Photo: Tulane Unveils New White Helmet Ahead of 2024 CFB Season
Aug 19, 2024
ANNAPOLIS, MD - DECEMBER 27: A Tulane Green Wave cheerleader celebrates a touchdown during the Military Bowl between the Virginia Tech Hokies and Tulane Green Wave on December 27, 2023 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis Maryland. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Tulane released images of the new helmets that the team will wear during the 2024 season on Monday.
The white helmet features green flakes as well as the signature blue and green stripes running from the front to the back of the helmet. The school's Green Wave logo is also still prominently featured on the side.
The latest helmet adds another wrinkle in Tulane's array of uniform combinations, as the team also uses green and light blue helmets.
The Green Wave will be attempting to surpass a double-digit win total for the third consecutive season in 2024, as they're coming off an impressive 11-3 campaign in 2023.
Jon Sumrall is replacing Willie Fritz as head coach after Fritz joined Houston in Dec. 2023. Sumrall won two Sun Belt titles with Troy, compiling a 23-4 record over the past two seasons.
The 2024 starting quarterback for the Green Wave is still uncertain, as redshirt freshman Darian Mensah is battling with Kai Horton and Oregon transfer Ty Thompson ahead of the team's Week 1 clash with Southeastern Louisiana on Aug. 29.
The run game should still remain one of the team's strengths, as Makhi Hughes is returning for his sophomore season after racking up 1,378 yards and seven touchdowns on 258 carries in 2023.
Tulane will attempt to earn its second AAC title in three seasons during the 2024 season, and they'll debut a new helmet while doing so.
Jha'Quan Jackson NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for Tulane WR
Apr 15, 2024
ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 02: Tulane Green Wave wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson (4) carries the ball in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl between the USC Trojans and the Tulane Green Wave on January 2, 2023 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by John Bunch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 5'9"
WEIGHT: 188
HAND: 8⅞"
ARM: 30⅞"
WINGSPAN: 74⅝"
40-YARD DASH: 4.42
3-CONE: N/A
SHUTTLE: N/A
VERTICAL: 32"
BROAD: 9'10"
POSITIVES
— Good straight-line speed. Serious burner down the field on go routes, posts and seams.
— Above-average quickness. Nimble, twitchy player with some wiggle in space.
— At his best with the ball in his hands. Fast, agile runner with natural vision as a ball-carrier.
— Tons of experience and production as both a kick and punt returner.
NEGATIVES
— Size alone will limit him to the slot.
— Did not run a full route tree at Tulane. Almost exclusively used on vertical routes, underneath crossers and screens.
— Poor play strength. Goes down on first contact often; cannot fight through traffic for the ball.
— Struggles to attack the ball with confidence both in the air and over the middle.
Jha'Quan Jackson is a specialized gadget player and vertical threat from the slot.
At 5'9" and 188 pounds, Jackson does not have the size nor the strength to handle playing outside in the NFL. He's a slot-only player who brings some of the juice necessary to thrive in that role.
Jackson plays with great long speed. He doesn't have that immediate burst to threaten defensive backs right off the line, but after a few steps, he kicks into high gear and forces DBs into an all-out sprint. Jackson's speed was often used on go routes and post routes in Tulane's offense.
Tulane also used Jackson on the horizontal plane a lot, calling a bevy of shallow crossers, screens and the occasional jet sweep for him. Not only is Jackson tough to catch sideline to sideline, but he's a quick, agile player with the ball in his hands. One move and he can leave a defender eating grass.
At the same time, that's the extent of what Jackson's role can be moving forward. He is a niche vertical threat who can also be used in a gadget role underneath, similar to Mecole Hardman or Ray-Ray McCloud. He did not show a full route tree at Tulane and likely won't be asked to in the NFL, either.
Jackson also lacks the strength to finish plays. At the top of routes, he has neither the length nor strength to push off or fight through contact. The same is true of Jackson's ability to fight for the ball in traffic or in the air. Moreover, Jackson does not attack the ball with much confidence to begin with when the throw is contested.
Jackson can be a useful role player as a team's WR4 and return specialist. His speed alone will give him a chance to stick in the NFL. However, Jackson's size and incomplete skill set dramatically lower his ceiling as a player.
Michael Pratt NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for Tulane QB
Mar 6, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 02: Michael Pratt #7 of the Tulane Green Wave in action against the University of Southern Alabama at Yulman Stadium on September 02, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 217
HAND: 9¼"
ARM: 30¾"
WINGSPAN: 77"
40-YARD DASH: N/A
3-CONE: 7.20
SHUTTLE: 4.23
VERTICAL: 36"
BROAD: 9'6"
POSITIVES
— Good pocket toughness. Willing to stand in collapsing pocket and make throws.
— Functional athlete. Balanced, powerful runner. Can be used in short-yardage situations.
— Above-average touch accuracy. Shows the ability to put air under the ball and layer throws both over the middle and outside.
— Showed the ability to handle pre-snap operation with checks and protection calls.
NEGATIVES
— Below-average arm talent. Lumbering release with middling velocity on the ball.
— Often double-clutches and loses confidence when operating beyond first read.
— Below-average processing speed. Too many instances where he misunderstands coverage shells or loses sight of zone defenders moving post-snap.
Michael Pratt has all the qualities of a solid backup quarterback in the NFL, but he lacks the polish and high-end traits to be a developmental starter.
Pratt's toughness and aggressive mentality are the basis of his game. He is fearless in the pocket. At least a few times per game, Pratt will take a clean hit to ensure he delivers a ball where it needs to go. That toughness and team-first mentality will serve him well.
That mentality extends to Pratt's risk tolerance. He is an aggressive passer. Pratt always looks for angles to throw down the field if the pre-snap look from the defense allows for it.
Pratt is a somewhat functional athlete as well. He isn't quick or fast, but there is a degree of power and balance to Pratt's game that serves him well as a designed runner in short-yardage situations or in the red zone.
From an arm-talent perspective, Pratt is lacking. He has a lumbering release, and the ball does not pop out of his hand with good velocity. Pratt too often lacks the ball speed to make certain throws, especially outside the numbers, and he doesn't have a loose arm that can access different throwing angles.
Pratt's saving grace is his touch accuracy. Though not special in any way, Pratt does show the ability to layer throws over defenders.
At the same time, Pratt lacks the decision-making and vision that his four-year starter status suggests. Pratt too often fails to see defenders in the middle of the field or adjust to any post-snap rotations, be that by the safeties or blitz packages with defenders dropping off the line of scrimmage.
Pratt can be a useful backup in the NFL. His toughness, touch accuracy and moderate athletic ability should help him keep the ship afloat in a pinch. However, Pratt's uneven decision-making and lack of high-end traits limit his upside.
Tyjae Spears NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Tulane RB
Mar 17, 2023
ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 02: Tulane Green Wave running back Tyjae Spears (22) breaks free from an attempted tackle by USC Trojans defensive lineman Nick Figueroa (99) during the Cotton Bowl game between the Tulane Green Wave and USC Trojans on January 2, 2023 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 5'10"
WEIGHT: 201
HAND: 10"
ARM: 30 3/4"
WINGSPAN: TBD
40-YARD DASH: N/A
3-CONE: N/A
SHUTTLE: N/A
VERTICAL: 39"
BROAD: 10'5"
POSITIVES
— Very good acceleration and speed. Can threaten the perimeter and rip off explosive runs.
— Great short-area explosiveness.
— Good balance and ability to mitigate contact. Have to make clean, strong tackles to bring him down consistently.
— Tough, energetic runner. Always fighting for extra yards.
— Good vision and decisiveness as a runner.
— Good third-down back. Receiving and pass protection skills are both up to par.
NEGATIVES
— Tough runner, but size often inhibits his ability to actually push the pile.
— Not an exceptionally small player, but his build may limit his ability to carry a full NFL workload.
Tyjae Spears is an explosive, energetic runner whose average build and troubling injury history may be all that holds him back from being a star in the NFL.
Spears wins primarily with burst and speed. He plays with wicked explosion. In tight spaces, Spears can cut effortlessly side-to-side, both behind the line of scrimmage and when maneuvering the second level. He similarly shows dangerous acceleration and speed in the open field, especially once he gets to shift gears and fly past the last level of the defense. Spears has all the traits of a runner who can create explosive plays.
On top of that, Spears is a reliable runner. His vision is mostly good, and he is a very decisive runner. He rarely holds himself up behind the line of scrimmage.
Furthermore, Spears plays with impressive balance and a great understanding for how to mitigate contact from tacklers. He contorts his body well to limit how hard and cleanly he is being hit, which helps him stay balanced and eke out extra yards. When combined with his adequate pass-catching skills and fiery pass protection attitude, Spears has a lot to like when it comes to his floor as a prospect.
With that being said, size and durability are concerns for Spears. While 201 pounds isn't tiny, it's a little under the desired threshold for a true lead back. There are exceptions, such as Austin Ekeler, but not many. Spears is more likely to split time than be a full-time guy.
Additionally, Spears suffered a torn ACL back in 2020. Those kinds of injuries always leave concerns about a player's long-term sustainability and possibility of reinjury.
Spears has all of the needed athletic traits and skills to be a good NFL player. His blend of burst, speed, relentlessness and third-down chops give him plenty of avenues to be useful. Unfortunately, Spears' average build and injury history could hurt his ability to be a lead back, both right away and over the course of his NFL career.
Dorian Williams NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Tulane LB
Feb 28, 2023
Tulane linebacker Dorian Williams (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Memphis in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Tulane won 38-28. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
HEIGHT: 6'1"
WEIGHT: 228
HAND: 10 1/4"
ARM: 33 3/4"
WINGSPAN: 80 1/2"
40-YARD DASH: 4.49
3-CONE: TBD
SHUTTLE: TBD
VERTICAL: 33.5"
BROAD: 10"
POSITIVES
– Pretty quick to read gap runs. Has the agility and acceleration to beat the puller to the spot.
– Has the patience to let zone runs develop and knows when to pick his spots to attack the gap, giving him opportunities to make unblocked tackles. Navigates and avoids the trash well, too.
– Takes on blocks with his hands as a run defender and has enough upper-body strength to get some extension against offensive linemen.
– Decent range versus outside runs with his speed and angles.
– Has good speed when coming downhill and wraps up with good pad level as a tackler to limit yards after contact. Has some pop behind his pads.
– Uses his hands and creates reroutes against wide receivers in zone coverage.
– Good acceleration to click and close or take away short routes in man coverage.
– Carries tight ends and running backs with solid speed down the field.
– Impressive sense of when to attack the quarterback on scramble drills, which can limit yards and even lead to sacks.
NEGATIVES
– Stops his feet when taking on blocks and lacks the strength to hold his ground versus stronger offensive linemen. Will struggle in the NFL.
– Doesn't get offensive linemen off-balance when using a flipper at the point of contact and ends up getting swallowed up.
– Isn't violent. Lacks the strength to stack and shed.
– Struggles to throttle and bring his feet with him when tackling in space, which leads to occasional misses.
– Needs to work for more depth as the middle hole defender in zone coverage, especially against play action. Tries to backpedal against run fakes instead of turning and running/ROBOT-ing, but lacks the speed moving backward to get to the depth in time.
– Gets caught staring in the backfield and struggles to locate threats coming into his area when playing zone. Passes whiz by his ears and he takes the cheese against levels concepts when the back runs the short route.
– Subpar change-of-direction skills in man coverage.
– Doesn't have any pass-rushing moves as a blitzer.
– 2020 Honors: Led AAC with 98 total tackles, Second-Team All-AAC (coaches)
OVERALL
In general, Dorian Williams could be a solid backup linebacker and special teamer in the NFL. He doesn't have a specialty as far as being a coverage 'backer or run defender, as he has significant strengths and weaknesses in both areas.
Williams' tackling is his most impressive trait against the run. He has great technique and can stop running backs in their tracks, especially in short-yardage situations. However, he's going to struggle to hold his ground and get off blocks from NFL offensive linemen.
In coverage, the Tulane product has the speed and acceleration to carry his man or click and close, and he has impressive ball production with 15 career interceptions and pass breakups combined, nine of which came this past season. But his eye discipline in zone coverage is a major concern.
Schematically, Williams would be best as a "Will" linebacker for an even-front team that runs a lot of man coverage. He'll also be able to contribute on special teams, having played there his entire college career, which will help his draft stock.
The 2023 college football season may be just over eight months away, but it's never too early to start thinking ahead. Last season, we saw the TCU Horned Frogs...
Spencer Rattler, No. 2 Oklahoma Fend Off Tulane in Thrilling Season Opener
Sep 4, 2021
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during an NCAA college football game against Baylor Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Heisman Trophy hopeful Spencer Rattler
threw for over 300 yards Saturday to help No. 2 Oklahoma escape with a season-opening
40-35 victory over Tulane at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial
Stadium in Norman.
The Sooners, who are aiming to win the
program's first national championship since 2000, were supposed to
start the campaign with a road game against the Green Wave, but the
contest was moved to OU's campus because of Hurricane Ida's
impact on New Orleans.
WR Mario Williams (OU): 6 catchers for 37 yards, 1 TD
Rattler, OU Face Plenty of Room for Improvement After Narrow Win
Oklahoma overcame a sluggish start—Tulane led 14-7 late in the first quarter, and the game remained tied
until five minutes into the second period—to pick up the victory
and avoid putting itself in a must-win situation for the
remainder of the regular season, and that's all that truly matters in Week 1.
That said, it was far from the most
efficient performance for Lincoln Riley's group in a game that still hung in the balance late in the fourth quarter.
Rattler was playing pitch-and-catch
with his receivers against an overmatched Tulane secondary for much
of the game, but in situations where he was forced to throw in to
coverage he sailed several throws over the heads of his targets. His first interception came on an attempt into triple coverage down the field.
Oklahoma also failed to take advantage
of back-to-back fumbles by Green Wave quarterback Michael Pratt in
the second quarter. It set the Sooners up with dream field position
in opposing territory both times, including once at the Tulane 11,
but they only came away with a pair of field goals. They must convert those chances against better teams.
The OU defense really toughened up
after the first quarter, but even it has some teaching points after
allowing touchdown drives of 55 and 75 yards the first two times
Tulane had the ball. It also appeared to tire in the second half to leave the door open for a comeback.
That's not to say there weren't plenty
of positives for the Sooners in the win.
Mario Williams gets his first touchdown as a Sooner. OU is now up 34-14 with 3:01 left until halftime. pic.twitter.com/JZtZjcIEm7
Rattler was terrific when given time to
stand tall in the pocket to deliver strikes, including a 50-yard
connection with Marvin Mims that was initially called a touchdown
before being reversed on review because the sophomore receiver
stepped out of bounds at the two.
Running back Kennedy Brooks looked
fresh and primed for a big year after opting out of the 2020 campaign. He helped seal the win in the final two minutes after a Tulane rally.
The defensive front seven was able to
wear down the Tulane offensive line to create constant pressure and
set the stage for OU's 23-0 second quarter.
Kicker Gabe Brkic was also among the
standouts with four field goals, highlighted by three from beyond 50
yards.
Gabe Brkic just became the first player in #Sooners history to convert three field goal attempts of 50+ yards in a single game.
Oklahoma has championship-level
expectations, however, and it takes nearly flawless football come
playoff time in order to reach that potential. Few programs know that
better than OU, which has reached the CFP three times in the past
four years but failed to advance beyond the semifinals.
Saturday's win was a first step in the
12-week regular-season journey for the Sooners. They got the win, but
there's plenty of work to do and errors to iron out in the months
ahead as they pursue the title.
What's Next?
Oklahoma is back in action next
Saturday when it hosts FCS opponent Western Carolina. It marks the
second of four straight home games to open the season for the Sooners.
The Green Wave were also scheduled to
play at home next Saturday against Morgan State. That game has been
changed to a neutral-site contest at Legion Field in Birmingham,
Alabama.
Tulane's Tyler Judson Arrested on Battery Charge, Allegedly Punched Woman
May 28, 2020
NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 29: A Tulane Green Wave logo is seen on a helmet during a game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs against the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium on October 29, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Tulane safety Tyler Judson has been charged with second-degree battery following an arrest Monday after he allegedly hit a woman.
Per Devin Bartolotta of WWL-TV, Judson was arrested after police said he punched 18-year-old high school student Denisha Coleman in the face outside of a Waffle House in Zachary, Louisiana. He was released from custody after posting bail.
Desiree Coleman, Denisha's mother, told Bartolotta her daughter was hospitalized with "multiple facial fractures" that will require surgery.
Tulane issued a statement, per Bartolotta: "Tulane Athletics is aware of Tyler Judson's arrest. He has been suspended indefinitely from the Tulane football program. Tulane Athletics will have no further comment at this time."
Desiree Coleman told Bartolotta her daughter didn't know Judson. Denisha suffered eye fractures and a broken nose. She will be forced to miss her high school graduation ceremony on Friday while recovering from her injuries.
Judson, who was raised in Zachary, is a redshirt freshman on Tulane's football team. He appeared in four games for the Green Wave during the 2019 season.
Justin McMillan Leads Tulane Past Southern Miss 30-13 in Armed Forces Bowl
Jan 4, 2020
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Justin McMillan #12 of the Tulane Green Wave runs with the ball against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field on November 16, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
For the first time in school history, the Tulane Green Wave have won postseason games in consecutive years thanks to their 30-13 victory over the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in the 2020 Armed Forces Bowl.
Willie Fritz has steadily built Tulane's football team into a solid unit. He led the program to its first bowl appearance since 2013 and first bowl win since 2002 last year in the Cure Bowl.
Tulane headed into this matchup seemingly without momentum, coming off three straight losses to end the regular season.
It looked like that was going to continue early when Southern Mississippi jumped out to a 13-0 lead. Quarterback Justin McMillan, in the final game of his college career, led the Green Wave back with 30 unanswered points, including 24 in the second half.
Things looked bleak for Tulane out of the gate, as the defense allowed 158 yards and two touchdowns on Southern Mississippi's first two possessions.
The pass defense, in particular, was getting torched by Golden Eagles quarterback Jack Abraham. The junior went 11-of-14 for 142 yards and one touchdown to help his team jump out to a 13-0 lead.
Fritz and defensive coordinator Jack Curtis adjusted to what they were seeing, and the players tightened things up to give their offense a chance to settle in.
After those two scoring drives, Southern Mississippi washeld scoreless withjust 201yards, three turnover on downs and threw two interceptions on 12 possessions.
This #Tulane defense has been stellar since the first two drives.
It took the Green Wave offense three drives to sustain any momentum. Their first two possessions were three-and-outs in which they had minus-five net yards between a holding penalty andMcMillan taking a sack.
Tulane only had two field goals in the first half and was facing a 13-6 deficit going into the third quarter. It scored on each of its first four possessions in the third quarter, including three touchdowns, to blow the game wide-open.
A 214-yard quarter for @GreenWaveFB. Is that a lot? It sounds like a lot.
McMillan and Jalen McCleskey hooked up for the first score on a 52-yard touchdown to tie the game. After the defense forced a three-and-out, the Green Wave took their first lead on Merek Glover's field goal.
The last shift in momentum came on Southern Mississippi's next possession. Sophomore Tate Whatley took over for Abraham, who suffered a shoulder injury in the first half, and his third pass was picked off by Larry Brooks, who returned it to the Golden Eagles' 5-yard line.
Without Jack Abraham, it’s going to be really hard for USM to win this one. Tate just isn’t even close to him in terms of skill and know-how
McMillan tossed his second score of the game to Jacob Robertson Jr. to put Tulane up 23-13.
Southern Mississippi's attempt to respond did produce its best drive since the first quarter. Whatley took the offense 41 yards in seven plays, but things stalled when he threw three straight incompletions for a turnover on downs at Tulane's 34.
On the ensuing possession for Tulane, McMillan hit McCleskey for 35 yards on the first play. Cameron Carroll picked up 11 yards on two runs to set up Amare Jones' 20-yard touchdown catch.
Tulane QB Justin McMillan has been awesome since the start of the second quarter. Great comeback by the Green Wave.
In addition to Tulane's pass defense figuring things out, the run defense was stout all day. Southern Mississippi entered the bowl game averaging 122.4 yards per game on the ground, but it managed 58yards with 2.5 yards per attempt Saturday.
