Southern University Converted Defensive Backs to Linebackers
The coaching staff moved Tay James and Herman Brister to new roles to increase speed near the line of scrimmage.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you prefer your local football team to prioritize speed over size on defense?
Southern University football coaches shifted defensive backs Tay James and Herman Brister to weakside linebacker positions this season. The move aims to utilize the players' athleticism rather than relying on traditional 250-pound linebacker frames.
Why it matters
By deploying faster, leaner defenders, the team intends to keep players closer to the football and improve defensive agility. This personnel change reflects a strategic effort to adapt to modern offensive schemes in the current conference landscape.
Tay James has recorded 20 solo tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks, while Herman Brister has tallied 13 solo tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss. Both players measure approximately 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 3 inches and weigh 205 pounds.
The players
Tay James
He is a Southern University football player who transitioned from safety to linebacker and currently stands 6 feet 3 inches tall.
Herman Brister
He is a Southern University football player who transitioned from safety to linebacker and currently stands 6 feet 2 inches tall.
Todd Lyght
He serves as the defensive coordinator for the Southern University football program.
Southern University
This is a public university located in Baton Rouge that maintains an active college football program.
The details
The coaching staff moved the former safeties to weakside linebacker roles to prioritize speed in a base defense that utilizes four linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs. This adjustment has already yielded a notable defensive play from James, who returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown this season.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: Article publication date.
October 3, 2026: Homecoming game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 6 p.m.
Season Trajectory
This personnel shift reflects the ongoing tactical evolution of college football defenses to combat modern spread offenses. By prioritizing speed over traditional size, Southern University is attempting to stabilize its 2-3 overall record and improve its 0-1 conference standing.
The transition of these players into the linebacker corps fundamentally changes the team's defensive rotation for upcoming conference play. Given the team's current 0-1 conference record, the performance of these new linebackers remains a critical metric for their playoff eligibility.
The takeaway
Modern college football defenses increasingly value versatile athletes who can cover space rather than traditional heavy hitters. Implementing this strategy requires strong coaching discipline to ensure the smaller front-seven remains effective against the run.
What happens next
Southern University will face Arkansas-Pine Bluff at A.W. Mumford Stadium on October 3, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Further reading
For more on the current team dynamics, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NOLA.
Live Poll
Do you prefer your local football team to prioritize speed over size on defense?
