Darenique Henry
Staff Writer
Jackson State University fans seem really excited about the upcoming football season for many reasons. The first reason being, Jackson State’s football program is celebrating its 100th year this 2011 season. The second is approximately six players were listed as Pre Season All SWAC and the Tigers are predicted to place number one in the Eastern Division of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Among those six players who were name Pre-Season All SWAC was JSU quarterback Casey Therriault. This should be an outstanding and interesting senior year for the 6’3, 205 pound quarterback who received countless compliments for his effort during the 2010 football season.
Therriault is expected to continue making his mark on Jackson State’s record book. Last season he tied JSU’s single season touchdown record and broke the single season completion record with 205. A lot of fans and spectators are expecting greater results from Therriault than last year. There is no doubt that the Michigan native will go out with a bang!
Also, to help out the offense there is Marcellos Wilder. Wilder is a talented 6’3, 195 pound senior who has proven himself to be one of the best receiver’s in the SWAC. He has the size and speed that most coaches look for in this particular position. Wilder a Tuscaloosa, Alabama native was ranked 3rd in the SWAC and 38th in the nation in receptions per game.
The Offense will also benefit from having Roderick Gladney on the line. The 6’4, 305 pound junior, is the only full time starter to return to the O-line, which will be strong enough to protect Therriault in the pocket.
On the other hand, there is JSU’s Dark Side Defense. The defense played fairly well last year, but are expecting to be even better this year. Senior Donavon Robinson is also a Pre-Season All SWAC player who is expected to shock fans and critics with another superior season. The 6’4 250 pound defensive lineman powered up the defense last year with 52 tackles and a team high of eight sacks.
Along with Robinson there is Tim Dandridge to help out the “Dark Side”. Dandridge recently have been moved from outside linebacker to safety. He finished as third leading tackler with 63 in 2010 and with the help of 2011 graduate Kerry Hoskins led the team to three interceptions.
With all of these great assets to the team, the JSU Tigers’ are looking to go undefeated this season. Although Jackson State is ineligible to compete for the 2011 SWAC championship, it does not mean the Tigers will settle for anything other than greatness. So, expect the best from the JSU Tigers. JSU will host the first home game September 3, 2011 at Veterans Memorial Stadium at 1:30 pm.
