2001 Outlook
There were plenty of reasons to be excited with the Tiger football squad last year heading into TSU head coach
Bill Thomas� eight season.
The Tigers exceeded expectations, beginning the season 7-0 for the first time in school history, and finishing with its best record (8-3) since 1952. Junior linebacker Lernard Mack was named Black College Defensive Player of the Year and the Tigers finished with six All-SWAC performers.
With 17 starters returning (nine on offense, seven on defense), TSU looks to build upon its successful 2000 season with a young but experienced squad ready to take the next step in its goal of a SWAC Championship. However, Coach Thomas must overcome the lost of both coordinators (Offensive coordinator Charlie Coiner-Chicago Bears and Defensive Coordinator Kenwick Thompson-San Jose State College) and a tough schedule including WAC Champion UTEP, SWAC Eastern Division Champion Alabama State, SWAC Western Division Champion Grambling, Southern and Alabama A&M.
Offense
A young gunslinger showed up in Houston and almost led TSU to its first SWAC Championship. Senior quarterback Adam Lamb has a full season under his belt and could fully blossom into of the top dual threat quarterbacks in the country. Lamb who was once named SWAC Player of the Week, finished fifth in school history with 1,939 passing yards in a single season. The Forest Brook High School product led the Tigers in rushing (627 yards) and passing (1,939 yards). He accounted for 19 touchdowns (10 rushing, nine passing) on the season. Lamb also was named Team MVP at the annual All-Sports Banquet.
The running back position is wide open, with the Tigers returning its top two rushers from last season, (Lamb 141-627) and senior
Waymon Steed (108-509). However, Jerrell Singletary (17-28) who was injured throughout the season and converted linebacker Michael Simmons expect to see time at the position. Fullback Herbert Winston (9-7, rushing, 1 TD, 11-151 receiving, one TD) returns with exemplary rushing and pass-catching capabilities.
The pass catching corps took a hit with the loss of wideout Goldy Jackson to graduation, however, TSU returns junior Cortez Hankton (33-822). An excellent route runner, Hankton led the team in receiving yards and average yards a game (24.9). Joining Hankton are Aaron Fogle and Yves Eveillard a former defensive back who finished third on the team with 31 tackles.
The offensive line returns Street and Smith 2001 Preseason All-American Kris Allen. The senior from Baytown was a second team All-SWAC selection is a solid run and pass-blocker, paving the way for TSU�s offensive success. Senior Mike Brown, the team scholar athlete of the year returns with center Omar Ornelas, guard Rickey Wesley and tackle Obadiah Ovbieko return to open holes and passing lane for the Tigers.
Defense
As the saying goes "Defenses Win Championships", and TSU�s fortune last season was a result of an attacking defense which was rated number one in the nation at times throughout the season. The unquestioned leader of the unit, linebacker Lernard Mack was named Black College and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. The Houston native registered 119 tackles, five sacks, 33 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Mack saved his best games for crunch time, recording a game-high 20 tackles against Grambling State. Joining Mack are juniors Sam Harris (27 tackles) and Damondric Goines.
SWAC Freshman of the Year, Santino Hall, leads a talented secondary unit. The Palm Beach, Florida native nabbed a team-high eight interceptions, including a school record three against Jackson State. Corner J.D. McWilliams, a transfer from Tennessee-Martin is expected to play a big role after a great spring training. The strong safety position is manned by junior Oliver Celestine (57 tackles). Celestine, the second leading tackler on the team was named SWAC Defensive Player of the Week once for returning an interception for the game-winning touchdown against Arkansas Pine-Bluff. The free safety is Allen Joseph who served primarily as a return man last season.
All-SWAC second-teamer Tommy Balom paces the aggressive defensive line. Balom, a senior from Jacksonsville, Florida is the top returning sack leader with six. Joining Balom upfront are Galon Thompson (31 tackles, five sacks) and Marlin Williams (14 tackles, one sack).
Special Teams
The Tigers will definitely miss All-American kicker J.B. Lacombe. One of the most accurate kickers in TSU history, Lacombe handled both the kicking and punting duties. Jumping into the fold is Vincent Patrick a 5-11, 175 sophomore from Portland, Oregon. TSU is still looking for a primary return man.
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