Four Texas Southern Tigers were rewarded for their efforts this past season on the gridiron with a spot on the 2021 All-SWAC Football Team. This marks the most Tigers to earn all-conference postseason honors since 2010.
Offensive tackle Drake Centers was the lone Tiger to earn first team honors as the Tatum, Texas native displayed his versatility with the ability to step into both tackle spots this season. Centers also helped anchor an offensive line which helped TSU finish with 4,293 yards of offense while also playing a huge role in helping TSU protect the quarterback as the line ranked fourth in the SWAC in sacks against which marked a huge improvement in that category from the last time TSU played a full season in 2019. TSU finished the 2021 season ranked second in total offense, second in rush offense and third in pass offense.
Redshirt freshman tight end Jyrin Johnson, graduate defensive end Michael Badejo and junior middle linebacker Tarik Cooper were named to All-SWAC Second Team.
Johnson ranked second on the team with 467 receiving yards and three touchdowns from his tight end position. The Sorrento, La. native caught 32 receptions and averaged 14.5 yards per catch in his first full season on the field.
A Preseason All-SWAC selection at defensive end, Badejo tied for the team lead in sacks (3.5) while finishing his career at TSU with 28 tackles and six quarterback hurries. The Mansfield, Texas native will now turn towards furthering his professional career as he holds several invites for postseason all-star games.
Cooper emerged as the anchor for TSU’s defense at middle linebacker as he led the team with 62 tackles in his first full season. A native of Texas City, Texas who transferred from Blinn College, Cooper also compiled 4.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, a sack and two forced fumbles.
