SCOUTING THE OFFENSE

In the second year of Coach Eddie George's tenure, TSU's offense faced challenges, taking a step back in terms of performance. The team's scoring average dwindled to 18.27 points per game, while they were outscored 272-201 in total. Their offensive statistics positioned them at the 5th spot in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) for total offense, achieving an average of 314.1 yards per game. Additionally, they secured the 6th rank in total touchdowns, amassing a mere 23. Their offensive efforts yielded 1,459 rushing yards and 1,997 passing yards.

The upcoming season anticipates the return of senior quarterback Draylen Ellis as the starting quarterback. Ellis made his mark in his first season at TSU, passing for 1,807 yards and eight touchdowns. Notably, he garnered four rushing touchdowns and 55 ground yards. With a cumulative career record of 5,705 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, Ellis's remarkable performance earned him a unique position on the Big South-OVC Watch List. Backing up Ellis is Deveon Bryant, in his fifth season. Bryant concluded the previous season with one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown, with 531 passing yards and three touchdowns to his credit. His ground game included 269 yards and five touchdowns. True freshman Ryder Hagan and Youngstown State transfer Demeatric Crenshaw, an All-MVFC honoree in 2021, are also poised to make their presence felt.

Jalen Rouse, a fourth-year running back, is expected to see the bulk of the carries this season. He secured 613 yards and two touchdowns from his ground efforts across 11 games last season. Additionally, he showcased his versatility with 12 receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown. Rouse has rushed 780 yards in his career. Supporting the running back position are Tre Boone III, with 59 career rushing yards, and Jordan Gant, who registered 92 yards from just 18 attempts in his freshman year. JUCO transfer Antwone Parker, boasting an imposing 6'1", 225-pound stature, has impressed in training camp, presenting an intriguing prospect for fans. Red-shirt freshman Craig Cunningham adds to the depth.

With the departure of key players, including JJ Holloman, the Tigers are on the lookout for new play makers in the receiving department. Second-year Tiger Karate Brenson is expected to emerge as a favorite target for Ellis. Having secured 25 receptions for 329 yards and a score, Brenson showcased his potential in 2022. Dayron Johnson, with 49 career catches accounting for 465 yards and three touchdowns, is set to make a return after missing the previous season due to an ACL injury.

Gerand Turner, entering his fourth season, is expected to assume a more significant role in the wide receiver position. Having played in 10 games, Turner accumulated 15 receptions for 264 yards. Da'Shon Davis, entering his fifth season, caught 19 passes for 210 yards in the previous season. Chayil Garnett, transitioning from quarterback to wide receiver, is a notable addition, showcasing promise in his new role along with his 6'2" stature.

Coach George introduced several new transfers and freshmen to the wide receiver lineup, enhancing the team's versatility. Canen Adrian, who arrived from Blinn in the spring, excelled in the slot during fall camp. With 28 receptions for 338 yards from his junior college experience, Adrian is a promising addition. Solomon Dunn, a transfer from East Tennessee State, boasts a 6'4" frame and is anticipated to make his mark on the outside. Avery Williams returns after an injury sidelined him in the previous season. Williams, a Nashville native, impressed the coaching staff after playing three seasons at Chattanooga. True freshman 3-star Delanie Majors, noted for his blazing speed, and Amar Gist are expected to bring fresh energy to the team.

To bolster their tight end roster, the Tigers expanded their room to accommodate six players, including a mix of transfers and freshmen. Noteworthy among them is Trenton Gillison, poised to take on the role of the top tight end. Gillison, with experience from 37 career games at Michigan State and Youngstown State, caught 21 passes for 231 yards. Austin Yankowy, a transfer from Bethune-Cookman, and former Montgomery Bell Academy player Joshua Meriwether are also expected to contribute. True freshman Jason Hoath Jr., part of the travel squad, provides further depth.

Chazan Page stands as the sole returning starter on the offensive line. His performance in all 11 games last season demonstrated his reliability. The arrival of junior college transfer Nicholas Green positions him as the starting left tackle. Darrell Branch and Alex Valbuena gained substantial playing time as guards during camp. Jamari Freeman is set to play right tackle, while Romello Watson's can play both guard and tackle. Providing depth are Kennedy Wilbert, Austin Peay transfer Aarion Harvey, and true freshman Hadine Diaby.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE

Transitioning to the defensive aspect, Coach Brandon Fisher aspires for his defensive unit to maintain its formidable reputation from last year. Several talented transfers and freshmen have enhanced the roster. Notably, four defensive players from the team earned spots on the Big South-OVC Watch List, drawing attention from the conference. The Tigers showcased outstanding pass defense last season, allowing fewer than 200 yards per game (190.1). Moreover, they claimed the second-best position in total defense, permitting 363.5 yards per game.

Replacing key players in the defensive line, who moved on to FBS and graduation, proved to be a success for TSU. First-Team All-OVC defensive end Terrell Allen, returning for his second season, emerged as a pivotal player. With 36 tackles, he led the team in tackles for loss (12.0) and sacks (4.5). Chris Walker, boasting 50 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks in three seasons, complements Allen on the opposite end. Cameron Stewart, now in his 5th season, joins Jalen Bell, a transfer from Mississippi Valley State, in the interior. Bell, an All-SWAC honoree, has notched impressive statistics, including 113 tackles, 26.5 for loss, and 12 sacks across 31 games.

The defensive line introduces three newcomers, each expected to contribute. True freshman Eriq George showcased his potential during fall camp. Juco transfer Lathun Snipes and DII transfer Zion Morris also displayed promise. Snipes, with 48 tackles and 3.5 sacks from two years at Butte College, and Morris, with 21 tackles and two sacks at Sewanee, offer added depth. Additionally, Emmanuel Baez, returning after missing the previous season, is set to enhance the defensive end position.

The linebacking core is led by 7th-year player James Green, who missed the last season but brings his experience from 38 career games. Former UAPB All-American linebacker Monroe Beard III, arriving in the spring, further solidifies the middle linebacker position. Ahmad Nelson, Ken Andrews, and Brent Rowe provide valuable depth.

The secondary showcases the leadership of 6th-year safety Josh Green. With 225 career tackles and nine interceptions, Green stands as the team's current leader in these categories. Grad transfer Jeremiah Josephs and 6th-year player Kenyon Garlington are instrumental in their roles. Garlington, expected to start at nickel, returns after missing the previous season. Boogie Trotter, with substantial experience from the previous season, adds to the team's defensive strength. Dion Villers and Missouri transfer Tyler Jones provide backup at Safety.

The cornerback position boasts four skilled players with extensive experience. Bryce Phillips, an All-OVC Second Team performer, excelled last season with 35 tackles and 10 pass breakups. Fondren Hollis III, equipped with 25 games over four seasons, steps into a significant role at corner. Darius Harper, contributing two interceptions, including a pick-six, in the 2022 season finale, offers depth. Jashon Watkins, who played seven games with 21 tackles, and Jalen McClendon, who demonstrated proficiency in his first two seasons, are poised to make an impact.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS

Jackson Foster steps in as punter, succeeding Kaleb Mosley. Foster's journey spans Western Michigan, Diablo Valley, and Nevada before joining TSU. The role of placekicker transitions to James Lowery, who previously served as the kickoff specialist for three seasons. Lowery is 2-of-2 in his career, with a long of 43 yards. Freshman Ahmed Mohamed is slated to back up Lowery. Carson Buchanan, returning for his 4th season, maintains the long snapper position, while redshirt freshman Connor Ridderhoff offers support.

Dayron Johnson, returning after a season's absence, is positioned as TSU's premier return man. His track record includes 451 kick return yards and a score, along with 156 punt return yards in 2021. His career numbers reach 1,131 kick return yards over 50 attempts, averaging 22.62 yards per return. Boogie Trotter and Delanie Majors are additional contenders in the return game.