HBCU Football: Where do the Southern Jaguars fit in the SWAC?

In a crowded SWAC going into the 2021 fall football season, the excitement is high to see which teams will set themselves apart. One of the more interesting teams to look out for is the Southern Jaguars.

In the 2021 spring football season, the Southern Jaguars finished with a 5-1 record with their lone loss to UAPB Golden Lions costing them a berth in the SWAC championship game.

This will be the first season since 2012 that the Jaguars will not have former head coach Dawson Odums dawning the headset on their sideline as he will begin his first season coaching the Norfolk State Spartans.

The Jaguars go into the 2021 season boasting a roster that includes 10 players selected to the SWAC’s all-preseason team led by reigning Buck Buchanan award winner Jordan Lewis who was also selected the SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Playing on the defensive line alongside Jordan Lewis is fellow SWAC All-Preseason selection, Jalen Ivy. Meanwhile, Chase Foster who was also a SWAC All-Preseason selection will lead the Jags in the secondary.

On the offensive side, six Jaguars were named to the all-preseason team including four offensive linemen. In addition, running back Jarod Sims and tight end Ethan Howard were also selected.

They were predicted to finish second in the SWAC West behind the Alcorn State Braves.

Let’s take a deep dive into the Southern Jaguars to see if this is an accurate assessment.