Most HBCU soccer coaches and gamers in fall camp are simply speaking one recreation at a time — however not Southern College security Herman Brister III.
Brister was named a second crew preseason All-SWAC choice earlier this month. He performed in all 13 video games through the 2024 season with 62 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.
He was requested about being acknowledged for his honors, however Brister made it clear his focus was on the crew getting over the hump. Notably a pair of rivals that handed Southern defeats throughout final yr’s SWAC Championship Recreation run — Jackson State and Florida A&M.
“It means nothing. I’m gonna be trustworthy — we misplaced the SWAC championship final yr. I’m a winner. I wish to win,” Herman Brister informed by way of LA First Information. “Accolades, I imply that’s a blessing. However on the finish of the day, if we’re not successful a championship — it doesn’t matter.”
Southern will begin the season towards North Carolina Central on Aug. 24 within the MEAC/SWAC Championship Recreation in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta, coincidently, is the place the winner of the SWAC Championship will face the winner of the MEAC within the Celebration Bowl.
“Like Coach Graves says on a regular basis, we wish to begin in Atlanta — end in Atlanta,” Brister stated. That’s the one objective on my thoughts.”
Final season Southern misplaced to Jackson State 33-15 early within the season in a non-conference recreation. A bit over a month later, Southern dropped a recreation that DID rely to Florida A&M. It was its lone SWAC lack of the common season, incomes it a SWAC West title and a proper to play Jackson State within the SWAC Championship Recreation. Southern, as soon as once more, was unable to topple Jackson State who went on to say the convention title and win the HBCU nationwide title over South Carolina State within the Celebration Bowl.
“Yeah it was a chip on our shoulder. However this yr I promise you — it’s gonna be completely different after we play Jackson (State). Jackson and FAM(U). And the SWAC Championship. And the Celebration Bowl, that’s all that’s on my thoughts.”
Southern will host Jackson State on Sept. 27 in Baton Rouge. It would additionally host FAMU in Baton Rouge, with that recreation on Oct. 25.
Jackson State and Southern have gained the final 4 SWAC titles. Southern has misplaced to JSU within the SWAC Championship Recreation twice (2022 and 2024) throughout that span.
