COLUMBIA, S.C. – It's been 658 days since the Benedict College Tigers have played a football game. A lot has changed in those 94 weeks. The Tigers have a new coach in Chennis Berry, who has recruited a slew of new talented players. There is new excitement about a football program that has had just two winning seasons in the last 11 years. And after a year without football, fans are eager to return to tailgate and socialize with friends and family.

It's been 55 years since Benedict College and Allen University, separated by a crosswalk across Taylor Street, have faced each other in a football game. The two neighbors get to renew their decades-old rivalry tonight when the Tigers and Yellow Jackets kick off at 6 p.m. in Charlie W. Johnson Stadium in the Carolinas Classic. Tickets will be available at the gate. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ (watch here). Live stats will be provided here.

"It's great for the community and great for the alumni base," said Berry, who has brought a renewed enthusiasm and energy to the program. "We are ready to welcome you to the jungle. It's a new day at Benedict College. You need to be there to see what we have in store. I'm super excited."

In the last year and a half, Berry's staff have worked hard to add depth and talent. The Tigers will dress a full roster of 98 players today.

The Tigers do return some talent from the 2019 squad. Berry said quarterback Eric Phoenix, who split time at signal caller as a freshman, will start, beating out a collection of newcomers. The left-hander threw for 458 yards and five touchdowns in 2019. Also returning is veteran defensive tackle Wendell Bing. The local product has been one of the standouts in preseason camp according to Berry.

"I believe in my soul that Wendell Bing is an NFL prospect," Berry said. "When he makes up his mind, he is unblockable."

Also returning is safety Dontavis Hunt, who was named to the SIAC preseason All-Conference team. He and cornerback Joshua Heyward are the cornerstones to what Berry calls one of the best secondaries in the SIAC. Hunt is the top returning tackler, recording 34 stops in 2019 with five pass breakups.

"I'd say the strength of our entire defense is our secondary," Berry said. "We've got some guys who can really make it happen."

The Tigers have brought in a multitude of new players. One of the key acquisitions is transfer defensive end Loobert Denelus. Denelus is a transfer from Southeastern University, where he was the Sun Conference Freshman of the Year in 2019 and racked up 24 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in two seasons there.

"You talk about an explosive player," Berry said. "He is a wrecking crew. He is a dominant defensive end, defensive tackle, wherever you put him on the line, he is a playmaker."

Berry came to Benedict after a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at Southern University. During his seven seasons with Southern, the Jaguars had a winning record every season and won four SWAC West Division titles and one SWAC championship, while the offense under his direction set numerous school and SWAC conference records. He hopes to bring some of that offensive firepower to the Tigers.

The Tigers expect to have a one-two punch at running back with transfer Da'Von Smith, wearing No. 1, and Jayden McCloud, wearing No. 2. Smith is a 5-8 elusive speedster, while McCloud is a 6-2, 225-pound power back.

"Da'Von has exceptional talent, and he's also a great leader," Berry said. "Jayden McCloud is a big back and he can dot the I's and cross the T's. With our wide outs and our running backs, we have a chance to have some explosive plays."

The top receivers are also new. Chris Williams III is a tall speedster on the edge, while Darius Philon, a graduate-school transfer from Florida International, will work the slot.

"Chris Williams can stretch the field vertically. And Darius Philon is a talented guy with the ball in his hands."

All the preparation and planning ends tonight when the Tigers finally take the field.

"I'm super excited about this football, in more ways than one," Berry said. "I love the leadership, I love the discipline, I love the accountability, and you will be proud of the 2021 Benedict College football team."