Louisiana Gridiron Football Jan 2018 magazine by Gridiron Football

www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

STAFF Andy Bryson- Owner/Publisher

Laura Norsworthy– Senior Editor

Kristen Bryson– Editor

Phil Blanchard– Dir. Of Marketing

Jason Saucier– Photographer

Jasmine Brown– Writer

Dorian McElwee – H/S Writer

Richard Hebert– Dir. Of Ad Sales

Jada Davis-- Writer

and Business Development

Kevin Empey --NFL Writer www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

Dear Readers, What a season we have had so far! This football season has been impressive with lots of great games. I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to let you know about an exiting new way that LGF is publishing our magazine. While we will of course continue to publish a print magazine, we are also starting this month publishing a digital copy of the magazine that gets delivered to your phone or computer each month. It will be the exact same magazine you know and love, just without the paper. A single issue of the digital magazine will be $3.99 and a digital subscription will be $17.95. By purchasing a digital subscription you save $29.93 for the year! You can find the digital copy on our website under the new ‘digital magazine’ tab.

Also, as Valentine’s Day approaches keep in mind that a magazine subscription (print or digital) is a great gift for those football lovers in your life. You may be thinking that football season is about to end as college football season traditionally ends in December with Bowl games. However, football season does not end! Just as college football “ends” we have the NFL Draft and Draft analysis. We also cover training camps, tailgate traditions, spring games, pre season, and before you know it we are back into college football season. Additionally if you ever wondered what it would take to advertise with us here at LGF either in the magazine or online please contact our knowledgeable sales crew at (225) 931-8711 or richard@louisianagridironfootball.com . Sincerely,

A. Bryson www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

CONTENTS

Coach Chad Mahaffey, Head Coach LSU Lab School Cubs, Louisiana High School Coach of The Year

1.1.2018 9 LGF All-Louisiana Team 14 Bad Calls in the NFL

20 University Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unbelievable Run 29 Beating a State Champion

32 Early Signing Class 35 Four-Peat 36 High School Final Brackets 38 Blake Williams

Upcoming Issues Jan

All-Louisiana Team

Feb

Louisiana Players Entering The Draft

March College Recruiting April

NFL Draft

May

Look At Spring Football

June

Recapping the Draft and NFL Free Agency

July

Tailgating Super Issue

August NFL Preseason Sept

College Preseason

Oct-Dec Season Updates

Where you can pick up an issue: Baton Rouge: City News Stand, Denham Springs: Double Click Solutions, Balloon Mania, Gonzales: Ralphs Market, Slidell: Camille City Donuts, iSupply, Lacombe: Guidry Physical Therapy, Prairieville: Ralphs Market www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

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Quarterbacks James Tabary

Devante Kincade

Danny Etling

McNeese State Height: 6-2 Weight: 210 lbs. Class: Junior Hometown: New Orleans, LA High School: Holy Cross HS

Grambling State Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Dallas, TX High School: Ole Miss

LSU

Devante joins James as a second year awardee of to be named LGF Allthe LGF All-Louisiana Quarterback. Devante led Louisiana Player. James completed 199 passes of the Tigers to their second SWAC Championship 353 for 2511 yards averaging 228 yards per game and second appearance in the HBCU National with 21 touchdowns. This season while also running Championship. This season Devante completed in another touchdown. James led the Pokes to a 9-3 record and only missed the playoffs by an early loss 217 of 368 passes for 2905 yards averaging 223 yards per game with 23 touchdowns. He also to in-state rival Nicholls State. rushed for 408 yards and scored 6 touchdowns.

Height: 6'3" Weight: 215 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Terre Haute, IN High School: South Vigo HS Other College: Purdue

This is James’s second year

Danny makes very few mistakes and is ranked in the top 10 nationally in passing efficiency with 155.3. Danny passed for 2234 yards and 14 touchdowns. Danny only had 2 interceptions this season while playing four ranked teams and teams like Syracuse who beat ACC Champion Clemson.

Running Backs Derrius Guice

Dontrell Hilliard

Herbert Edwards

LSU

Tulane Height: 6-0 Weight: 205 lbs. Class: Senior

Southern Height: 5-8 Weight:191 lbs. Class: Redshirt Senior

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA High School: Scotlandville Magnet

Hometown: New Orleans, LA High School: St. Augustine HS

Height: 5'11" Weight: 218 lbs. Class: Junior Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA High School: Catholic HS This is Derrius’s second year

Herbert rushed for 968 yards

to be named to the LGF AllLouisiana Team. While Guice did not play the whole season, he still compiled a whooping 1153 yards and 11 touchdowns. Guice now holds several records at LSU. Guice is a duel threat back compiling over 100 yards receiving.

This year Dontrell rushed for while scoring 5 touchdowns. He 1091 yards with 12 touchdowns. He also had 115 also had 168 yards receiving and scored another touchyards receiving and tow more TDs. Hilliard is a down in the passing game. This was Herbert’s first tough physical player. season to shine since Lenard Tillery left the Jaguars, and he certainly has made it count.

Wide Receivers Shedrick Davis

DJ Chark

Teddy Veal

Louisiana College Height6-2 Weight210 lbs Class: Senior Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA Highschool: Central HS

LSU Height: 6'4" Weight: 198 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Alexandria, LA High School: Alexandria HS

La Tech Height : 6-0 Weight: 189 lbs Class: RedShirt Junior/ TR Hometown: Bridge City, LA High School: West Jefferson HS

This is Shedrick’s third year to be named to the LGF AllLouisiana Football Team. While LC suffered most of the year due to inexperience at the quarterback position, Shedrick made things a little easier by being the go-to target for the Wildcats’ young quarterbacks. Shed caught 54 passes for 851 and scored 9 touchdowns.

DJ is an explosive receiver and was able to score in the passing game, running game, and on special teams. Chark had 35 receptions for 811 yards

Teddy led an explosive Tech offense. After the loss of last year’s two receivers that are both dominating in the NFL, Veal emerged as the next big talent. Veal looks to

with 3 touchdowns. Chark also had 63 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. On special teams, Chark had 16 punt returns for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns.

become the next guy from a Skip Holtz’s team to dominate defensive backs. Teddy caught 69 passes for 832 yards and scored 5 touchdowns. Teddy also had 14 punt returns for 94 yards and scored one touchdown.

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Marcus Green

Drake Battaglia

ULM

Louisiana College

Height: 5-8 Weight: 191 lbs. Class: Junior Hometown: Pontotoc, MS High School: North Pontotoc HS

Height 5-8 Weight: 175 lbs. Class: Junior Hometown: Thibodaux, LA Highschool: Houma Christian

Marcus has shined under 2nd year head coach Matt Viator. In the last two seasons, the ULM Warhawks have had a 180 degree turnaround, and Marcus is a huge part of that. This season Marcus caught 54 receptions for 812 yards and scored 5 touchdowns. Marcus also excelled on special teams with 13 punt returns for 101 yards and 27 kickoff returns for 876 yards with 4 touchdowns.

A real dynamic threat for the Wildcat offense, Battaglia produced as a receiver, a rusher, and a return man this season for LC. Drake had an impressive Junior season catching 36 passes for 759 yards and scoring 8 touchdowns. He was the only Wildcat to gain more than 1,000 yards.

Damion Jeanpiere Jr. Nicholls State Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 lbs. Class: Junior Hometown: Kenner, LA High School: Archbishop Rummel

Damion stood out this season for the Nicholls State Colonels. He caught 40 passes for 770 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. He also had 2 rushing attempts for 18 yards and scored another touchdown.

Tight Ends Lawayne Ross

Foster Moreau

Jordan Jones

McNeese State Height: 6-0 Weight: 264 lbs. Class: Sophomore Hometown: Richwood, TX High School: Brazoswood HS

LSU Height: 6-6 Weight: 255 lbs. Class: Junior Hometown: New Orleans, LA High School: Jesuit HS

Grambling State Height: 6-2 Weight: 260 lbs. Class: Redshirt Sophomore Hometown: Frisco, TX High School: Lone Star HS

Lawayne was a game changer at tight end this season. He had several catches in a couple of games that changed the outcome of the matchup. This season he caught 42 passes for 570 yards and scored 2 touchdowns.

Foster was third on LSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team in receptions and fourth in receiving yards in 2017. Foster started all 12 games while having 20 receptions for 214 yards and 3 touchdowns. Foster made a huge impact in the run game this season as well.

Jordan started all 13 games this season for the SWAC Champions while recording 17 receptions for 316 yards and scored 5 touchdowns.

Offensive Line MAEA TEUHEMA

TRAVIS ROMERO

ADRIAN GOODACRE

Southeastern Height: 6-5 Weight: 315 lbs. Class: Junior Hometown: Keller, TX High School: Keller HS

Southeastern Height: 6-3 Weight: 335 lbs. Class: Senior

University of Louisiana Height: 6-4 Weight: 311 lbs. Class: Junior

Hometown: Manvel, TX High School: Manvel HS

Hometown: Carthage, TX High School: Carthage H/S

Maea Teuhema transferred

Travis has been a mainstay on

Adrian started all 12 games this

this season from LSU to Southeastern and bolstered an already deep offensive line for the Lions. Maea started all 11 games for the Lions and held down the left side of the line on more than 70% of the snaps.

the Lions offence for the past four seasons. He has picked up numerous awards over the years, and this year was no different. He started and played in 10 games and was a lockdown at the left guard spot.

season for the third straight year and was one of the reasons the Cajuns had 4782 total yards and scored 45 touchdowns this season.

Stay up-to-date on all football news by going to

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Jacob Alford

Will Clapp

Garrett Brumfield

Louisiana College Height: 6-3 Weight: 308 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA Highschool: Christian Life Academy

LSU

LSU Height: 6'3" Weight: 299 lbs. Class: Junior Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA High School: University High

Jacob started 7 of 10 games for the Wildcats in 2017. Whenever Jacob was not in the lineup, his presence was missed. Jacob helped pave the way for an offence that had 4567 yards of total offence in 2017.

Height: 6'5" Weight: 314 lbs. Class: Junior Hometown: New Orleans, LA High School: Brother Martin Will moved to center this season and paved the way for his third consecutive season with a running back to have 1,000 yards rushing.

The vicious left guard started all 12 games this season and dominated. His biggest game this season was against Alabama when he made several big holes for running backs Guice and Williams to run through.

TRENTON SCOTT

Kody Russey

FRANK SUTTON, JR.

Grambling State

LA Tech

ULM

Height: 6-5 Weight: 320 lbs. Class: Redshirt Senior Hometown: Huntsville, AL High School: Lee High School

Height: 6-1 Weight: 280 lbs. Class: Redshirt Freshman Hometown: Burleson, TX High School: Burleson HS

Height: 6-2 Weight: 285 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Jackson, MS High School: Forest Hill HS

Trenton started all 13 games for the Tigers and helped lead the way to the HBCU National Championship. The Tiger offence totaled 4823 yards and 49 touchdowns. The Tigers averaged 5.7 yards per play and 371 yards per game on their way to becoming back to back SWAC Champions and returning to the National Championship game.

in Week 4 on the road at South Carolina at left guard before making the permanent move to center in Week 6 versus UAB. He has helped pave the way for an offense that ranks fourth in Conference USA in scoring offense and fifth in total offense, while he also helps lead an offensive group that ranks eighth in the league in rushing

Sutton anchored an offensive line that helped ULM rank among the Sun Belt leaders in scoring offense (second at 33.9 points per game), total offense (second at 458.2 ypg.), passing offense (third at 287.9 ypg.) and rushing offense (fourth at 170.3 ypg.). He had a team-best 86 percent for the season and didn't allow a sack in more than 320 passing plays. He posted scores over 90 percent in three games: 91.3 at Mem-

offense with 175.1 yards per game on the ground.

phis, 90.8 vs. Southern Miss and 90 at Texas State.

Russey earned a starting role

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Defensive Line Obinna Iheoma

Jaylon Ferguson

Christian LaCouture

Northwestern State Height: 6-2 Weight: 245 lbs. Class: Junior

La Tech Height: 6-5 Weight: 269 lbs. Class: Redshirt Junior Hometown: St. Francisville, La. High School: West Feliciana HS

LSU Height: 6-5 Weight: 292 lbs. Class: Senior

Hometown: Grand Prairie, TX Highschool: South Grand Prairie HS (Tyler JC)

Hometown: Lincoln, Neb. High School: Lincoln S/W HS

Jaylon has totaled 38 tackles (24 Christian is a fifth year senior solo, 14 assists), a team-high six Obinna lead the NSU Demons that made a huge comeback defense with 8 sacks. He had 34 total tackles, 11 tackle sacks for 33 yards and 8.5 tackles for a loss of 40 yards. after an ACL injury last season. He had 66 tackles, 6 for loss, 10 quarterback hurries, and one forced fum- Ferguson currently ranks third in the nation among sacks, and 5 pass breakups this season. active career leaders with 26.5 sacks in his Bulldog cable. reer.

Jammerio GrossWhitaker McNeese State Height 6-3 Weight: 236 lbs.

Class: Redshirt Freshman Hometown: Shreveport, LA Highschool: Evangel Christian

Cade Maxwell

La'Allan Clark

Louisiana College Height 6-2 Weight 260 Class: Senior Hometown Alexandria, LA Highschool Grant HS

Grambling State Height: 6-2 Weight: 240 lbs. Class: Junior Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA High School: Central H/S

Academy

This is Cade’s second year to be La’Allan lead his team in named on the LGF All-Louisiana Sacks this season. He tallied Gross-Whitaker was a force on a defensive line that team. This year was every bit as good as last year for 30 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 10 QB hurries, 2 dominated opponent's rushing games all season. The Cade. He led the Wildcats in Sacks with 7. He also had forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. senior ended the season with 29 total tackles and had 41 tackles, and 10 tackles for a loss. two sacks with six tackles for a loss.

Linebackers Ashari Goins

Ryan DeMattie

Devin White

McNeese St

Louisiana College

Height: 5-10 Weight: 208 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Monroe, LA High School: Neville H/S

Height: 5-9 Weight: 205 Class: Senior Hometown Natchitoches, LA Highschool Natchitoches Central HS

LSU Height: 6-1 Weight: 240 lbs. Class: Sophomore Hometown: Springhill, LA High School: North Webster HS

Goins lead the Cowboys with 61 tackles and 3.5 sacks to go along with 8.5 tackles for a loss.

White led the SEC in tackles in 2017, Ryan finished his Senior year with 91 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, and 2 recovered fumbles.

Sione Teuhema

De’Arius Christmas

Southeastern Height: 6-4 Weight: 260 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Keller, TX High School: Keller HS

Grambling Height: 5-10 Weight: 220 lbs Class: JR Hometown: Vicksburg, MS High School: Warren Central

Sione had 80 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 9 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

Christmas ranked third in the SWAC in tackles for loss with 16.5, seventh in tackles per game 6.7, and 19th in sacks with 3.5.

recording 127 in 12 games. The 127 tackles rank as the sixthhighest single-season total in school history. White finished fourth in the league in tackles for loss with 12.5.

Caleb Tucker ULM Height: 6-2 Weight: 231 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Monroe, LA High School: Ouachita Parish HS Caleb may not have stats like the rest of the LGF All-Louisiana list, however after watching him this season, he is one of the best Linebackers in the state. Caleb had 39 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and five QB hurries.

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Aaron Tiller

De'Andre Hogues

Southern Height: 6-1 Weight: 256 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Columbus, OH High School: Licking Heights HS

Grambling Height: 6-2 Weight: 215 lbs. Class: Sophomore Hometown: Mobile, AL High School: John LeFlore HS

Aaron makes this list for the De’Andre had 57 tackles, 12 second strait year. Aaron lead tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 the team in Sacks this season with 9.5, also tackles for interceptions, 2 QB Hurries, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 a loss with 17.5, and 12 QB hurries. fumble recovery this season.

Peyton Guidry Northwestern State Height: 6-0 Weight: 228 lbs. Class Senior Hometown Cut Off, LA Highschool South Lafourche HS In Peyton’s final year at NSU, he had 86 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and three QB hurries.

Defensive Backs Parry Nickerson

Secdrick Cooper

Roland Jenkins

Tulane Height: 6-0 Weight: 175 Class: Redshirt Senior Hometown: Algiers, LA High School: West Jefferson

La Tech Height: 6-0 Weight: 211 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Marrero, LA High School: Archbishop HS

ULM

Parry’s six picks tied for 4th in Cooper ranks 2nd on the the NCAA FBS at 0.5 per game. team with 63 total tackles His 14 passes defended rank tied for fourth in the with 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, 2 pass break-ups, AAC and tied for 37th in the country at 1.2 per game . 3 quarterback hurries, and 2 interceptions.

Height: 5-11 Weight: 204 lbs. Class: Senior

Hometown: New Orleans, LA High School: McDonogh 35 HS Roland had an amazing Senior campaign by tallying 89 tackles, 4 pass break-ups, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, and 2 QB hurries.

Max Lyons

Mayori Ellison

Danny Johnson

Southeastern

Southern

Height: 5-10 Weight: 175 lbs. Class: Senior

Height: 6-4 Weight: 180 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Hayward, CA High School: Hayward HS

Height: 5-10 Weight: 194 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: East Feliciana, LA High School: East Feliciana H/S

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif. High School: Crenshaw HS Max is a dominant safety for the Lions. Max had 100 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Mayori

has

developed

into another shutdown corner for the Lions. He had 33 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 9 pass break-ups this season.

Johnson was tied for third in the SWAC in interceptions with three. Johnson scored two touchdowns on pick sixes this season.

Andraez Williams

Tracy Walker

Amik Robertson

LSU Height: 6-2 Weight 182 lbs. Class: Freshman Hometown: Shreveport, LA High School: Calvary Baptist Academy

University of Louisiana Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 lbs. Class: Senior Hometown: Brunswick, GA High School: Brunswick H/S

LA Tech Height : 5-9 Weight: 172 lbs. Class: Freshman Hometown: Thibodaux, LA High School: Thibodaux HS

Andraez “Greedy” Williams had a breakout Redshirt Freshman year by developing into a true shutdown corner for the tigers. Greedy made 10 pass breakups and lead the team with 6 interceptions this season. Greedy also made 38 tackles.

Tracy has been a starter Amik started in every game ever since he arrived at UL. this season at cornerback as a This season, Tracy tallied 97 tackles this season true freshman for the Bulldogs. Robertson leads LA with 3.5 tackles for a loss with and a sack. Tracy Tech in interceptions (4) and is second with 6.5 tackles also had two interceptions. for loss. He ranks third on the team in total tackles (58) and is one of only four true freshmen in the country who has at least 4-plus interceptions this season. Robertson has recorded a team-high 6 pass break-ups in his rookie season and one quarterback hurry

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Dear Readers, With the Saints loss on December 7th to the Atlanta Falcons there has been a lot of buzz about bad calls and even talk of corruption in the ranks of the NFL officials. I must admit that some of the calls looked suspicious. When it was reported that one official who was a replacement used to play for the Falcons, I myself raised an eyebrow over the revelation. When you look at the overall numbers however, the Saints are not penalized excessively as compared to other franchises. For example, New Orleans has a total of 929 yards lost due to penalties while Atlanta has 858. Two of the best teams according to some analyst are Pittsburg, who has 882, and New England, who has 786. The two teams with the most yards lost are Seattle with 1242 And Miami with 1009. Although each game must be analyzed separately; the averages are fairly close. Bad or missed calls are often game changing, but we have to remember that officials are only human and sometimes make honest mistakes. That being said I can certainly understand the frustration fans feel when their favorite team is marching backwards down the field 5 yards for something that may never have happened.

The NFL must be held accountable to assure they will investigate suspicious calls and deal with the officials accordingly. Remember, the whole purpose of officials is to avoid injuries and to maintain a fair game. With the current National Anthem controversy, an NFL corruption scandal is the last thing we need to see. I hope that some of the isolated incidents are just that, isolated.

Kevin Empey

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Saintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Season Statistics Team Statistics

SAINTS

OPPONENTS

TOTAL FIRST DOWNS

332

308

FIRST DOWNS (RUSHINGPASSING-BY-PENALTY)

111-201-20

92-172-44

THIRD DOWN CONVERSIONS

73/194

87/212

FOURTH DOWN CONVERSIONS

12/15

4/12

TOTAL OFFENSIVE

6,259 yds

5,384 yds

OFFENSE (PLAYS-AVERAGE YARDS)

997/6.3

998/5.4

TOTAL RUSHING YARDS

2,070

1,787

RUSHING (PLAYS-AVERAGE YARDS)

444-4.7

406-4.4

TOTAL PASSING YARDS

4,334

3,884

PASSING (COMP-ATT-INT-AVG)

386-536-8-8.1

329-554-20-7

SACKS

42.0

20.0

FIELD GOALS

31/36

26/31

TOUCHDOWNS

TOUCHDOWNS (RUSHING-PASSING-RETURNSDEFENSIVE)

23-23-1-4

11-22-1-2

TIME OF POSSESSION

31:09

29:00

TURNOVER RATIO

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Sione Teuhema, SLU Linebacker, blocked a pass from Sam Houston State SR QB Jeremiah Briscoe in their 23-33 Loss

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Catholic of Baton Rouge won the State Championship over John Curtis by a score of 20-14. Here is JR QB Cameron Dartez (14) and SR RB Parker Smith (12)

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University High Unbelievable Run For The State Championship:

As a guy that has coached and recruited division I football, I have seen some of the best recruits. None compare to the 2019 recruit, Donald “Biscuit” Berniard form LSU Laboratory School. When I first saw his film back in July, I was blown away with his production as an interior lineman. The one thing as a defensive line coach I like to see is how violent a player’s hands are, and with Biscuit he was hitting linemen hard enough to make their necks pop backwards. While that may sound too violent for high school, football is a violent game at any level. The more aggressive the linemen are, the better the chances to win the game. I was fortunate enough to get an interview with Donald back in July and get to know the young man. Not only is he a great athlete he is also very intelligent. At only 16 he will be a senior this year at University High. He takes advanced placement classes and maintains a 3.4 GPA. Donald told us during his interview that he enjoys school especially history class. Learning about where we come from and things that happened in the past is very interesting to Donald. It is fitting that he likes history as his goal is to one day become a judge.

Since that original interview I have followed Donald’s career and talked with coaches that I have worked with about his talent. They always come to the same conclusion as me, Biscuit is one of the top defensive linemen in the state for the 2019 class. I personally think that he is the top recruit for the 2019 class from Louisiana and possibly one of the top guys nationally. In my experience, you do not find a guy like Biscuit every day. Even with his www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

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young age, he has already learned many advanced techniques. Finding someone who is focused on technique like Biscuit is a real gem. I caught up with Donald on Christmas Eve to discuss his Junior season where the U-High Cubs won the state championship. “I think I progressed a lot from sophomore to junior year,” said Donald “I felt like I was more of a leader this year. I was more focused in the game and I did more pass stuff which helped with the run blocking which we have been working on.” Biscuit had 96 tackles, 11 sacks, 3 turnovers caused, 2 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 1 touchdown from a fumble. He has been voted 1st team all-district for the second year in a row, and has been named as an Honorable mention to the All-State team, and now he is getting ready for US Army All American Game Combine in San Antonio. (The game is played by the top Seniors in the country, but Juniors come in to be tested and evaluated to see if they are good enough to play as a Senior. U-High beat several state champions this year including West Feliciana, Zachary High, and Catholic (Baton Rouge) on their road to the championships. When asked how his team was able to beat so many winning teams in one season Donald said, “I feel like our motivation came from the last game of the last season. We felt like we should have gotten to the dome last

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year. We were focused and motivated by that all year long. We all connected as a team and it really got us through every game this year. Losing motivated us to beat all these teams. We knew we had the talent, so it was just our desire to do it.” It is really impressive what these young men were able to accomplish this year. When asked about what is next for him and the team Donald emphasized that the work is never over. He noted, “It’s just upping our game and competing. Working harder than last year and improving our game. You have to work hard in the spring and summer, so that everyone can see what you are made of. It is really important that you keep improving.” In addition to the motivation needed, it is important to note that U-High’s team is stacked with talent. When asked who was elite on his team for next year Donald said, “The whole junior class is excellent. I really couldn’t pick a couple of guys. It’s everyone. Our quarterback, running backs, defensive players, wide receivers… pretty much everyone.” University High finished 38th in nation,

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and number 1 overall for the state. Many are projecting that they will be in the top 10 next year nationally because almost everyone is coming back next year except for punter and kickers.

I asked Donald what it felt like to play in the Superdome and he said, “It gave you a feel of what high school football is really about. Bright lights and tons of fans. De La Salle is a good team and I liked playing them. The score might have not seemed like it, but really, they were. I enjoyed the atmosphere and I can’t wait to get back there next year. It will help us next year. We know what it is like, and we also know the feeling of losing like De La Salle and we don’t ever want to do that again. It is just going to help us reach our goal.” There have been some truly show stopping games this season for U-High. The player favorite as well as the fan favorite was the game against Baton Rouge Catholic. It was a heated game, but the grudge match was eventually ended in U-High’s favor. Donald mentioned that this game was also his best statistically. When asked what his goals are for the next year Donald revealed that he wants to double his sack total (20 sacks in the season), and to make it to the championships again. Winning next year would make University High back to back state champions. He also wants to make it to the Army All American Bowl. www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

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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!

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Home

Away

Neut

Win %

Strk

7-0

5-0

2-0

1.000

601

143

14W

Date

Opponent

Result

9/1 7:00p

@ Mandeville (Mandeville, LA)Location: Mandeville High School

(W) 35 - 0

9/8 7:00p

@ Southern Lab (Baton Rouge, LA)Location: Southern Lab High School

(W) 35 - 16

9/15 7:00p

Catholic-B.R. (Baton Rouge, LA) Location: University Lab High School

(W) 34 - 6

9/22 7:00p

West Feliciana (St. Francisville, LA) Location: University Lab High School

(W) 63 - 35

9/29 7:00p

Zachary (Zachary, LA) Location: University Lab High School

(W) 26 - 7

10/6 7:00p

@ Brusly (Brusly, LA)Location: Brusly High School

(W) 56 - 12

10/13 7:00p

Glen Oaks (Baton Rouge, LA)Location: University Lab High School

(W) 48 - 0

10/20 7:00p

@ Mentorship Academy (Baton Rouge, LA)Location: Mentorship Academy

(W) 49 - 6

10/27 7:00p

Madison Prep Academy (Baton Rouge, LA)Location: University Lab High

(W) 51 - 0

11/3 7:00p

@ Baker (Baker, LA)Location: Baker High School

(W) 45 - 0

11/17 7:00p

Teurlings Catholic (Lafayette, LA)Location: University Lab High School

(W) 35 - 9

11/24 7:00p

St. Charles Catholic (LaPlace, LA)Location: University Lab High School

(W) 34 - 14

12/8 3:30p

De La Salle (New Orleans, LA)Game Details: Superdome

(W) 45 - 19

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LSU Lab School Cubs Finish 1st In State While the U-High Cubs won the Louisiana Class II State Championship, they did so by beating other teams that went on to become state champions as well. In week three, four, and five the UHigh Cubs beat Catholic (Class I State Champions), West Feliciana (Class 3A State Champions), and Zachary (Class 5A State Champions. In doing so, the cubs arguably had the toughest schedule in getting to the playoffs, but to win in the fashion they did, they became the top team in the state and ranked 38th nationally.

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Louisiana Early Signing Period Signee’s Terrace Marshall Jr. Cole Smith Travez Moore Chris Curry Jaray Jenkins Badara Traore Jarell Cherry Nelson Jenkins Chasen Hines Davin Cotton Kenan Jones Dare Rosenthal Cameron Wire Dominic Livingston Damien Lewis ArDarius Washington Zach Sheffer Damone Clark Micah Baskerville

WR| Bossier City, LA| Parkway H/S| 6-3| 193 OC| Pontotoc, MS| Pontotoc H/S| 6-3| 269 OLB| Bastrop, LA| Copiah-Lincoln CC| 6-5 | 250 RB | Lehigh Acres, FL | Lehigh Senior H/S | 5-11 | 200 WR| Jena, LA | Jenna H/S | 6-2 | 183 OT | Garden City, NY | ASA College | 6-8 | 310 DE | Dallas, TX | Carter H/S | 6-3 | 224 DT | Plaquemine, LA | Plaquemine H/S | 6-3 | 292 OG | Marshall, TX | Marshall H/S | 6-3 | 350 DT | Shreveport, LA | Evangel Christian Academy | 6-2 | 263 WR| Berwick, LA | Berwick H/S | 6-3 | 202 OT | Ferriday, LA | Ferriday H/S | 6-8 | 330 OT | Gonzales, LA | East Ascension H/S | 6-6 | 271 DT | Aldine, TX | Davis H/S | 6-3 | 350 OG| Senatobia, MS | NW Mississippi CC| 6-3 | 320 CB | Shreveport, LA | Evangel Christian Academy | 5-9 | 175 DE| Ponte Verde Beach, FL | Nease H/S | 6-2 | 225 OLB| Baton Rouge, LA| Southern University Lab| 6-3 | 216 OLB| Shreveport, LA | Evangel Christian Academy | 6-3 | 215

Tae Provens Dantreize Scott Cole Tracy

RB | Gurley, AL | Madison County H/S | 6-0 | 183 ATH| Ferriday, LA | Ferriday High School | 6-5 | 220 K | Camarillo, CA| Assumption College| 6-0 | 185

Jeffery Johnson Nik Hogan Ryan Wright Dorian Camel Jason Swann Juan Manjarres Jamiran James Tyrick James Christian Daniels Sorrell Brown Jorien Vallien Chris Joyce Stephen Lewerenz Damien Tate JR Joshua Quiett Ygenio Booker Carlos Hatcher Amare Jones Larry Brooks III Davon Wright Michael Remondet Cameron Carroll Macon Clark

DT| Brookhaven, MS| Brookhaven H/S| 6-3| 325 OT| Brandon, MS| NW Rankin H/S| 6-5| 255 K| San Ramon, CA| California H/S| 6-3| 240 S| Baton Rouge, LA| Scotlandville Mag |6-0| 165 OG| Ft Lauderdale, FL| At Thomas Aquinas| 6-3| 281 OLB| New Orleans, LA| St Augustine| 6-2|215 DT| New Orleans, LA| De La Salle H/S| 6-1| 275 TE| China Spring, Tx| China Spring H/S| 6-2| 232 QB| Elon, NC| W. Alamance H/S| 6-2| 202 WR| Arlington, Tx | James Martin H/S| 6-2| 181 WR| Alexandria, LA| Alexandria H/S| 6-4| 178 CB| Hampton, GA| Dutchtown H/S| 5-10| 175 OG| Gainesville, FL| Buchholz H/S| 6-4| 269 CB| New Orleans, LA| Warren Easton| 5-9| 170 TE| Baton Rouge, LA| McKinley H/S| 6-3| 230 RB| Brooksville, FL| Hernando H/S| 5-9| 177 DE| Carrollton, TX| Hebron H/S| 6-3| 223 ATH| Frisco, TX| Heritage H/S| 5-10|186 S| Kennedale, TX| Kennedale H/S| 6-0| 185 DT| Donaldsonville, LA| Donaldsonville H/S| 6-1| 280 OT| Lafayette, LA| Ascension Episcopal| 6-4| 250 RB| Brandon, MS| NW Rankin H/S| 5-10| 215 S| Destrhan, La| Destrehan H/S| 6-0|185

Chris Scott Collins Woods Daniel Beard Chris Heiskell Percy Butler

QB| Natchez, MS| Natchez H/S| 6-4| 180 WR| Eight Mile, AL| Blount H/S| 6-3| 184 S| Mobile, AL | St Paul’s Episcopal| 6-0| 190 OG| Cypress, Tx| Cypress Woods High| 6-3| 275 WR| Plaquemine, La| Plaquemine H/S|6-0| 180

Connor Taylor Maureese Wren Isaiah Windmon Wayne Toussant Bee Jay Williamson Tahj Magee Xavier Lodge Aaron Allen D.J. Jackson Brodrick Calhoun Daon Harris Biron Rossell Elijah Hines DeAndre Marcus Christian Henderson Brandon Floyd Trey Baldwin

LB| Kaysville, UT | Snow College| 6-1 | 228 ATH| Mesquite, TX | Horn H/S | 6-4 | 216 S | Marrero, LA | John Ehret H/S | 6-1 | 190 ATH| Plaquemine, LA | Plaquemine H/S | 5-9 | 157 CB | Mesquite, TX | Horn H/S | 6-0 | 176 ATH| Franklinton, LA | Franklinton H/S | 5-11 | 175 S | Baton Rouge, LA | Woodlawn H/S | 5-11| 182 QB| Missouri, TX| Ridge Point H/S| 6-0| 174 DE| Mesquite, TX| West Mesquite H/S| 6-0|250 CB| Mesquite, TX| Horn H/S | 5-10| 157 ATH|St Francisville, LA| West Feliciana H/S| 5-6|160 OG| W Memphis, AR| W Memphis Christian|6-3|275 RB| Port Arthur, TX| Memorial H/S|5-8|175 RB| Ruston, LA| Ruston H/S| 6-0| 205 OT| Greenwood, MS| Greenwood H/S| 6-4| 290 OLB| Denton, TX| Trinity Valley CC| 6-2| 215 ILB| Orange, TX| Trinity Valley CC| 6-2| 245

Nic McTear Colby Suits Bacari Middleton Conner Henson Jalan Harris Conner Parsons

TE| Frisco, TX | Heritage H/S | 6-4 | 220 QB| Forney, TX | North Forney H/S | 6-3 | 222 ATH| Grand Prairie, TX | Grand Prairie H/S | 5-11 | 190 OG| Big Sandy, TX | Harmony H/S | 6-4 | 270 DE| Haynesville, LA | Haynesville H/S | 6-1 | 245 OG| Mansfield , TX | Mansfield H/S | 6-4 | 280

Zachary Breaux Brandon Nettles Jabari Johnson Keyshawn Johnson

OG| New Orleans, LA | Brother Martin H/S | 6-4 | 331 ILB| Mansfield, TX | Lake Ridge H/S | 6-1 | 228 CB| Monroe, LA | Ouachita Parish H/S | 5-11 | 185 ILB| Duncanville, TX | Duncanville H/S | 5-11| 214

Kevin Jones Dayonte Roberts Jahquan Bloomfield Josh Newton Myles Cole Mark Deaves Brennen Wooten

ATH| Baton Rouge, La| Madison Prep| 6-1| 185 DT| Cabot, AR| Cabot H/S| 6-1| 280 WR| Katy, TX| Seven Lakes H/S| 6-1| 167 WR| Monroe, LA| Ouachita Christian H/S| 5-11| 175 DE| Shreveport, LA| Evangel Christian| 6-5| 235 K| Perth, AUS| Mercy College| 6-3| 210 QB| San Angelo, TX| Tyler Jr College| 6-2| 195

Tyler Glass Barry Howard Cal Kee III Larance Shaw

S| Greenwood, MS| Copiah-Lincoln CC| 6-1| 200 DE| Hollandale, MS| Copiah-Lincoln CC| 6-2| 230 S| Hampton, VA| E. Central CC| 6-0| 205 DT| FT Worth , TX| Cisco Jr College| 6-0| 270

Zack Jones Tre Newton

OL| Columbia, MS | Mississippi Gulf Coast | 6-5 | 298 OL| Spring, TX | Blinn College | 6-4 |305

Tyrin Arceneaux Julien Gums Jeremiah James Korey Louis Lloyd Nash David Robinson Jr. Codi Willis

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OL | LaPlace, LA | Pearl River CC | 6-4 | 300 RB | New Orleans, LA | De La Salle H/S | 5-11 | 225 OL | New Orleans, LA | De La Salle H/S | 6-2 | 290 LB | Breaux Bridge, LA | Southwest Mississippi CC | 6-2 | 220 ATH | LaPlace, LA | St. Charles Catholic | 5-11 |185 WR | Raceland, LA | Central Lafourche H/S | 6-3 | 195 TE | Brusly, LA | Plaquemine H/S | 6-4 | 225

Dante’ Carter Darius Doakes Jarius Gooch Taron Jones Brendon Kelly Mike Mason Semaj Thomas Marquis Williams Matthew Wright

DL| New Orleans, LA| St Augustine H/S| 6-0| 315 DB| Richmond, TX| Kilgore College| 6-1| 210 OL| Water Valley, MS| Holmes CC| 6-2| 290 RB| Mandeville, LA| Mandeville H/S| 5-10| 187 OL| Franklinton, LA| Pine H/S| 6-4| 323 LB| Encino, CA| El Camino College| 5-11| 215 LB| FT Worth, TX| Jones County JC| 6-2| 237 WR| Daytona Beach, FL| Palomar College| 6-0| 180 DB| Austin, TX| Navarro College| 5-11| 190

Cecil Cherry

ILB| Frostproof, FL| Coahoma CC| 6-0| 240

Damien Crumitie

DB| Dodge City CC| Tallahassee, FL| 5-11| 174

Martell Fontenot

K| Zachary, LA| Zachary H/S| 5-9| 175

Louisiana has been a hotbed for recruiting for a few years now. Every DI conference in college football has at least one player from Louisiana. That is why Louisiana leads all states in the number of players in the NFL (per capita). This season, LSU suffered greatly because the lack of depth along both the offensive and defensive lines. This year, they turned their focus on fixing the lack of depth. LSU also signed the #1 wide receiver in the state and a top 10 player (nationally) to replace the explosive DJ Chark. Each school focused on either addressing needs or improving the competition of the position groups. Tulane used the early signing period to bring in some of the best defensive line talent in the country. They lost Tanzel Smart last season to the NFL Draft, so they needed to sign a gap stopper in this class. By signing Jeffery Johnson, Davon Wright and Jamiran James, the Green Wave hope to have bolstered their defensive line. Coach Roberts at Southeastern has continually found talent in the Junior College ranks and this year is no different. I like his biggest signing, Brendon Kelly from Franklinton, LA. His combination of size and strength will improve the competition of an already great offensive line. Every school in Louisiana is a winner this “offseason” in the recruiting game. I look forward to the rest of the class signings in February.

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Four-Peat By Coach Andy Bryson

Since arriving at Louisiana Tech University in 2013, Skip Holtz has made considerable strides to improve the program from the ground up. His first season at La Tech was the only season he has not reached a bowl game. In 2014 Holtz lead the Bulldogs to a 9-5 season and a 35-18 win over Illinois in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. The following year, 2015, Louisiana Tech went 9-4 and won the New Orleans Bowl 47-28 against Arkansas State. In 2016 Holtz’s Bulldogs finished the season 9-5 and won at the Armed Forces Bowl. Although this season had some tough losses for the Bulldogs, they managed a 7-6 record and won against Southern Methodist University during a strange game at the Frisco Bowl. At Coach Holtz on the sidelines with his players. the same time the Bulldog senior class also won its 34th win in four years, the most by any LA Tech senior class since the program joined the FBS in 1988. whole mindset was keep the ball in front of us, make them snap it This makes the 4th consecutive Bowl game win for the Bull- again. It was fun to watch those guys run around and play." dogs which is a record for the school. Holtz is no stranger to Bowl Games having participated in 19 postseason games during his career. Of these games 10 have occurred when Skip was a head football Coach (his record for post season games as head coach is 6-4). The 51 points scored by LA Tech in this year’s bowl game were the most a LA Tech team has ever scored in a bowl game. Tech held SMU to 10 points, the fewest the Mustangs scored this season (the previous low was 22 against Houston). When asked about the win Coach Holtz attributed a lot of the team’s success to turnovers saying, “Turnovers are such a big part of winning and losing. You look at this game statistically - Ok, yards, we gained a couple more - but you look at the turnover battle and I think a big part of that [was] J'Mar [Smith] not having any. Offensively, we didn't have a turnover tonight. And then defensively, what we were able to create. Four sacks, six turnovers. I thought it was a total team effort with the pressure up front and then the guys in coverage. When you look at the weapons they have with two draft -pick receivers and all the weapons that they've put up, the

With Coach Holtz at the helm and another good recruiting class, it looks like the Bulldogs may be on the way to a record breaking five bowl games in a row. Player Name

Position Drafting Team

Year Drafted

Jordan Mills

Chicago Bears

2013

Quinton Patton

San Francisco 49ers

2103

Ik Enemkpali

New York Jets

2014

Justin Ellis

Oakland Raiders

2014

Jeff Driskel

San Francisco 49ers

2016

Kenneth Dixon

Baltimore Ravens

2016

Vernon Butler

Carolina Panthers

2016

Xavier Woods

Dallas Cowboys

2017

Trent Taylor

San Francisco 49ers

2017

Denver Broncos

2017

Carlos Henderson WR

Since Coach Skip’s tenure at LA Tech, 10 players have been drafted to the NFL from LA Tech. Six of those in the last 2 years ( including Driskel, Dixon, Butler, Woods, Taylor, and Henderson).

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2017 High School Finals Brackets * Denotes Home Team

Semi-Finals

Finals

4 Zachary

1 West Monroe*

4 Zachary

#3 Acadiana*

10 Hahnville

#10 Hahnville

1 Edna Karr

4 Easton, Warren

1 Edna Karr

11 Rayne

2 Lakeshore

8 Richwood

5 Kaplan*

8 Richwood

6 West Feliciana*

10 Jennings

1 Welsh*

4 Many

1 Welsh*

6 St. Helena College

2 Ferriday*

1 West St. John

5 Logansport

1 West St. John

3 Kentwood

2 Oak Grove*

4 Catholic - B.R.

1 Evangel Christian*

4 Catholic - B.R.

2 Curtis, John*

3 Scotlandville

8 www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com

CLASS 5A State Champion Zachary

CLASS 4A State Champion Edna Karr

CLASS 3A State Champion West Feliciana

CLASS 2A State Champion Welsh

CLASS 2A State Champion West St. John

DIVISION I State Champion Catholic B.R.

Semi-Finals

Finals

1 De La Salle*

4 St. Thomas More

1 De La Salle*

3 St. Charles

2 University Lab

1 Notre Dame*

5 Riverside Academy

1 Notre Dame*

3 Catholic - N.I.

2 Newman, Isidore*

4 Lafayette Christian

1 Vermilion Catholic*

4 Lafayette Christian

6 Ascension Catholic

10 St. Mary's

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DIVISION II State Champion University Lab

DIVISION III State Champion Catholic N. Iberia

DIVISION IV State Champion Lafayette Christian

Diamond in the Rough: Blake Williams, McKinley High School By: Coach Andy Bryson

Blake is an underrated prospect from a talent deep school for the 2018 class. Blake is a 6’1”, 270 lbs. defensive lineman. He has been working out with former New Orleans Super Bowl Champion and LSU National Champion defensive tackle Marlon Favorite this season. “Blake is hard working with great technique. He can make something out of nothing,” said Favorite, “Blake reminds me of my former teammate, Glen Dorsey.” Blake is an aggressive defensive lineman that will excel at the next level. Blake can bench: 250 lb, squat: 400 lb, has an ACT: 19 , and a GPA: 3.1. I think Blake can play at the DI level. When did you start playing football? I started when I was about six years old maybe five. I played for the south Baton Rouge Rams. I played for coach Johnny Wright for my pee wee football. My pee wee junior year with BREC year I sat out, and then the next year I came back and played for the Scotlandville Hornets. Why do you play football? What do you love about the game? My mom’s side of the family is all athletes, I mean track, basketball, etc. My mom made me play one year of football, and I didn’t like it at first. But every year after that, I have loved the game. It’s really the only thing that I love other than family. I went to Scotlandville High at first, but then I transferred to McKinley. The atmosphere there is amazing. The band, fans, and atmosphere on Friday night is the best anywhere in my opinion. (It doesn’t even matter if we are winning or losing). Our coaches are good, they are looking to see us do good in the world. They teach us how to start, finish, do better and how to grind. No matter how we are doing, we are a brotherhood and they really support that. How did your season go? For me personally, it was the best one that I have had so far. My vision, agility, hand use, speed and strength were way better than they have ever been. Despite all the losing this season, I kept fighting and playing hard to the end. What was one thing you worked on this season? Using my hands more is something I worked on. Working with Marlon Favorite, I learned that using my hands is going to help me be more of a threat on the field. It really was key to why I was so successful this season. What is one area of the game do you think you excel at? Run stopping. Marlon taught me how to use my hands, extending to see the runner and see if they are coming my way or not. I’m a natural defensive tackle, but I can go outside and contain (run stopping) also.

Why do you want to go to college? Really, just want to go and play football and get an education. I want to keep moving forward. I could play football for the rest of my life. If you get the opportunity to play college ball, what is one thing you hope to accomplish? Just being able to go to college, and show people who told me I couldn’t do it, that they were wrong. People that talked down to me and told me that I couldn’t go farther. Some people tell me that I’m not that good, that I’m a waste of talent, etc., but if I go to college I will show them just how wrong they were. They only make me want to play harder and show them how successful I can be. I mean, I played varsity as a freshman and that made some people mad, but it only makes me want to play harder and be more aggressive. I try to make a statement every down I play. Why do you love football? For the love of the game. Football has always been my life, always will be. I love everything. I love when you make a big play and get to celebrate, and when the band plays and the fans get excited. There is just nothing else that can top that feeling when people can’t stop me. I love that you get to use your aggression on the field. What kind of player are you? I bring a lot of energy to the field and excitement, especially when I get a sack.