NSD: Texas Southern Tigers address needs at multiple positions with 2017 Signing Class

2017 TSU FB Signing Class      2017 TSU FB Schedule 

HOUSTON, Texas -- Texas Southern football welcomed the addition of 24 student-athletes (three mid-year signees) to the Tigers program on National Signing Day.

TSU began this years' recruiting process with one common goal in mind which was to fulfill the needs of the team at multiple positions.

"We really feel good about the quality of student-athletes that we're bringing into our football program," said TSU head football coach Michael Haywood. "I can't speak highly enough about the level of talent here in the state of Texas. I used to hear Coach Mack Brown say all the time that caliber of football played in this state is some of the best in the country and that's clearly evident by the sheer numbers of highly touted prospects that come out of the state of Texas each and every recruiting season."

A total of 21 of the Tigers 24 signees hail from Texas, while TSU was also able to land highly sought prospects from Louisiana, Florida, and Virginia.

"In looking back at where we were at the conclusion of last season it was clear that we had trouble stopping the run so we focused much of our efforts on the defensive side of the ball," said Haywood. "We also wanted to be able to add some overall speed to our team on both sides of the ball. We went out and recruited some student-athletes that we feel can help us reach those goals."  

A recent top 25 HBCU recruits ranking released by Hero Sports included a total of six Texas Southern Tigers football signees (RB Terio Brown, LB Patrick Howell, LB Paul Favorite, QB Austin Sessums, TE Jadon McConnell, DT Devante Emebo).

Texas Southern led all of its Southwestern Athletic Conference counterparts in student-athletes names appearing on this list which should have the Maroon and Grey faithful extremely encouraged about what the future may hold.  

"We're without a doubt excited about the direction of this football program with the addition of these fine young men," added Haywood. "This class along with the student-athletes we have returning next season should keep us on track towards accomplishing our two main goals which is graduating student-athletes and competing for championships."

A full list of the Tigers 2017 National Signing Day Class can be found below (click on student-athletes names for video footage) and by clicking the link above.  

2017 Texas Southern Football Signees  
Demontario Anderson - 6'3 - 210 lbs. - LB - Beeville, Texas (A.C. Jones HS)
De'Andre Angelle - 5'10 -180 lbs. - WR - Port Arthur, Texas (Memorial HS)
LaDarryl Blair - 5'11 - 182 lbs. - CB - Dallas, Texas (Boise State)
Jason Briggs - 6'5 - 230 lbs. - DE - Baton Rouge, La. (Christian Life HS)
Terio Brown - 5'9 - 170 lbs. - RB - Humble, Texas (Humble HS)
Tyriq Burton - 6'1 - 220 lbs. - LB - Willis Point, Texas (Willis Point HS)
Chris Castle - 6'2 - 210 lbs. - LB - Woodville, Texas (Woodville HS)
Raymond Clayborn Jr. - 6'2 -290 lbs. - OL - Katy, Texas (St. Pius X HS)
Davante Emebo - 6'3 - 270 lbs. - DT - Missouri City, Texas (Elkins HS)
Paul Favorite - 6'1 - 211 lbs. - LB - Dallas, Texas (Bishop Dunne HS)
Patrick Howell - 6'1 225 lbs. - LB - Pearland, Texas (Dawson HS)
Jayden Jackson - 6'0 - 180 lbs. - SS - Cibolo, Texas (Steele HS)
Jadon McConnell - 6'4 -260 lbs. - TE - La Porte, Texas (La Porte HS)
Adrian Munoz - 6'2 - 240 lbs. - LB - Carrolton, Texas (Creekview HS)
Joshua Murray - 6'0 - 170 lbs. - CB - Katy, Texas (St. Pius X HS)
Elijah Odom - 6'2 - 210 lbs. - QB - Richmond, Va. (Hermitage HS)
Ryder Rae - 6'2 - 280 lbs. - OL - La Porte, Texas (La Porte HS)
Luis Reyes - 6'1 - 175 lbs. - K - Cypress, Texas (Cypress Woods HS)
Austin Sessums - 6'0 -185 lbs. - QB - Tampa, Fla. (Tampa Catholic HS)
Matthew Stephenson - 5'10 - 170 lbs. -CB - Houston, Texas (North Shore Senior HS)
Kenterious Walker - 6'0 -185 lbs. - SS - Houston, Texas (Davis HS)
Bradlee Warrick - 6'2 -265 lbs. - FB - Pittsburg, Texas (Pittsburg HS)
Jimmy White - 6'2 - 280 lbs. - DL - Willis, Texas (Willis HS)
Quincey Williams - 6'3 - 295 lbs. - DL - Cibolo, Texas (Steele HS)  



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