TSU SPRINGS AHEAD WITH CHAMPIONSHIP AMBITIONS
SWAC.org
April 5, 2010
Texas Southern Tigers
2009 finish: 6-5 overall/5-2 SWAC (tied 2nd - SWAC west)
Head coach: Johnnie Cole - Career: 25-29/At TSU: 10-13
Spring game: April 24 @ 3:30 pm
Key returnees: QB Arvell Nelson (SWAC newcomer of the year; 2,392 yards, 12 TDs, 57.6% completions passing), LB Dejuan Fulgham (88 tackles, 7.5 sacks), De'Markus Washington (4 INTs), WR William Osbourne (2009 - Injured, 2008 - 82 rec., 1,092 yds, 7 TDs; 192 yds/game all-purpose)
Key losses: WR Brian Haith (49 rec., 695 yards 2TDs receiving), P Stephon Solomon (35.9 yards per punt), DL John Cole (4 sacks)
Analysis: Texas Southern made huge strides in their second season under former TSU quarterback Johnnie Cole.
"They've had two years in the system and they know what to expect, and it shows," Cole said. "Our men are in tremendous shape. We have a great weight room and workout programs and the guys really worked hard in the off season."
Their 5-2 conference record was the Tigers' best since 2000. With a bevy of returnees - including Nelson with a full year of the HOBO offense under his belt, Cole has his alma mater positioned to make even greater progress as they move toward the conference elite.
2009 TSU team stats