventh in the nation in punt returns and 11th in the nation for receptions per game. He finished the season with 2308 total yards and seven touchdowns.
"William is our playmaker and everyone knew it," Cole said. "Last year he carried the load. Now we got some other guys who call also make plays so Osbourne won't have to carry the whole load which I believe will make him a stronger player for four quarters."
Cole brought in three receivers who can get the job done. Chip Gregory from Arkansas State, Ricky Dixon from LSU and Joe Anderson from Louisiana Tech. These are big speed guys who can go get the ball. Brian Haith also returns to the wide receiver core. He runs routes exceptionally well, and he is a deep threat. Haith was the number two receiver, averaging 13 yards a catch with three touchdowns.
QUARTERBACKS
Arvel Nevel will be the man charged with getting them the ball. The 6-4, 220 pound quarterback from Fort Scott Junior College is a proven winner. Nevel lead his junior college team to a national title in 2008. What does he do best? According to coach Cole, "Win!"
"Besides his winning ways, he has a big arm and size," Cole said. "He came to us in the spring so he's had an opportunity to learn our system. I believe he can get us where we want to go."
Redshirt freshman, Harry Brown from Port Arthur Memorial will be the number two guy. Brown knows the system and he will be ready to step in when his number is called.
RUNNINGBACKS
The backfield returns intact. The Tigers leading rusher, Marcus Wright performed well as a true freshman with 94 carries for 513 yards and seven touchdowns.Lucas Caparelli will rejoin Wright in the backfield. Caparelli was a double-threat from the runningback position. He runs hard and he can catch the ball out of the backfield. The veterans will have some additional company this season with the addition of Joseph Warren from Madison High School.
"He's a walk-on who really impressed us in the spring," Cole said. "He's not an every-down guy, but he'll add a different demeanor to our backfield."
OFFENSIVE LINE
Charles Smith and Matt Hardrick are the Tigers' two offensive linemen who will return to the starting lineup. They will be joined by 6-6, 330 pound right tackle Earnest McCoy from LSU.
TIGHT ENDS
TSU upgraded at the tight end position with the addition of 6-4, 250 pound Jonathan Hannah from Florida State. He'll be able to seal the corner when blocking and he'll be a big target for our quarterback.
DEFENSE
The Tigers will run a 4-3 defense under new defensive coordinator Kevin Ramsey. Ramsey came to the Tigers for Carson Newman, but he's coached at the University of Tennessee, the University of Georgia and with the Arizona Cardinals (NFL). Ramsey's defense has ranked among the best everywhere he's been, and the 2009 Tigers will provide a good starting point for him to work his magic.
LINEBACKERS
The defensive leader is DeJuan Fulghum. As a sophomore, he led the Tigers in tackles and was one of the top linebackers in the conference in total tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. He is the general on the field who loves to hit.Antonio St. Rose and William Parker are right behind Fulghum in total tackles. Both went into battle as freshmen and earned a spot in the starting lineup. Between the two, they accounted for 133 tackles, five sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss for 101 yards.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
DeMarkus Washington was another freshman who made is mark on the Tiger defense. Washington returns to the TSU secondary after earning SWAC Freshman of the year honors in 2008. He will have some veteran help this season from Christopher Hawkins from Highland Community College and Cedrick Everson. The new and improved defensive backs will now have the size, speed and experience they lacked last season.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line will be bigger and stronger with the additions of Justin Coleman (6-2, 290) from Navaro Junior College, Fred Gaines from Houston and freshman defensive tackle Edward Collins (6-5, 310).
"Our defense struggle last season, but I believe we've fixed that with the guys who we brought in," Cole said. "If we can get the defense to where our offense is, we'll be much better," said Cole.
Courtesy of Texas Southern sports information