NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Anticipation for the new season is in full swing as the Tennessee State University football team opens up spring practice on Friday, March 16. Coach Rod Reed and his staff conduct their third year of spring practice this Friday and participate in drills until the annual Blue and White Game on Saturday, April 14. The game is slated for a 2 p.m. kickoff.
Last season, the Tigers finished the season 5-6 overall and 4-4 overall - placing fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference, which was three spots higher than the projected eighth place in the preseason.
The Tigers return a lot of offensive weapons including OVC Freshman of the Year Michael German. The quarterback completed 140 passes for 1,899 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
Tailback Trabis Ward returns as the leading rusher, notching 978 yards and 11 TDs.
Defensively, the Tigers are looking to fill gaps to replace OVC Defensive Player of the Year Rico Council along with HBCU All-American Joseph Wylie.
Daniel Fitzpatrick returns as the Tigers' leading tackler, grabbing 69 tackles and 4.5 tackles-for-loss in 11 contests last season. Defensive end Antonio Harper returns with a team-best 9.0 TFLs and 6.5 sacks.
For special teams, Jamin Godfrey is expected to make extensive strides as the team's placekicker. The junior was 37-of-39 in point after attempts, while making 16 field goals.
On Friday, April 13, TSU alum Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie hosts his annual celebrity basketball tournament. In conjunction with TSU's Centennial Celebration, the Tigers close out spring practice with the annual Blue & White game at Hale Stadium affectionately known as 'The Hole.' All the practice sessions are open to the public.
Weekly Football Practice Schedule:
Friday, March 16 - 4 p.m.
Monday, March 19 - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 21 - 4 p.m.
* - Only first three practices are listed. Other dates/times will be posted later at TSUTigers.com.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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