Fresh off the school’s best regular season, the Indianapolis Tindley Tigers enter the 2020 season with a wealth of talent and a new coach. Melvin Graham takes over the reigns of the Tigers, who went 8-1 last year under Jimmie Mays. The 2019 season was one for the record books, as Tindley’s offense averaged 34.1 points per game, its defense scored eight touchdowns and it allowed less than 16 points per game before falling to Covenant Christian in the opening round of the sectional tournament. “I believe this loss will be the fuel to ignite our team’s fire heading into the upcoming season,” Graham told Sideline Prep Sports Report. Tindley brings back 14 starters total, seven on each side of the ball, and will bring back a strong senior class, which will be counted on for leadership, Graham said. “Many of them have been either starting or playing a major role since their freshman year. Several underclassmen have and will continue to play a major role and provide leadership as well,” Graham said. Despite COVID-19 impacting offseason workouts and practices, Graham tells Sideline Prep Sports Report his team has done a good job of working out on their own and improving. Tindley will have to find replacements for Haylee Smith, who was an All-City Defensive Back and will be playing at Manchester University. Also gone are: lineman Desmond Robinson, offensive lineman/linebacker Nick Moore, quarterback/defensive back Zakarie Jackson and offensive lineman/defensive end Jamari Pollard. Despite the losses, Graham and the Tigers have some key pieces returning. Leading the unit is senior running back/linebacker Antonio Robinson, who was the All-City Offensive Player-of-the-Year a season ago. Robinson had 83 carries for 1,200 yards and 27 touchdowns and managed to record two interceptions. Also back is junior lineman Joe Phillips III, who was an All-City Defensive Lineman last fall, recording 20 tackles for loss and four sacks. Senior running back/linebacker Kameron Jennings is back. A season ago, he earned honorable mention status as an All-City linebacker and had 115 stops and three interceptions to go with 15 receptions for 275 yards and four touchdowns. Junior lineman Joseph Glenn is also back after picking up seven tackles for loss and two sacks last year. Jeremy Sharp Jr., a senior, will line up under center and play defensive back, while Donavan Williams and Jayden Pinkston will see time at both wide receiver and defensive back. Jeffery Pinkston, a sophomore, will play both offensive and defensive line, and sophomore Marcus Greathouse will see time at running back and defensive back. The Tigers will open the season on the road Aug. 21 at Edinburgh. Tindley’s first three games are on the road, as the Tigers will not play a home game until Sept. 11 with Anderson Prep Academy comes to Indianapolis.
- sidelineprepsports