With 16 new recruits and boasting a top 10 recruiting class, Texas Southern is looking to drastically improve on a 2013 season that saw them limp to a 2-9 finish under third-year head coach Darell Asberry.
“We didn’t have spring training last season and it showed,” Asberry said. “The guys didn’t start to come together until the second half of the season.”
The Tigers were average to pedestrian in nearly every statical category last season, especially on the offense, where they ranked next to last in passing and just seventh on the ground in the SWAC.
Dual-threat junior starting quarterback Homer Causey is back this year after playing in 10 games, and posting 1,459 yards and accounting for 11 touchdowns.
Asberry is hoping full season and other year to learn the offense will translate into more productivity in 2014.
As inconsistent as the offense was a year ago, Asberry said he wanted to see improvement along a defensive line that had its holes.
The addition of 16 signees, including four on the defensive line led by Keyshawn Parrish and Caleb Jenkins, should add depth and versatility.
This year’s class was ranked No. 9 by From the Press Box to Press Row right after National Signing Day.
“I had concerns about the D-line, but they are doing a good job,” said Asberry. “We still have a lot of work to do but I’m encouraged by what I’ve seen so far.”
All told, the Tigers — just like the other five teams in the SWAC West will — have every chance to compete in a division that figures to be up for grabs.
