Houston, TX-Size was the highlight of the 2002 Texas Southern football recruiting class announced by Bill Thomas. TSU signed 25 players, 13 defensive and 12 offensive.
On the offensive side, The Tigers signed seven offensive lineman, three receivers and two running backs. On the defensive side, the Tigers signed six defensive linemen, five linebackers and four defensive backs.
Of the 25 players recruited, nine are over 265 pounds. "You have to always start up front with the big people," Thomas said. "We were trying to sign massive guys."
TSU recruited heavily in the Houston area, led by Nick Owino, a defensive end from Alief Elsik. Owino finished with 11 sacks and was rated the #54 defensive end in America by Rivals.Com. The Tigers added Daniel Smith, an All-District receiver from Madison who finished with 62 catches.
The Tigers also added two members from Forest Brook in Dan Boston and Fredric Davis. Boston, a 6-6, 340 pound offensive lineman, was an All-State, All-Greater Houston and All-District selection. Davis, a middle linebacker, was the team's leading tackler with 185. He was also selected the MVP of District 21 4-A and was a second team All-Greater Houston selection.
"Our philosophy was to recruit in a close proximity, then go where our resources allow us to go." Thomas said.
