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Issue date: 8/23/07 Section: Sports

TSU head football coach James Webster instructs Tigers at practice on Wednesday.( Kenneth Cummings)

After finishing last year's football season with a 6-5 (5-2 OVC) record, the TSU Tigers are looking to improve. Head football coach James Webster said he's entering his third season with the Tigers with high expectations.

"I feel good about this team," Webster said. "I feel like the team has worked hard over the summer and I like our positive attitude."

This season, the Tigers were picked to finish fifth in the OVC. The Big Blue lost 12 players from last year's team. The team was only one win away from clinching a part of the OVC championship.

"It does not matter that we were picked to finish fifth in the conference," Webster said. "We are going to have to give the same effort as if we were picked to finish first, middle or last in the conference."

The Big Blue is replacing those 12 players (six offense and six defense players). The defensive line was hit the hardest, losing three of four starters from last season.

"Our defensive line is inexperienced and untested," Webster said. "They have looked good in practice, but we really see how they look when they get in to game action."

The Tigers are expecting huge things from Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Rodgers-Cromartie, who was named a first-team All-American and all-OVC first-team member, finished last season with six interceptions and 47 tackles.

"I think teams will try to throw towards him," Webster said. "He worked hard over the summer to become better in coverage."
The Tigers also lost six other starters, but returning are Antonio Heffner and Javarris Williams, the Tigers' two preseason all-OVC performers.

In his first season with the Big Blue, quarterback Antonio Heffner was second in the OVC, passing 1,668 yards per game with nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

"I believe Antonio understands the offense better this season," Heffner said. "He understands the philosophy better and he picks out receivers in coverage."

The Tigers also have Javarris Williams back in the backfield. Williams was the second leading rusher in the conference with 1,233 yards and 11 touchdowns.

"I have high expectations for Javarris," Webster said. "Since coming to camp he has worked to become the best player he can be."•

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