Tennessee State University was picked to finish fourth behind defending conference champion Jacksonville State, Austin Peay, and UT Martin in football this season in the conference Media Poll, at the Ohio Valley Conference Media Day on Monday. The Tigers are coming off a 6-5 season, 2-5 in conference play, and their fifth non-losing season in the past six seasons.
Junior wide receiver Steven Newbold, junior cornerback Dajour Nesbeth, and sophomore safety Vincent Sellers were named to the Preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference team.
Newbold caught 34 passes for 627 yards and four touchdowns during his sophomore season. The receiver highlighted the season by being named player of the game at the Tampa Classic versus Florida A&M (9/17/17) after catching five passes for 117 yards, including an ESPN Top 10 – touchdown for 44 yards, where he eluded eight defenders.
Sellers had a stellar freshman season being named a 2017 HERO Sports FCS Freshman All-America Team Honorable Mention selection. Sellers also earned spots on the All-OVC Second Team and OVC All-Newcomer squad. The sophomore finished 15th in the STATS FCS Jerry Rice Award race after playing in all 11 games, starting 10, at safety. Sellers collected 49 tackles, 36 solo, 2.0 for loss, two interceptions, five pass breakups, a safety and a blocked punt.
Nesbeth started all 11 games at cornerback, picking off two passes, breaking up nine passes and made 48 stops. The junior collected 33 solo tackles and 1.5 for loss. Nesbeth secured the win in the season opener over FBS opponent Georgia State with an interception in the final minute of the game.
The Tigers open camp Saturday, Aug. 3, in preparation for the season opener on Saturday, Sept. 1.The TSU football Senior Kick-Off Luncheon will be held on Friday, Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. in the Millennium Maxwell Hotel. TSU will celebrate 11 seniors during the luncheon that also serves as a fundraiser for the Tiger program. Big Blue supporters can purchase tickets for the fundraiser for only $65. A special rate of $50 is available for TSU faculty and staff members. Seats are limited and requests must be made by Thursday, Aug. 23. For more information, please contact Natasha Plant (615-963-7562) in the football office.
Season tickets for the 2018 TSU football campaign are on sale now. The season ticket package includes all four home games, including the John Merritt Classic and Homecoming. Visit the TSU Ticket Office on the main campus, or Call the TSU Ticket Office and order over the phone, or Mail in the order form or brochure found on the official TSU Tigers website. The deadline to renew season tickets is August 8.
To secure seating on TSU’s side for the Southern Heritage Classic, tickets must be purchased from the TSU Ticket Office. Additionally, a limited amount of tickets for the TSU vs Hampton game (Hampton, Va.) may be purchased for $10 through the Ticket Office. For more information, call (615) 963-ROAR (7627) or (615) 963-5841.
