February 2017 magazine by Gridiron Football

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

CONTENTS

2.1.17

First Grambling Tiger to Play In The Senior Bowl Since 2001

12 La Tech Trio To The Draft 14 Tulane Football's Tanzel Smart Plays Well in South's Senior Bowl Win 15 LSU Players To The Draft 20 The New Orleans Saints 30 Interview with Southeastern Senior Fullback Juwaan Rogers 33 Football Never Ends

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

By: John Paul Guidry DPT CSCS

The International Association for the study of pain defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. While some may argue that this definition needs to be tweaked I think it is a good starting point in understanding what pain is. Pain is our body’s alarm system and although it can be unpleasant it is 100% necessary for survival. In this article we will address some common pain myths that I hear from both the general public and in the medical community. Most patients that I see do not have an accurate understanding of what pain really is so hopefully today we can clear up some of these misunderstandings. Myth 1: Pain is associated with damage Pain is 100% of the time an output of the brain. Your brain can magnify or reduce pain based on the perceived threat of the situation you are in at that moment in time. It may or may not be associated with damage to tissue in the body and the level of pain is not well correlated with the level of tissue damage. Most injuries heal within 3 months’ time so pain that lasts beyond this time frame is unlikely coming just from the tissues. Medical imaging can be a good tool these days to quickly discover a serious condition or injury. The downfall of these great tools is that it does show everything even if those results may not have anything to do with the pain a person experiences. There are multiple studies out there demonstrating MRI results of various parts of the body with things such as disc bulges, arthritis, spinal stenosis, meniscal tears, and rotator cuff tears in 4060% of people with no history of pain in those areas. Another good example of this is phantom limb pain, which is pain experienced in a limb that has been amputated. Not only is there no damage to be associated with the pain there is no physical body part there as well, yet the person still feels pain in that amputated limb. These are both good examples that illustrate you can have damage without pain and pain without damage Myth 2: Pain is all in your head If we go back to the statement that pain is 100% an output of the brain, this is not to be confused with saying that pain is in your head. Pain is a very real experience 100% of the time and each person’s pain is a very individual experience, which is why it can be hard to understand what a person in pain is feeling. Although psychological variables such as anxiety, depression, your social environment, anger or fear can affect your pain levels the pain that you feel is still very real.

Myth 3: You need specific exercises in order to get out of pain for a certain area of the body A common misconception is that people with back pain need to do core strengthening exercises. Studies have shown that general exercise such as walking is just as effective as low back specific exercises for decreasing back pain. In reality, the best treatment to help you get control of your pain and restore function is education, movement based exercise, graded return to activity and manual therapy. A proper dose of each differs from person to person, so it is important to find the right medical practitioner to help guide you along and eventually progress you to having full control of your own treatment. These are just a few of the many common pain myths out there. For more information on what we have to offer or for more information on pain and recovery please visit my website at www.guidrypt.com

www.guidrypt.com John Paul Guidry DPT, CSCS

JohnPaul@guidrypt.com

61700 Hwy 434 Unit D

Phone (985) 882-8427

Lacombe, La 70445

Fax (985) 882-8429

WE OFFER ONE HOUR 1 TO 1 TREATME T WITH A DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Andrew Bryson, Owner/Publisher LGF

STAFF Andy Bryson- Owner/Publisher

Laura Norsworthy– Senior Editor

Kristen Bryson– Editor

Phil Blanchard– Dir. Of Marketing

Jason Saucier– Photographer

Christian Moore– High School FB

Patrick Mchaffey– Writer

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Mark Ingram 2016 Stats Rushing Yards 1,043 Rushing TD’s

Receiving Yards 319 Receiving TD’s

4 www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

First Grambling Tiger to Play In The Senior Bowl Since 2001 Chad Williams Just became the first Grambling Tiger to play in the

By: Andy Bryson

Senior Bowl in Mobil, Alabama since 2001. This season, Williams hit the SWAC triple crown in receiving as he led all players in catches (90), yards (1337) and touchdowns (11). He was the only player to crack 1,000 receiving yards and average 100 yards or better per contest. Chad Williams said, "It's just been wonderful coming out here and competing against top prospect guys in the NFL Draft, and being able to be on a bigger stage and showcase my talents, it's been a blessing and I'm very thankful for it." During the week of practice, Williams was able to impress the guys on the other side of the ball as well as some of the scouts at the game. He was a late entry into the game. He had just finished playing in the NFLPA Bowl, and he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even show any sign of fatigue. Williams said, "My legs were a little more tired, but my mind, I think my mind was on another level then most guys. So, it's kind of like a rerun for me as far as the first week was new to other guys." Williams is truly improving his draft stock. We cannot wait for his workout at his pro-day. www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Leonard Fournette Junior RB, LSU Tigers Hometown: New Orleans, La Ht: 6-1 Wt: 235

Projected Top 10 Draft Pick Career Stats Rushing Attempts

616

Rushing Yards

3830

Rushing TDs

Receptions

Receiving Yards

526

Receiving TDs

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Trent Taylor WR

Senior Year Receiving Yards

1803

Receiving TD

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

By: Kristen Bryson

This will be the second year in a row that LA Tech had several players go to the draft. Last Year Vernon Butler and Kenneth Dixon were both drafted and made significant contributions to their respective NFL franchises. This year La Tech submits three superstars to the draft for consideration: Xavier Woods, Trent Taylor, and Carlos Henderson. Let’s start with Xavier Woods the Safety formerly from West Monroe High School. Xavier Woods started every game this season, and recorded 60 solo tackles, 29 tackle assists, and 6.5 tackles for a loss. With 45 passes defended, this player is an aggressive player who has an instinctive ability to locate the ball on the field. In my opinion, Xavier Woods one of the top safeties in this year’s draft. Despite his exemplary statistics and track record, he remains underrated in the football community at large. Xavier Woods was 2015 All-Conference USA First Team, as well as 2015 All-Louisiana Second Team and 2015 Conference USA All-Academic Team. While this is not an exhaustive list of his accolades, they are a sample of some of his honors. I cannot stress enough the impressiveness of Woods. He can read an offense on his own, and then react accordingly. Looking ahead to the draft, I would propose that Woods is easily a 3rd to 5th round pick. He would be a great pick up for a team like the Saints who need additional depth at the Safety position. This would be especially good if the Saint’s release Barrett Byrd in the offseason. Woods would definitely increase the competition at training camp this season.

Taylor was also helpful this season for special teams with 178 yards on punt returns this season. Unless you have been living under a rock for the past season, you have heard of Trent Taylor as a part of the dynamic duo of the La Tech receiving corps. He reminds me a lot of a young Wes Welker. He has much the same build and general ability level. The X factor for Taylor is that he is fearless. He will can catch the ball in the middle of the field, in the middle of coverage, it doesn’t matter to him. Scouts have told us here at LGF that Taylor could go anywhere from the 3rd to the 7th round. He would certainly be an asset to any team in the league. Completing the trio of players going to the draft this year is Carlos Henderson the wide receiver. This New Orleans native and former player for McDonogh 35 High School player is an amazing player with 1535 career receiving yards. He started in 12 of the 13 games this season and has an average of 18.7 yards per reception. This player is very versatile rounding off his stats with 133 net rushing yards and 9.5 average yards per carry. Henderson is a legitimate first round pick at 5-11, 191 lbs. The thing that really sets him apart is his speed. Henderson should be one of the fastest players in this year’s draft. If he has a good combine, he will be a sought after player in this year’s draft for sure. La Tech fans will undoubtedly miss these players next year, however there are a lot of good players providing depth at La Tech. I’m sure I join all of the La Tech fans in my enthusiasm to see this dynamic dynasty continue to increase their fame and credibility as an NFL source for great players.

Jumping over to the offensive side of the ball, Trent Taylor is also going to the draft this season. He started every game this season at La Tech and amassed 1803 receiving yards. Taylor averaged 13.3 yards per carry, and had 12 receiving touchdowns this season. This Shreveport native and former player for Evangel Christian Academy is 5-8 and 178 lbs. www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Carlos Henderson WR

2016 Stats Receiving Yards

1535

Receiving TDs

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Tulane Football's Tanzel Smart Plays Well in South's Senior Bowl Win MOBILE, Ala. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Former Tulane football standout Tanzel Smart closed out his collegiate career in fine fashion as his South squad edged out a 16-15 victory over North in the 68th edition of the Reese's Senior Bowl.

By: Tulane Athletics

Smart earned quality playing time for the South, earning the start at defensive tackle and recording two tackles. He saw time on the defensive front in all four quarters and was also in on the field goal block team. Smart recorded his first tackle late in the first quarter on a three-yard run by Michigan's De'Veon Smith. He and LSU's Duke Riley combined to bring down Smith at the South's eight-yard line. The North would get three points out of the drive on a 22yard field goal by Arizona State's Zane Gonzalez. The Baton Rouge, La., native was in on his second tackle in the fourth quarter on a one-yard rush by Toledo's Kareem Hunt. Florida's Alex Anzalone assisted on the tackle. Following his week in Mobile, Smart is slated to head back to the Tom Shaw Performance Enhancement facility at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando to continue preparing for a possible NFL Scouting Combine invite next month and for his pro day later this spring. www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Freshman of the Week (at Florida, vs. Ole Miss, at Texas A&M), and 2014 Athlon Sports National Freshman of the Week (vs. Ole exception as the SEC team is sending 9 players to the draft. Included in this year’s offering are Leonard Fournette, Jamal Miss). To see the length of the list you can really feel Adams, Ethan Pocic, Davon Godchaux, Tre'Davious White, the depth of Fournette’s Kendell Beckwith, Josh Boutte, Duke Riley, and Malachi talent. Fournette set NCAA, Dupre. SEC, and LSU rushing records Leonard Fournette in his tenure in the SEC. In the NFL he has the potential Okay, so unless you live under a rock or at the bottom of a garden pond, you have heard of the amazing athlete Leonard to be the next Adrian Peterson. I project him to be a Fournette. At 6-1 and 235 lbs. you wouldn’t expect him to top 10 pick easily. run as fast as he does. He has a rare combination of power and speed that electrifies fans every week. Jamal Adams

LSU is familiar with the draft certainly, and this year is no

This New Orleans, LA native is widely considered one of the top players in college football. He has accumulated over 3,000 yards in his tenure at LSU. Fournette was the fastest player to reach 2,000 yards in school history. He additionally was the only player in LSU history to rush for 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. What truly sets Fournette apart are his superb instincts, excellent vision, breakaway speed, general tenacity, and agility. Unsurprisingly as a physical freak Fournette has amassed a huge list of awards which include the following: 2015 Consensus First-Team AllAmerica (AP, FWAA, Walter Camp), 2015 SEC Men's Sportsmanship Award Recipient, 2015 All-SEC First Team (Coaches, AP), 2015 Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week (vs. Auburn), 2015 FWAA National Offensive Player of the Week (vs. Auburn), 2015 Maxwell Award National Player of the Week (vs. Auburn), 2015 SEC Offensive Player of the Week (at Mississippi State, vs. Auburn, at Syracuse), 2015 Doak Walker Finalist, 2014 All-SEC Freshman Team, 2014 SEC

On the defensive side of the ball, Jamal Adams is also heading to the draft this year. Jamal Adams is arguably one of the best defensive backs in LSU history, adding to the school’s claim of being defensive back’s university. He started in 26 games which includes every game from the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Adam’s finished his career with 209 total tackles all while playing for three different coordinators. In his three years at LSU he played on two units that ranked in the top 10 in the nation in total defense. He is a true defender and a big hitter with a skill for always being around the football. To describe Adams I can only say hard hitting and aggressive. He reminds me a lot of Troy Polamalu the former Pittsburg Steeler. Adams is able to cover both the run game and the passing game. He plays with emotion, confidence, and style. Furthermore he is an NFL legacy as his father was a first round draft pick for the New York Giants in 1985. I will be surprised if Jamal Adams doesn’t end up being a top 10 pick.

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

tackles. He truly is a superb cover corner that plays like Patrick Peterson. White is also a great returner who came within one The thing that sets the next draft prospect apart from other touchdown of setting a new LSU record. Awards White has won players is his versatility. Ethan Pocic can play all 5 offensive during his career include: 2016 LSU Graduate (sports administraline positions which adds to his potential appeal to prospection), 2016 Permanent Defensive Team Captain , 2016 Consentive franchises. As one of the top offensive linemen in LSU sus All-America, 2016 First Team All-America (American Football history with 37 career starts Ethan Pocic is no stranger to the Coaches Association, Walter Camp), 2016 Second Team Allbig show. Of his starts at LSU he boasted 27 at center, 9 at America (Football Writers Association of America, Sporting right guard, and 1 at left tackle. While stats for offensive News, Pro Football Focus), 2016 First Team All-SEC (Coaches, linemen are a little thin on the ground, it should be noted Associated Press), 2016 Thorpe Award Finalist, 2016 SEC Cothat during his tenure at LSU the team produced a 1,000Special Teams Player of the Week vs. Jacksonville State , 2015 yard rusher in each year. At 6-7 and 302 lbs. the offensive Second Team All-SEC (Coaches, Associated Press), and 2013 lineman from Lemont, Illinois, has the size and durability to Freshman All-SEC (Coaches). Furthermore he was invited to the make it at the next level. 2017 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Looking at his award record Pocic recorded: First-Team AllClearly White is ready for the next level, and I think he could American by Football Writers Association of America 2016, easily be a first round pick. He will make a great addition to any Second Team All-America 2016 by both Walter Camp, franchise. Sporting News and American Coaches Association, SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week 5 times, Senior Bowl Invitee, Kendell Beckwith and Named Permanent Team Captain. These glowing accoKendell Beckwith entered his senior year as team leader after lades are only a small portion of Pocic’s award credits. Once turning down the chance to enter the NFL Draft early. He has a he started in his freshman year at LSU, there really has been combination of speed and size are rare. Beckwith is a gifted no looking back for this big player. Looking ahead to his poathlete who believe it or not started as quarterback while in tential draft placement, I think he could go anywhere from playing at East Feliciana High School. During his career he has the first round to the top of the third round depending on started in 19 games and has a total of 172 tackles. As a large how he does on his combine workout. linebacker, Beckwith is great at stopping the run. At the moment he tends to get beat in the passing game, however with a Davon Godchaux little polishing at the next level he will develop into a great NFL Davon Godchaux is an aggressive defensive tackle that linebacker. He reminds me a lot of Dick Butkus. makes plays in the backfield. At 6-4 and 299 lbs. no one is going to overlook Godchaux on the field. He has a tremen- During his tenure at LSU he has gained the following awards: 2015 Bednarik Award Semifinalist, 2015 Butkus Award Semifidous work ethic and drive, which is likely why people are nalist, and 2014 SEC Defensive Player of the Week (vs. Ole Miss). reminded of the great Glenn Dorsey when they watch GodLooking ahead to the Draft, Beckwith should be a 2nd to 3rd chaux play. He is able to overpower offensive linemen due round pick. to his lightning fast first step and explosive play style. GodJosh Boutte chaux is a disruptive force for the other team on the field. At time he can over power offensive linemen. Looking forJosh Boutte started as right guard as a senior in 2016 after servward to the draft Godchaux should be a 2nd – 3rd round ing as a backup on the offensive line for the three years previpick. He has the size, enthusiasm, and stamina to make it in ous. He played in 44 games during his career and starting in 12. the NFL. Looks like a 2-3 round pick. Eleven of those twelve starting games came during his senior season. Boutte is huge and aggressive which is an ideal combiTre'Davious White nation for a guard. Boutte was second team All-SEC in 2016 and Tre’Davious White is one of the top cornerbacks in LSU hiswas invited to participate in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl following tory, and was a four year starter. He wore the much desired his senior season. He was suspended one game this past season number 18 jersey as a junior and senior. Players who wear for playing dirty, but honestly I would be a little concerned if he this jersey number tend to have a selfless attitude that has hadn’t. Boutte demonstrates a protective nature which will become synonymous with the heart of LSU football. He make him an asset to an NFL franchise quarterback. It should started in 47 games during his career and has 167 total also be noted that he is on pace to graduate in the spring of

Ethan Pocic

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

2017. Looking ahead to the draft, I think he could be drafted as high as the 3rd Round.

Duke Riley After emerging as a defensive standout for the Tigers in 2016 and playing a major role in special teams in the three previous years with the program, Duke Riley will be entering the draft this year. He started only 13 games during his career at LSU, however he played in 50. Above and beyond his impressive statistics including 144 total tackles, Riley has earned the respect of his teammates. He was voted as LSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable player and was made one of three permanent defensive team captains for the Tigers in 2016. Riley was also invited to be in the 2017 Senior Bowl. This Buras, LA native and former player for John Curtis High School doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the sheer mass of Kendell Beckwith, but he has the ability to play weakside linebacker in the NFL due to his tenacity and aggression. He can cover the run and passing game, and can provide additional depth to the special teams. I think that Riley has the potential to be drafted in the 4th-7th round.

Malachi Dupre The New Orleans native formerly of John Curtis High School, Malachi Dupre is one of the best wide receivers in both the SEC and the country. He is very precise in his route running, and he seems to have the uncanny ability to make a big catch. Huge vertical jump and, he is a big wide receiver that can stretch the field with his speed. While occasionally he does struggle to separate himself off the line of scrimmage, he also has the ability to recover due to his speed. He has 57 career receptions at LSU. Duke Riley

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

At the next level, Dupre can develop into a red zone threat if properly trained. I have heard that he could be a 2nd round pick easily if he performs well at the combine and during his senior day.

Travin Dural Wide Receiver LSU

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Ethan Pocic Offensive Line LSU Height: 6’7” Weight: 309 lbs

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

By: Andy Bryson

The Saints went 7-9 for the second straight year and will be picking early again in the draft. They move up one pick from last year to the 11th overall pick from the 12 pick last year. I predicted last year that the Saints would grab a pass rusher in the draft. This year the Saints need to focus on Defensive Back and Offensive Line. The Saints showed their lack depth this season when the injury bug bit them. When Devin Breaux went down with a broken leg, the Saints showed that they had no depth at corner. Also along the Offensive line, former first round pick, Peat has yet to develop as a punishing blocker in the NFL. The past couple of years have been tough on the Saints because of the salary cap. The Saints have been paying that off and this year, they have finally paid off a significant amount of it and now will have a $29.5 million cap space. However, they have a lot of guys to resign and Drew Brees needs a new contract since he is at the end of his current one. Next season will be the final year of his current contract. I know this sounds contradictory, but I would trade or cut Jairus Byrd this offseason. He is due to make $11.7 million this upcoming season. Byrd has yet to have an All-Pro season since coming to the Saints. Plus last years second round pick, Von Bell, has made great strides in becoming a great replacement for the overpaid Byrd. One of the most confusing aspects of the Saints defense this year was moving Stephone Anthony from middle linebacker to strong side linebacker. Last year, the first round pick was runner up for defensive rookie of the year at the middle backer spot where he was able to cover from sideline to sideline. Anthony ended the season injured and is currently on injured reserve. The Saints signed veteran James Laurinaitis this year, however struggled this season to stop the run in the Saints scheme. He was eventually cut midway through the season.

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Rookie Wide Receiver Michael Thomas drags four Tampa players for the first down. Thomas finished the season with 1,137 yards and 9 touchdowns.

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Drew Brees 2016 Stats 5208 Yards Passing

37 Passing Touchdowns 107 Quarterback Rating 70% Completion Percentage

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

The biggest issue with the Saints is that they have not had any luck in the Draft process following the bounty gate scandal. In the 2014 class, there is only one player still on the team. While Brandon Cooks has been a breakout player for the Saints, his fellow draftees have all been failures for the Saints. There were high hopes for second round pick Stanley Jean-Baptiste because he had the frame and the speed to be a future shutdown corner. After several failed attempts, he was finally released and sighed by the Seahawks. From the 2015 draft class, Andrus Peat has struggled to show his first round talent in the two years he has been with the Saints. This season, he was a fill in player and never really separated himself as a true starter. He was able to get a lot of starts due to Terron Armstead ’s injury ridden season. Hau’Oli Kikaha still has a ton of potential to work his way back into the starting lineup after his pre-season injury. He had a great rookie season with 52 tackles 4 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. He came out of Washington being compared to guys like Von Miller. He had 19 sacks his senior year with the Huskies. Tyeler Davison has been able to play both defensive end and defensive tackle with the Saints. I have been looking into this years draft already, I know it is still early and there are nearly 300 prospects that will be at the combine at the end of February, but hey the early bird catches the worm right? I saw an article the other day by Jeff Duncan where he put out his six picks that the Saints could be eyeing.

2016 Draft Class Pick

Pos

School

G-GS

2016 Stats

1– 12

DT SHELDON RANKINS

Louisville

9– 0

20 Tkl 4 Sck 1 FF

2– 47 WR MICHAEL THOMAS

Ohio State

15– 12

92 Rec 1,137 yds 9 TDs

2– 61

VONN BELL

Ohio State

16– 14 87 Tkl 1 Sck 4 PDef 2 FF 1FR

4-120

DAVID ONYEMATA

7– 237 RB

Name

University 16– 0 of Manitoba

DANIEL LASCO

California

18 Total Tackles

7-0

11 Att 32 yds 2 Rec 11 yrds

2016 Stats

2015 Draft Class Pick

Pos

Name

School

G-GS

1– 13

Andrus Peat

Stanford

15- 15

1– 31

Stephone Anthony

Clemson

10- 3

16 Total Tackles

2- 44 OLB

Hau'Oli Kikaha

Washington

0-0

Injure Reserve

3– 75 QB

Garrett Grayson

Colorado State

0-0

Practice Squad

P.J. Williams

Florida State

2-2

7 Tkl 2 PDef

Davis Tull

Chattanooga

0-0

Cut

3– 78

5–148 OLB 5-154

Tyeler Davison

Fresno State 15-15

23 Tkl 2 PDef

5-167

Damian Swann

Georgia

0-0

Injure Reserve

7-230

Marcus Murphy

Missouri

3– 0

1 Rec 3 yrds

2014 Draft Class Pic

Pos

Name

School

G-GS

2016 Stats

1–20

Brandin Cooks

Oregon State

16-12

78 Rec 1173 yds 8 TDs

2–58

Stanley Jean-Baptiste

Nebraska

0-0

Practice Squad Seahawks

4–126 OLB

Khairi Fortt

California

0-0

DNP

5–167 DB

Vinnie Sunseri

Alabama

6-0

49ers

5–167

Ronald Powell

Florida

0-0

Practice Squad Seahawks

6–202

Tavon Rooks

Kansas State

0-0

DNP

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Mark Ingram broke the 1,000 rushing yard mark this season for the first time in his career.

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

I thought they were interesting so I will share them with you. His first round pick was Tennesseeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Derek Barnett. I do agree that the Saints need an upgrade at the left end spot to complement Jordan and Rankins. With the second round pick, he says the Saints should get Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes. With the Third round pick, Corner Kevin King from Washington. With their fourth round pick, OLB Jalen Reeves-Maybin from Tennessee. The Saints do not have a fifth round pick since they traded it away last season to move up to get DT David Onyemata. With their sixth round pick, he says they should go after running back Elijah McGuire from Louisiana Lafayette. And with their seventh and final pick offensive lineman Corey Levin from Chattanooga. This is the one pick I really like since the Saints have been able to find real gems at offensive line at small schools. I feel however that the Saints should trade down with their 11th overall pick and get several more picks. As a defensive line coach, I am always going to side with the fact that defense will always win you ballgames. More importantly the defensive line will win you ballgames. I always tell my guys that the defensive line is the one position that if they play bad, the team has no chance to win the ball game. So an edge rusher to help take the pressure off their pro-bowl defensive end will be a huge upgrade to the defense as a whole. I know they should go after a corner or an offensive lineman, but if you had the best cover corner in the league, he could not cover the worst receiver in the league for seven seconds. An average quarterback can pick apart a team without any pass rush. The Saints second pick should be geared at a red zone threat like a huge tight end or receiver. The Saints have a couple of young receivers that are great between the twenties, but the Saints struggled in the green zone (red zone) this year. The rest of the draft should be focused of depth at offensive line and corner. The Saints have been able to really find some great players at small schools in later rounds and free agency.

Drew Brees We will be entering the final year of Drew Brees contract. How much longer can the future Hall-Of-Famer go? This quest will be on the coaches minds this offseason as they prepare for the draft and free agency. Drew told us back over the summer that he felt like he still could go for another four seasons. But realistically, what are the odds. After all, he has already had major surgery on his throwing arm over a decade ago. How much longer can it last? Brees has been nothing if not exceptional since arriving in New Orleans. He has become a city icon and the face of the rebirth of the Crescent City. Brees is now third in nearly every passing category. Only behind Bret Farve and Payton Manning in passing yards and touchdowns. He holds the record for the most seasons with 5,000 or more passing

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Yards and the most 300 or more yards in a game. This past season he had 5,208 yards passing, 37 touchdowns with a 70% completion rating. This brought his total yardage up to 66,111 yards and 465 touchdowns. Now this next year he has the opportunity to pass Payton Manning and become the all time leading passer. Payton finished his career with 71,940 yards and with his career total in touchdown passes, he could take the number one spot in two seasons. Brees currently has 465 with Bret Farve with 508 and Payton Manning with 539 touchdowns.

Wide Receiver Battle The Saints are loaded with talent at the receiver spot now that they have found Michael Thomas in this past years draft. Thomas and Cooks both broke the 1,000 yard mark this season with Willie Snead not far behind with 895 yards. In Sneadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two seasons with the Saints, he has become a dangerous slot receiver that at any moment he could break one for a long touchdown. Cooks has lead the team since being drafted in 2014 with the most explosive plays in each of the past three seasons. At any moment you are just waiting for Brees to connect with him and watch him just run past the defenders as if they are sitting still. Cooks proves every week when he steps onto the field, that he is the fastest player on the field. Michael Thomas has just become the go to man for Brees. As long as the ball is thrown in his direction, he has a chance to catch the ball. He made some of the most spectacular catches this past season. This trio of receivers are young and could help Brees set more records in the years to come.

Rookie Free Agents Sean Payton seams to find more rookie free agents than any other coach here in the modern football era. I for one think that this is a genius move on his part. Rookie free agents are as a rule young and hungry. These players have a major chip on their shoulder, and it only makes them better as players. At one time almost half the Saintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roster was comprised of rookie free agents. Notably Pierre Thomas was picked up as a rookie free agent and has done so well for the Saints. This year I think the Saints should be looking to add depth and fill in gaps not specifically addressed in their draft picks. They need to bulk up their roster so that if there are additional injuries next season, the team as a whole will still have a strong chance at the championships.

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

What do the saints need to do to get back on top? First this off season the Saints need to find some trade partners and unload Byrd and find some way (that makes sense of course) to trade their first round pick and move back in the first round and collect several second and third round picks. Historically the Saints have not done well with huge first round picks at the expense of other picks (think about Sedrick Ellis , Jonathan Sullivan ). The Saints need to have a great draft again this year because they have learned that you cannot build a team solely out of free agency. Now I would go out into free agency and find an experienced corner that still has gas in the tank. I would normally say they need a linebacker as well, but after getting burned last season with James, I would stand clear unless and unbelievable opportunity arises. I would most defiantly be looking for the future signal caller as well. There is no telling how long Drew Brees can still take those hits. At 38 going on 39, Brees is only a hit away from retirement. Finding a new quarterback with the innate ability, Brees could certainly mentor him. It would certainly also help Brees to last longer if there was someone who could give him some relief at the quarterback spot. The Saints need a red zone threat in the form of a Tight End. Finally the Saints need depth on defense and offensive line. The Saints continue to be banged up in the secondary . So finding a cover corner that will help Breaux will be a high priority this offseason.

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

29 29

Interview with Southeastern Senior Fullback Juwaan Rogers By: Bradley Abadie

Meet Juwaan Rogers, a 6-foot, 245-pound senior fullback from Amite, Louisiana, and a 2016 FirstTeam All-Southland Conference selection in the offensive hybrid category. In this, his final season, Rogers finished with 5 rushes for 20 yards, but more impressively with 15 receptions for 253 yards and 3 touchdowns. Although Rogers was used sparingly out of the backfield this season, he would find multiple ways to make plays happen this year, both by swinging out on screen routes and by setting up at the line of scrimmage with his fellow Lionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; receivers. Now as his senior year wraps up, he has told me that he will plan to take one or two weeks off to rest up and let his body recover from the bruising aches and pains that come with being a college fullback. Looking back on the time he spent over the past few years with the Southeastern Lions, including being part of back-to-back Southland Conference Championships in 2013 and 2014, I wanted to ask Juwaan some questions that I figured he would enjoy answering.

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

“What do you think was the most pivotal game of the year for the season?” Juwaan: “I think that the most important victory was getting a win over a ranked McNeese State team because not only were they a Top 25 opponent, but they were a team that was in our own backyard as an in-state rival with a talent level that matched up evenly against us, so being able to get the win like we did when Alo threw that 82-yard go-ahead touchdown pass, and Acker came down with the ball to run it the rest of the way to the end zone, that one play gave us hope and confidence for the entire rest of our season!” Sure enough, that win started a 6-1 stretch the rest of the way down the Lions schedule to help them finish third in the Southland Conference standings.

“What’s your favorite part about playing football or playing fullback?” Juwaan: “Well, being a former high school linebacker, I love getting physical and being able to bring defensive lineman that are much heavier than him to their knees on a block. I told Coach Roberts too, that even though I was not the fastest guy on the team, I was confident in my athletic ability, and I told him specifically, ‘If you put the ball in my hands, then I will get the job done for you!’” Juwaan did average out at 16.87 yards per reception this year, which is crazy for a fullback. He also said that the offensive coaches loved using him in multiple formations, and it helped create a dynamic offensive game plan for that season.

“What is your favorite thing that you love the most about Coach Ron Roberts?” Juwaan: “So, my cousin actually played under Coach Roberts as well when he played football at Delta State, and I remember him telling me, ‘He will turn you into a man before you know it, and you and your teammates will all become better and stronger men under his leadership.’”

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

“Is there a story that you remember about Coach Roberts that resonates well to you?” Juwaan: “So we’re at fall practice and the tempo was just terribly slacking, so Coach Roberts stopped halfway through the practice to start it all the way over again. Even though it sucked as a practice, it had gone to show that he’s never willing to let up on any of us to give any less than 100% with anything we do, on or off the football field.” “What was your favorite part about this senior season?” Juwaan: “Honestly, being able to win our final home game on Senior Night and winning the rivalry game against Nicholls State were the most satisfying wins, because I remember that our home loss in the Nicholls game left guys crying at the end of their season, and I reminded myself that I didn’t want to feel like that after my last game, so getting those two wins felt really good as a senior to finish on strong performances.” After this season, Juwaan will graduate from Southeastern Louisiana University with a General Studies degree, and he plans on coming back to earn a degree in Psychology because he feels strongly called towards that profession. He also said that in the first full week of December, he will begin to train and work out again in the spring in order to give himself a fair chance of being evaluated as a potential NFL Draft prospect or free agent acquisition on an NFL team that may need a new face or fresh body at fullback. Like I said, I really believe in my own athletic ability, and all it takes is for one guy to believe in me as much as I do. I want to be able to give myself that chance to see if I can make it!” I honestly hope that Juwaan Rogers does get his shot, because I think that he would be another great home-grown talent and inspiration to any from this state hoping to make the big stage. Plus, who wouldn’t want to see another Lion play on Sundays?

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Football Never Ends By: Andy Bryson

If you did not make the Super Bowl, National Championship, State Championship, All-Pro, All-American, or Allsignifies the end of another football season, but for some it is the State then you didn’t achieve your very best this season. start of a new season. For football players and coaches this is when Next season starts right now. championships are actually won. The guys who begin their training now are the same guys you watch have the greatest success during First everyday work on your endurance, agility, and speed. the regular season. I tell my guys that the outcome of a game is just Every person on the field needs to be have great footwork the byproduct of all that work in the offseason. and have the ability to move side to side quickly. Next, work on your strength. Bigger, faster, stronger is the I have prepared the next section of the magazine for you, the next motto of football players. Finally, attend football camps All-American. I have provided drills and a workout regiment for you this summer. All 12 colleges in Louisiana offer camps all to follow this spring/summer. summer long. Take advantage of them and learn how to “The value of a man is not in his success, rather in his train for your position by some of the best coaches in the ability to overcome his failures.” -Andrew Bryson 2012 business.

As we prepare to watch the Super Bowl , which for some

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Advertise with Louisiana Gridiron Football Watch your profits grow when you advertise with LGF Competitive pricing  Excellent customer service  In demand content  Comfortable working with businesses, schools, and/or organizations! 

Advertise in the ONLY monthly football magazine with tens of thousands of followers

To Advertise, Call Andy (985) 789-9351 www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Louisiana Gridiron Football www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

If you buy a yearly subscription, you will receive this free 8x10 photo of LSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new head coach Ed Orgeron

Louisiana Gridiron Football is all about Louisiana football written by coaches and players. We strive to provide a positive media coverage for all 12 college teams in Louisiana. This year we have featured interviews with Ladarius Webb (All-Pro Corner with the Baltimore Ravens), Harry Coleman (LSU National Champion and Super Bowl Champ with the New Orleans Saints), Ryan Ross (current running back from McNeese State), Chase Fourcade (current Quarterback for Nicholls State), and many more. We also feature exclusive college game day photos from around the state. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on this one-of-a-kind magazine. Order your subscription today!

Louisiana Gridiron Football is the ONLY monthly football magazine that covers Louisiana Football and the NFL. For one low price of $49.95 you can order your yearly subscription (12 issues).

ALL FOOTBALL, ALL LOUISIANA

To order your yearly subscription, Go to our Facebook Fan Page and place an online order through our SHOP. You can also mail this in with your form of payment to:

Louisiana Gridiron Football 2124 Jay St Slidell, La 70460

Save $46 off the cover price by subscribing to the monthly magazine You can also pay by credit card

Look for us on our social media pages

Card Number ________-________-________-________

Www.facebook.com/ LouisianaGridironFootball

Exp Date ____________ Name ________________________ Address ______________________

@LaGridFootball

City, State, Zip _________________ Phone Number ________________

LouisianaGridironFootball

CSC number _________ *This is the 3 digit number on back of card Name on Card ______________________________ Zip code of card________________

Email _______________________ Your credit card will only be billed $49.95 one time.