Fulghum Knocking on the NFL Door

Texas Southern senior linebacker Dejuan Fulghum has had what many would consider a dream season. After struggling in the early years of his career, Fulghum finally found the success he longed to bring back to Tiger land in 3rd Ward Texas. Since Fulghum first arrived on the campus of TSU, he has conquered all of the obstacles that stand in front of him one tackle at a time. But know he faces a new hurdle in his hopes to compete as a professional in the National Football League.

When Fulghum came to TSU as a freshman, he walked into a program that was in its worst shape ever. It showed in his first season when Fulghum and the Tigers went 0-11 losing every single game of the 2007 season. Things would improve in 2008 with the arrival of Head Coach Johnnie Cole as the Tigers started over from scratch and tried to find the formula for success.

“It was probably the worst times of my football career. I was trying to figure out why God brought be to this university,” said Fulghum.

Although Fulghum was one of the top tacklers in the SWAC, he did not receive any recognition, because the team had very little success. The Tigers went 4-8 and started to show signs that there may be light at the end of the tunnel for the TSU football program. When the 2009 season came, the Tiger defense started to make noise becoming the best defense in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Fulghum gave another top notch performance as one of the leading tacklers in the SWAC achieving 2nd Team conference honors, but with a team record of 6-5, Fulghum wanted more. This all built up to the championship run in 2010 where the Fulghum and the “212” degree defense help anchor the Tigers to their first outright title in school history.

“I’ve learned to expect greatness out of our program year in and year out,” said Fulghum.

“It feels great to set a foundation for people to follow through and build on top of. It was a gratifying feeling that I could be a role model for people to follow.”

During Fulghum’s career, he outlasted four position coaches and three defensive coordinators before he found success with Coach Kevin Ramsey who would lead the team to its highest ranking defense in the history of TSU football. Fulghum gives all of the credit of his recent success to his teammates who achieved a number one ranking in total defense in the Football Championship Subdivision. Team achievements like these on the defensive helped Fulghum get recognized as one of the premier players in the nation along with teammates Johnny Hollins and Marquis Jackson. All three players were named to the FCS All-American team for their performance during the Tigers’ 2010 title run. Fulghum was the only senior of the three and hopes to be the first one of them to make it to play ball on the professional level.

“I learned a lot when Coach Ramsey became the defensive coordinator and I began to understand how a good defense is supposed to work giving me the knowledge that made me a better player,” said Fulghum.

Curtis Thomas, another key player on the boiling hot defense known as “212”, has been here since 2008 and played alongside Fulghum in three of his four seasons as a safety. Thomas and Fulghum have been through most of the Tigers’ rough days together and have helped the defense go from one of the worst to one of the best defenses in the country.

Thomas, a Houston native recently received news that he will be invited to an NFL camp and has a chance to play for his hometown Houston Texans. Fulghum has not heard any news from a team yet, but hopes to get a phone call from a coach who wants to take advantage of the skill set that he can bring to an NFL team.

“I was happy for my teammate, but now I’m just waiting for my opportunity to come next,” said Fulghum.

The NFL Lockout has kept pro scouts from contacting Fulghum about the possibility of inviting him to camp for a tryout. Fulghum, who most scouts will view as undersized at 6’0” 224 pounds in comparison to the average 6’2” 240 pound NFL linebacker, needs an opportunity to show teams that what he can do on the field outweighs any doubts they may have about his athletic abilities.

“It’s hard to tell what they think of my abilities because of the lockout, so they haven’t been able to contact me or my agent,” said Fulghum.

Fulghum hopes that the resume he has created from his college career will propel him into a pro team’s NFL camp after the lockout is over. Fulghum racked up numerous awards in 2010 including the Mel Blount SBN Defensive Player of the Year for the best defensive performance in all of black college football.

“Just having that championship experience helps me know that I can bring a winning attitude to a team on the next level.”

Fulghum is known for his playing ability, but might be recognized among his teammates as a valuable leader on the field and a passionate person who gives all he can in every play of every game.

“I’m a very passionate player who plays extremely from the heart and I love this game, and even though I may lack the typical height and weight, my playing ability on the field speaks for itself,” said Fulghum.

With his proven perseverance and the drive that he displays on the field, it’s only a matter of time before Fulghum’s talent falls into the hands of an NFL team and develops into a thriving career in the pros.

NFL Tiger Hopefuls

Not many young men get to live the dream of becoming a professional athlete. They are driven away with the fear of failure. They are beaten down with the numbers and probabilities that tell them that it will be unlikely success. After all, according to most studies, only two percent of senior college football players make it to the National Football League that holds a little more than 1500 men. One must wonder what makes a few senior ball players from Texas Southern University think that they have a chance.

On a cool Monday morning, the senior tigers gave the scouts something to talk about as they witnessed all of their hard work being displayed on a chilly Monday afternoon. They were tested in speed, agility, power, and explosiveness by a group of NFL scouts from all over the country to see if they have what it takes to compete at the next level.

The SWAC champion football team consisted of some of the best talent in black college football and boasted the best defense in the FCS anchored by seniors like DejuanFulghum, Charles Smith, Jashaad Gaines, Joseph Warren, Kelvin Pooler, Arvell Nelson, Fred Gaines, Matt Hardrick, William Osborne and Curtis Thomas.

Although the average linebacker possesses a bulky 6’2” 240 pound body, Fulghum hopes to prove to the scouts that his 6’0” 224 pound frame will be outweighed by the tenacity and heart that he showed on the field that led to the achievement of the Black College Defensive Player of the Year Award and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year.

“I will always feel like I have something to prove until I play in my first NFL football game. The critics can say what they want until I win a starting job on the next level,” Fulghum said.

Fulghum had an exceptional performance running a mid 4.6 forty-yard dash and maxed out at 25 reps on the 225 pound bench press.

"Overall, I believe I did very well. I competed well with the other players at my position around the country.”

Fulghum hopes to follow in the footsteps of TSU alum Michael Strahan, who also won
SWAC defensive player of the year in 1992, and had a successful NFL career.

"I’m right in the mix with everybody. Looking at my accolades and film along with my performance I belong with the other Top rated linebackers on the draft boards.”

Thomas, who was also a first team SWAC selection from the 212 degree defense, had the scouts’ attention all morning with an explosive pro day performance as a defensive back. He gave the scouts a 4.5 forty yard dash, 18 reps of the 225 pound bench press, and a 37 inch vertical jump.

“Curtis Thomas did exceptionally well, but I’ve seen him training hard with me this whole time so I wasn’t surprised that he performed well,” Fulghum said.

Osborne, also a former All-American, had questions to answer from the scouts who needed to know if he still had the same burst that he possessed before a season ending injury last season. Osborne had to prove that with his 5’6” frame he could be a durable threat at the next level.

“I think I came out even with a lot of the all-purpose players around but I know at my size I have to run 4.3 with no problems,” Osborne said.I feel good about all the drills but I wanted to run a faster 40.”

Osborne ran in the mid 4.4 range in his forty-yard dash and gave the scouts a hint of the explosion that we saw from him during the 2008 season.

“I feel like I performed to the best of my ability, I look back on my career and my performance and I have no regrets.”

Osborne and Warren are two players that have to face questions about their size, but where they lack in height and weight, they make up for in speed and quickness.

“You’re going to get a player that gives 100% effort at all times. You get speed, ,quickness, and most of all you’re getting someone with a big heart," Osborne said. "That's something you can't coach."

Osborne, who had also been at TSU the longest of all the seniors, commented that the talent of these seniors had more attention than any of the players that he was here to watch perform in the past.

“We actually had a decent amount of scouts, said Osborne. Compared to other years we would only have like 2 or 3 scouts.”

Smith became known, in his last years as an offensive lineman for the Tigers, as one who would sacrifice his body to get better and help the team. Smith was also a 1st team All-SWAC selection for the tiger offense. Matt Hardrick, Skyler Trimble, and Fred Gaines played along Smith on a tough offensive line that ranked 12th in the FCS in rushing. Gaines gave the scouts a show in the weight room with 33 reps of the 225 pound bench press.

“The seniors this year were in the mindset that they would take time and train. Everyone stayed during spring break so everyone finished their drills at top speed and we were in condition,” Osborne said.
Nelson is another senior who had a lot to prove to the scouts after an up and down season as quarterback for the Tigers. In spite of a rough start, he ended up leading the Tigers to the SWAC championship. There were still questions of whether Nelson could play the quarterback position or not.

“When I was done with my workout one of the scouts came and told me that I would get a shot,” Nelson said. "That's all I needed to hear."

Jashaad Gaines and Kelvin Pooler are two versatile players that could fill in at different spots on an NFL roster. Gaines spent most of his career at outside linebacker but sometimes had to fill in at safety. Pooler came to the team as a tight end, but helped the Tigers to a solid year on special teams as a deep snapper. He had scouts very interested in his snapping skills.

For the first time since the class of 1993, the NFL scouts showed real interest in the talent that TSU had to offer. The seniors who are giving the next level a shot put it all on the line with something that players in the past did not have in their resume. They not only have their hard work, training, and championship attitudes. The scouts want to know what kind of men turned a program from dismal to dominant. They want to know how these young men help jolt the campus of TSU with the spirit of a champion.

Cole Steps Down.. Ramsey Steps In

Coach Johnnie Cole has stepped down as head coach of the Texas Southern University Tiger Football team. Cole stepped down after meeting with the Athletic Administration. After the meeting, the two decided to part ways in the best interests of Cole and TSU.

Cole met with the players on Wednesday at the field house where he broke the news. He gave players his final words of encouragement and wished them the best of luck next season with their new head coach. Cole said that this was not something that he wanted, but might be in the best interests of all parties involved.

“I would love to stay, but the administration and I decided that it is best that we go our separate ways,” Cole said.

Cole led the Tigers to the first outright SWAC Championship in school history in the 2010 season. He was also named the 2010 SWAC Coach of the Year.

“I’ve done what I set out to do and that is come back to my school and lead a team to a championship,” Cole said.

Athletic director, Charles McClelland, met with the players on Friday and announced that Cole was relieved of his duties as the head football coach. McClelland later released a statement giving reasons why Cole was relieved.


"We anticipate major NCAA violations toward our football program with regards to recruiting, unethical conduct, and academic inconsistincies among other things," McClelland said.

McClelland also revealed to the players that defensive coordinator, Kevin Ramsey, has been named the interim and future head Coach for the 2011 season. The players gave a roaring ovation for the decision to make Ramsey head coach.

"Coach Ramsey is a great person and I'm happy for his family and the whole staff," said senior running back Martin Gilbert.

Now the Tigers and their new head coach are focusing on the possibilities of a repeat season and a Black College National Title.

"Our chances increased because, when you look at last year, the defense was the strong point of the team and now we have Coach Ramsey controlling the offense as well," said Gilbert. "I look at it as a blessing in disguise."

Although the moment was bitter sweet for the defending SWAC champion offense,who ranked 12th in the FCS in rushing, the players were excited that Ramsey would be taking over both sides of the ball.

"I think that the program just took a positive turn. All the players respond to him very well and he's a very good guy," said Tiger receiver Richard Samuel.

Ramsey led the highly regarded "212" degree defense to a number one ranking in the Football Championship Subdivision in the 2010 season.

"It's not going to effect us. It's just going to increase our strength," said defensive back Kydarian Wilkins.

Ramsey also fired assistant head coach Darryl Williams once he was awarded the job and told players that it was the beginning of a fresh start.

"I feel like a change was needed. I feel like he is going to turn this around and do it the right way," said Wilkins.

Ramsey gave some encouraging words to the players about the future season and new goals that he has set for the TSU football program.

"These guys really want to win and they want to be a part of the reason we repeat as champions. The change will allow them to put all of the speculations behind them and focus on the future," said Ramsey. "We are here to win...in the classroom, on the field, and in life."

Despite the coaching change spring football will continue for the defending SWAC champion Tigers as scheduled. There have been no rumored or official changes made to the events leading all the way through the ring ceremony on April 17th.

Cole Leaves TSU Football

Coach Johnnie Cole has resigned as Head Coach of the TSU Tiger Football team.
Cole stepped down after meeting with the Athletic Administration. After the meeting, the two decided to part ways in the best interests of Cole and TSU.

Cole met with the players on Wednesday where he broke the news to the surprised players. He gave them some of his final words of encouragement and wished them the best of luck next season with their new head coach.

Cole expressed that this was not something that he wanted, but might be in the best interests of all parties involved.

“I would love to stay, but the administration and I decided that it is best that we go our separate ways,” Cole said.

Cole led the Tigers to the first outright SWAC Championship in school history in
the 2010 season. Despite rumors being spread on the campus about why the head coach has resigned, no formal statements will be made until the press conference on Friday.

“I’ve done what I set out to do and that is come back to my school and lead a team to a championship,” Cole said.

There have been no announcements made as to which direction Athletic Director, Charles McClelland, will go to get the new head coach for the Tiger football team.

The Assistant Head Coach Darryl Williams and Defensive Coordinator Kevin Ramsey will take over as interim coaches for the remainder of spring practice, but there have been no official decisions as to who will be leading the Tiger football team next season.

Despite the coaching change Spring Football will continue for the defending SWAC champion Tigers as scheduled. There have been no rumored or official changes made to the events leading all the way through the ring ceremony on April 17th.

The Legs of a Legacy

She has been racing against the SWAC and leaving every opponent behind since she first arrived. But now Francesca Okwara is trying to run as fast as she can while another opponent is catching up. She is running against the clock.
For the last three years the Lady Flying Tiger track team has been anchored by sprinter Francesca Okwara. She has been the leading sprinter on the Women’s track team since she started her career at TSU, but now that she is a senior, there are other goals that come to her mind on the track.

Okwara gave a surge to the Track team at the TSU Relays, by capturing a silver performance in the 100 meter dash. She place 2nd overall but was still 1st among all SWAC participants, keeping her a step ahead of her conference opponents.

The senior sprinter also participates in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, already attained the SWAC indoor titles in the 60 meter dash and the 200 meter dash this season.
Okwara has been a major threat in the SWAC for the last few years and plans to go out with a bang in her final season as a Flying Tiger.

“Of course there is a lot of pressure and excitement [to perform in your last season] said Okwara. There is always a lot of pressure since I have won SWAC every year.

Okwara has had her share of adversities throughout her college career. Like many other athletes she has dealt with injuries that caused her to miss time in her career, but she is healthy and ready to go out with a bang.

“This was also my first outdoor meet in a year since I hurt my hamstring last tsu relays so I am very excited and anxious to see what this outdoor season brings,” Okwara said.

Her success began as soon as she stepped foot on the track as a Flying Tiger sprinter at Durley Stadium.She can still remember her first taste of success in the SWAC and the feeling of representing for her school on a national level.

“One of my favorite memories was in 2007 when I won the 100 in SWAC as a freshman and was the only female or male to go to the NCAA regional from TSU,” said Okwara.

Okwara hopes for her last memories as a Flying Tiger to be the most memorable of her entire collegiate career at TSU and to savor the success that she has brought to TSU Track and Field. She is trying to make sure that her legs help her cement her legacy in the hearts of tiger fans.

“I hope to leave a legacy of winning consecutive years in conference and also pride and humility and my dedication as a Flying Tiger,” Okwara said.

The Lady Flying Tigers’ next meet is at the Humble ISD Highschool and College meet this Friday on April 1.

Nelson Clears the Air

The TSU football team’s road to glory was a long one that began with many adversities. Many of these spawned a three game losing streak to begin the year. The Tigers overcame this obstacle and many more but the toughest task was saved for the finale of their season. They would have to play without starting senior quarterback Arvell Nelson.

There were many questions surrounding Nelson and the Tiger football team when news dropped that he would not play in the SWAC championship game.
There was an NCAA investigation was looming over the TSU athletic program during the Tigers’ historic run and caused the coaching staff and the Athletic Director, Charles McClelland to pull Nelson for the championship.

The investigation dated back to 2007 long before Nelson arrived on campus, but centered around him and others when the Tigers began to go on their improbable run.

“The story is that we as a program were being investigated for NCAA violations. Certain players were questioned about things that happened in the past and to be safe coach felt it would be the right thing to do,” said Nelson.

The night before the big game, Nelson and the team were notified that he would not be able to compete in the championship. The Tiger offense would have to make a major adjustment in order to come up with a game plan that did not include their starter. Nelson had somewhat of a rough start to the season, but would later become part of a major turnaround that led the tigers to seven straight victories and a SWAC championship bid. However, the Tigers would have to survive without their battle tested quarterback.

“At the end of the day what’s done is done, but it really hurt cause I worked so hard for that moment and for it to be taken away hours before waws heart breaking.”

Coach Cole rallied the Tigers behind Nelson, asking that they give it all they had for the guy that helped them make it this far. Nelson could not even stomach not being able to play in the game with his teammates and stayed behind at the hotel in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Tigers ended up winning the championship behind backup quarterback Riko Smalls and claimed the first outright title in school history.

“But at the same time I had no doubt that we would win the game. As a team we dealt with adversity all year and me being held out of the game was just fuel to our fire.”

Nelson will receive his championship ring with his teammates on April 17 after their annual Maroon and White Spring Game. Nelson is set to graduate in December, but will also take a shot at playing at the next level.

“The next thing for me to do is to graduate and make it to the NFL. If that don’t work out I am going to go into personal training and possibly coaching,” said Nelson.

Nelson’s plan is to put his full effort towards the NFL, but if that doesn’t work he will have a degree and still plans to be a part of the game in some kind of way.

“The game of football has my heart and I feel it’s my calling to teach young men how to be men using this game, the way the game helped me,” said Nelson.

The TSU Pro Day will be held on Monday March 28 and Nelson will be one of several talented young men trying to show off the same maturity, talent, and passion that led them into the first SWAC football title in school history.

Remembering Coach Candy

Former TSU Baseball Coach Candy Robinson died at the age of 70. Robinson was a two-time SWAC Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2008.

Robinson lost his extensive battle with cancer last Tuesday morning.
Robinson led the Tigers to their only two NCAA appearances and also their only pair SWAC championships. Robinson coached at TSU for 19 years and his teams qualified for 12 championship tournament appearances. Nine of those were consecutive. In their 2004appearance in the NCAA tournament his team defeated the defending College World Series champion Rice Owls.

Robinson’s funeral was held at Brentwood Baptist Church where many of his former players paid their last respects.

“He was one of those kinds of coaches that worked really hard so that was the expectations that he had for the players,” said former player Marcus Newsome.

Newsome played in the TSU outfield 1988-91 for Robinson and coached alongside Robinson when he first took over as head coach in 1992.

“He was also a fun coach with a very humorous side. He liked challenging players in practice. He had a great arm. He had some type of rubber arm,” Newsome said.

In 1965, Robinson stood out as the ace pitcher for Grambling State University. He was named as an All-American that year and was signed by the Boston Red Sox where he played for several years.

“He raised the bar pretty high because of his own success so he expected you to do it just as hard as he did,” said Newsome.

After stepping down in 2008, Robinson took over as the head of Baseball Operations at TSU. He is survived by his wife Sara and their two daughters Ariel and Candace. The family has asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in the name of Candy Robinson Jr.