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Dear Readers, Summer football camps are underway and we here at Louisiana Gridiron Football are excited for another month of football. While it may seem like it has been too long since you last watched a football game, hang in there because more football is on the way. This month we got under the helmet with Devin White, LSU, for a preseason interview. We also have more diamond in the rough articles for your enjoyment. We here at Louisiana Gridiron Football believe that helping one young man go to college and play football can change not only his life but the whole community he comes from. Football is an enriching sport that teaches many life lessons that helps mold young players into better men in the community. . Enjoy,

Andy Bryson

THIS IS Josh Sibley recently sat down with LSU offensive lineman Garrett Brumfield to talk about how his life has been affected by playing football. The redshirt Senior has seen action at the Tackle and Guard position and was the starting left Guard for the Tigers in 2017. He has tremendous strength coupled with excellent technique, giving him the ability to play any position on the offensive line.

By: Josh Sibley

originally started playing sports when I was like five, I played tee ball for a couple of months but nothing too serious. It wasn’t until I was eight that I started playing football. It was my mom, and I, I can’t remember exactly what we were doing. I believe we were going to pick my dad up from work or something like that. We were driving along and we saw a sign on the side of the road saying something like “Youth Football Sign-Up” or something like that, and I asked my mom if I could play football. Like I said, I was just an eight year old who had never played football or any organized sports really, and initially my mom said “No.” But on the way back coming down that same street there was another sign on the opposite side of the street, so we passed another sign “Youth Football Sign-Up yada, yada, whatever date.” So I brought it up again. My mom still said “No”, but this time my dad was in the car, and my dad approved. So I started playing, and I’ve been going strong since then.

I guess thank goodness for Mr. Brumfield, then. Are there any of those tee ball pictures floating around somewhere?

Actually, there aren’t. Like I said, it wasn’t anything too serious, so luckily there aren’t any pictures around from those times. I’m a 300 pound guy now, but unfortunately back then I was a hefty kid. So thankfully there aren’t any pictures around. I did shotput my eighth, ninth, and tenth grade years. In ninth and tenth I also did discus to go along with shotput. I played basketball a couple of seasons too, eighth and ninth grade year I think. But yeah, I’ve been playing football for almost all of my life. Football has transitioned over time for me. When

I was younger I loved it, it was just playing a game. But now, it has taught me about how diverse groups of people can get to know each other and work together. Just the value of relying on other people; sometimes you just can’t do everything by yourself. Honestly, a football team is exactly that, it’s eleven guys doing their job and relying on the guys next to them.

Tell me about your experiences when you were younger and going to U-High

Well of course I play for LSU, we play downhill, in a heavy run offense. But since I started playing football, I’ve always prided myself on playing hard, playing fast all the time. I’ve received praise from people

that say they see that in my play, but I don’t play for that. I’ve always just played my hardest because that’s how my parents raised me. Everything that you’re doing you always give forth your best effort and give it your all, and I just try to play hard all the time. Being a young guy from Baton Rouge, I used to love watching La’El Collins. La’El Collins was my idol. I was obsessed with him, when I was leaving the eighth grade, I would watch all his videos. This was in 2010 so there wasn’t as much media exposure; there wasn’t Twitter. So you just had to find what you could find online. So I would watch La’El footage as I got a little older, and especially when he got to Dallas. Then I would watch Tre Turner. I loved the way Tre Turner played; he plays hard all the time. And, I just wanted to model my play after them, because I know those are huge shoes to fill. Going to U-High that was a great experience, getting a chance to play with some great players. Of course Nick Brossette, Tim Williams, he went to Bama, and now he plays for the Ravens. We had a bunch of talented guys Dylan Moses, he plays for Bama now. That was a great experience playing around guys that were competitive guys, and even guys who weren’t highly recruited. Those were still guys that came to work every day, came out to the practice field did their job and just helped the team be successful. I enjoyed winning games with those guys, and that’s something in my life that I’ll never forget.

What was it like this past season coming back against Auburn in the second half?

Oh man! That was an experience and feeling that you wouldn’t know if you weren’t there. If you missed it, you missed it. No matter what anybody says they can’t tell you about being in that moment. Seeing that shift, just seeing us get that momentum, and just fighting through adversity. That’s the greatest feeling, to overcome things with guys you play with and guys you bleed next to. I would say it’s a once in a lifetime experience, something that definitely doesn’t happen every week. Our attitude was a factor in winning that game; attitude affects everybody including the coaches. We gotta keep everybody on the same page,

and keep spirits high. If one guy gets down it can get everybody down, but if on guy gets up, gets excited, and has some energy, everybody else will follow suit. That’s pretty much what happened, everybody stayed positive and on the same page, and it all worked out.

I’ve seen your name on Coach Moffitts’ board a couple times on Twitter, how does that make you feel?

It’s kind of cool. I’m pretty much the old man of the O-line, so I like to show them I still got it. The old man still has it. It’s always cool being recognized for things like that. Being an offensive lineman you don’t get a whole bunch of glory, and it’s kind of a weight room war. Guys are always competing, it’s a team thing. So it’s

pretty good, it’s pretty big especially when they write the joke names up there. Having your name on the board is definitely motivating, because we’re always competing. Guys are always trying to get better, get stronger. Guys have certain things they have to work on in the weight room. All guys aren’t equally strong; some guys are more flexible or something. Just because you can throw up 900 pounds, doesn’t mean you’ll get lifter of the day. Just because you’re the weakest guy in the weight room, doesn’t mean you can’t get it.

“It’s about your tenacity, your energy in the workout, your overall effort. Coming in and having a good day.” -Bruiser

think since being at LSU though my knowledge of the game is something I have excelled at. I’m always trying to learn new things. I was talking to guys, watching film, just learning from the older guys when I was a younger guy. Even now, just trying to stay sharp, showing young guys, maybe something they didn’t see as far as a scheme, or maybe there’s a funny blitz they may not have seen before and I have. Just always trying to learn new things about the game.

Anything else you want to add that you think we may have missed?

Our team has faced adversity in the past, but more than anything we don’t let outside noise or whatever people say or graffiti banners or anything like that affect us. We come to work every day and do our job, we rely on each other. We make the most and make the best of every opportunity we have to play together. A graffiti banner isn’t going to score a touchdown or kick a field goal. It’s not going to make a tackle or get an interception.

GEAUX TIGERS!

Diamond in the rough

OUR GOAL AT LGF IS TO HELP THE UNDERRATED BECOME RECRUITED We highlight the best junior and senior athletes Louisiana has to offer. D.I.T.R. articles showcase the talent and ability of these players. 14

sOUTHERN LAB School BATON ROUGE, Louisiana Michael Wicker, Defensive Back from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, LA, has great speed. At the Southeastern Camp he clocked out on his 40 time at 4.4 flat. He has good height at 6’0, and he uses his versatility to force turnovers. He battles every rep and really excelled during the 7 on 7 drills at the Southeastern camp. He has good reaction time that allows him to make quick plays. As a sophomore Wicker saw a lot of time in special teams. Now as a starter, he looks to gain a lot of experience and is ready to make a name for himself. Do you see yourself more as a corner or a free safety at the next level?

MIKE WICKER Height Weight ibench Squat

6’0

When did you start playing football?

165

I started playing football when I was 7 years old. What do you love football?

225

315 4.4

GPA

3.8

I.T

40 TIME

I’m all about competing and getting better. I love winning, and football is the sport where I can feel at home. It helps me to be able to compete at my best. What would you consider your strengths as a football player? I would say that I’m very competitive. I am also a leader. I don’t give up easy, and if it’s a fight I won’t back down. I play for my team. Also, I have good speed, and I take care of my grades in the classroom. My GPA has been a 3.8 for 3 years now. What has football taught you about yourself? It has taught me that I’m really competitive and I like to lead. I like to raise up other people around me everywhere I go.

At the next level I see myself more as a cornerback. Right now, at my school I play safety but my strengths fit me more as a corner I would say . What is your motivation to play? My parents and my siblings are really motivating for me. Mainly my family in general are very important. I also love to compete and that is motivating too. What area of your game would you like to improve this off-season? This off-season I’ve been working on getting my weight up. Last season I played track, and I got my speed up. My 40 time has improved. Now I’m looking to get bigger. I plan on adding 10 lbs. this offseason, trying to get a bigger frame. What would college coaches find most impressive about you? They would be most impressed with the way I play. I have a lot of heart. I’m not scared of anything, and won’t back down from any matchup. My coaches saw me as a freshman coming in willing to hit seniors. They would be most impressed with how hard I play. I’m dedicated to the game.

LEWIS MOORE

LAKESIDE High School siBley, Louisiana Lewis Moore, offensive lineman from Lakeside High School, plays with a natural leverage that gives him an advantage in the trenches. He has good strength for his size, and is good at getting hands on defensive players.

To whom do you give credit for your success? I give a lot of credit to my coaches because they really brought me where I am today. But also my dad for pushing me to do my best. What drives you to be your best/ compete day in and out? I would say the wins and not letting my teammates down are my main reason to keep working hard. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Height

5’10

When did you start playing football?

Weight

220

I started playing in 7th grade at Benton Middle School, and then I moved here and have been playing up until now. What do you love football?

ibench Squat

290

335

clean

215

40 time

5.4

It’s the competitiveness and the team factor it brings. You’re not relying on just yourself for the job, you’re relying on a lot of other people. What would you consider your strengths as a football player?

I.T

Being able to block people into the ground, pancake them I would say. I’m an aggressive and physical player. I like to play until the whistle, finish through the play, and I don’t quit early. Growing up, did you play any other sports? I played baseball and soccer until like 4th or 5th grade.

I really like watching football. I watch football a lot and play Madden with my buddies. What would you consider your strengths as a football player? My IQ and my actual strength. I can see all the fronts and blitzes. I can pick up on that pretty quick. What area of your game would you like to improve this off-season? I would like to improve my run blocking, and improving my secondary skills like on screens and getting to the next level. Have you gone to any camps or plan to? I went to the NSU camp a few weeks ago, and also the East Texas Baptist mega camp. I also plan to go to the NSU camp in July. What are your expectations for next year? I expect us to get over 7 wins. And to keep building from the previous season and win a playoff game. I definitely want to make a playoff run.

Chalmette High School Chalmette, Louisiana Nathan Thomas is an offensive tackle at Chalmette High School in Chalmette, Louisiana. Nathan has really good mobility for his size, and he does a great job of firing off the ball and getting hands on. After initial contact he does a decent job of getting extension. On combo blocks he comes off well and attacks second level defenders.

NATHAN THOMAS Height

6’5

When did you start playing football?

Weight

270

I started playing football when I was ten years old playing with Mother’s Academy.

ibench Squat clean GPA

225

315 275 3.1

I.T

By: Brantley Mathis

What is it that makes you love the game? The excitement of winning are what I like best. I like to play in big games. Getting the job done is what motivates me on the field. What would you consider your strengths as a football player? My big strength would be that I’m smart; I think about the game. Athleticism, getting after the ball, and running after the running back. Another strength would be my blocking. I can clear a big path for my running back. I’m quicker off the ball, and I have a power punch on first contact. I can also move my feet very well and work up to the second level.

How do you feel your previous season went? For me being a first year starter, I believe it went well. The coaches trusted to run the ball on my side a lot, so I had to do my job because they had a lot of trust in me. Our team made it to the first round of the playoffs with a 7-4 record, but lost unfortunately. What area of your game would you like to improve this off-season? I am looking to improve my strength and my conditioning. I’m also working on getting faster. What are your expectations for next year? My expectations personally are to be better as a player both physically and mentally. I would describe myself as an upcoming leader. Team wise, my expectation is to get past the first round of the playoffs. I’m looking forward to playing Holy Cross. What would college coaches be most impressed with about you? My catching ability is great, but I think they would be most impressed with my blocking.

Holy Cross High School New Orleans, Louisiana Austin Wehrlin is an offensive lineman from Holy Cross High School in New Orleans, LA. Austin has good strength and speed. Off the ball he has a good first step on defensive lineman and uses his hands well to keep blocks in front of him. He pinches the end and can get to the linebacker at the next level of the defense on run plays. Austin is a smart offensive lineman and very experienced having played at both tackle and guard. Going into his senior year, the offensive line at Holy Cross is expected to be a huge strength for the team. Austin is looking forward to a successful season.

Austin Wehrlin Height

6’5

Weight

280

ibench Squat clean 40 time

280 5.2 3.9 24

I started playing football when I was 4 years old. When I was younger I wasn’t too sure of it, but as I got older I just fell in love it. I’ve been playing ever since. I never took any breaks in between I just kept playing. What do you love football? I love the teammates you make, the comradery, how you get close to some people, and how you learn. Everything is not on you; it’s a team sport.

What would you consider your strengths as a football player?

I.T

ACT

515

GPA

285

When did you start playing football?

Being able to block people into the ground, pancake them I would say. I’m an aggressive and physical player. I like to play until the whistle, finish through the play, and I don’t quit early.

How do you feel your previous season went? I feel like my junior season could have gone better, because I had a little high ankle sprain in the beginning of the season that kind of held me back. I feel like if that wouldn’t have happened, I would have done better. But overall it was a good year for me. A key moment for me was against Chalmette when I sealed off the end and our running back scored an 85yard touchdown. It was nice to feel that part of that was because of me. What area of your game would you like to improve this off-season? I want to improve on my pass block. Whenever someone goes inside, I want to be able to pound down and not give up the inside as quick. That’s one thing I want to work on a lot. What are your expectations for next year? My expectations for my senior year are that hopefully the team is able to win district and state. That hasn’t been done in a while at Holy Cross, so it would feel good for my senior year. Individually for me I would like to make all-state and receive a DI offer.

Holy Cross High School New Orleans, Louisiana Grant is an offensive lineman from Holy Cross (New Orleans). He has played tackle and center. Grant is very quick and explosive off the snap. His above average speed allows him to reach the second level off of combo blocks. On reach blocks he gets his hips around and seals off defensive linemen, opening running lanes for his backs. Loves to finish people into the ground. Needs to work on his initial and power steps, as well as adding weight in the offseason.

little karate actually. Football was the one that stood out to me the most. How do you feel your previous season went?

GRANT JENNY Height

6’2

When did you start playing football?

Weight

260

I started playing football when I was six years old around the playground.

ibench Squat

250

365

clean

250

40 time

5.4 23

Being able to play with your friends, hang out with them all day, and having to work together to make something work. It’s not just on you. You have to do what you’re supposed to do because your brother depends on you. What would you consider your strengths as a football player?

I feel like I’m quicker off the ball, and I have a power punch on first contact. I can also move my feet very well and work up to the second level.

I.T

ACT

4.1

GPA

What do you love football?

Growing up, did you play any other sports? I played baseball, basketball, and a

I feel that it went well, because I actually started out as a tackle. Then I got moved to center. I actually ended up taking the senior’s starting position at center which really surprised me. I did really well—a lot better than I had expected. What area of your game would you like to improve this off-season? Probably my footwork on initial contact, and then driving the defender through the ground. What are your expectations for next year? I really want to keep enjoying the game, and work towards possibly playing college football. Also obviously winning first in district and then a state championship. Beating Chalmette and Jesuit as well, because they are some of our biggest rivals. What would college coaches be most impressed with about you? They like my speed off the ball and initial contact. They like my footwork off the snap, and they like my academic side as well.

Lakeside High School SiBley, Louisiana DJ Harvey is an offensive guard from Lakeside High School in Sibley, LA. DJ is very strong and will punish you at the line of scrimmage. He could be a fullback at the next level. He reminds me of former LSU Tiger JC Copeland, both are very physical and strong blockers. Expect a lot of pancakes for DJ this season and another playoff team for Lakeside. DJ is also a state champion in wrestling.

Who could you credit to your success in football? I worked for it, so I feel like I did it myself. I grind for it and put in all the hours. I feel like I earned everything I got. What area of your game would you like to improve this off-season?

DJ Harvey Height

5’7

Weight

285

ibench Squat clean

325

550 245

By: Tyler Smith

When did you start playing football? I have played since 7th grade. It was always fun for me. What do you love football?

What are your expectations for next year?

I love grinding, putting in the work, and on Friday nights go out there and compete. I also love being around family, and spending time with my teammates because you only get a couple more months with them before the season is over.

I want to be All District. I want to play really well against Mansfield and Rosepine. I also want to beat Carroll. Last season when we got to Carroll, everyone fell asleep and we lost. They are a good team, but we could have at least competed.

What would you consider your strengths as a football player?

What drives you to be your best day in and day out?

I.T

I’m aggressive I use my strength to my advantage. I like run block the best I get to make contact then backing up in pass block.

I want to be faster, get off the ball quicker, and just continue to improve in all areas really. You can always get better as a player.

I don’t like being mediocre. I don’t like just putting in half the work. I just like getting it done at 100%. I really want it.

Do you play any other sports? I wrestle. I won a state championship in wrestling this year.

DORYAN HARRIS

University laB school BATON ROUGE, Louisiana Doryan Harris is a wide receiver from University Lab High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Doryan has great route running ability with top notch speed, and is a playmaker at the slot position. I saw him at the Louisiana College showcase camp recently, and he dominated the 7 on 7s part of it. He creates mismatches in the slot with his speed and can be a house call on any given play. For his junior year he had 12 touchdowns. University Lab is loaded with talent and Doryan Harris looks to exceed the expectations for 2018 and help them repeat as state champions.

How do you feel your previous season went?

Height

5’9

When did you start playing football?

Weight

170

Roughly when I was 5 or 6 years old. It was fun getting to run around a lot, and I liked to run so it was fun for me when I was younger.

ibench Squat

215

405

clean

220

40 Time

4.4

By: Tyler Smith

What is it that makes you love the game? I just love playing the game. I have a passion for the game. Since I started when I was younger, I grew up with a football in my hand. So I just love playing football. What would you consider your strengths as a football player?

I.T

My hands and my speed. Not many players have that, so hands and speed I would say those are my strengths.

It went great for me. I had 12 touchdowns and over 700 all-purpose yards. So it went well for me, and I had fun with my teammates every week. A key moment for me would be winning a state championship and beating 4 state champions in one season. What area of your game would you like to improve this off-season? My route running. I can get better on my route tree and running my routes. Breaking the first tackle and being more explosive as a player. What are your expectations for next year? Of course, I want to win state again and make first team all-state, all metro. What would your coach say about you? I’m a hard worker, I’m a leader and that he can count on me to make plays.

JOSH REMETICH

HOLY CROSS HIGH school NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana Josh Remetich is an offensive lineman for Holy Cross (New Orleans). He can play every position on the offensive line. Josh has great size and is quick. He is good at getting his hips around on reach blocks and getting hands on. On run plays he gets to the second level and likes to finish every play to the whistle. He plays with a very high motor. In the offseason he should look to get stronger, and work on his pass protection technique.

How do you feel your previous season went? I believe it went well. I started to open a lot of eyes and show people what I could really do. What area of your game would you like to improve this off-season?

Height

6’4

When did you start playing football?

I’m looking to get faster. Also I’m really looking to get my feet faster and get stronger overall and gain some weight.

I started playing ball when I was four years old.

What are your expectations for next year?

225

What is it that makes you love the game?

415

clean

220

I love depending on my teammates, coming together as a unit, being aggressive, and always fighting against the guy in front of you.

I plan to really get bigger, faster, and stronger like I said. I also want to work on getting some offers. I know some schools are looking at me like LSU, Nicholls, Boston College has sent camp invites, and Ole Miss.

40 Time

5.4

Growing up, did you play any other sports?

Weight ibench Squat

265

I played baseball. I play it still, but I took off this summer to focus on football mainly. I also played a little basketball. Football has always been the sport that drew my attention.

I.T

By: Brantley Mathis

What would you consider your strengths as a football player? My fast feet, how I’m always ready go, and how I’m always ready for a fight. I’m good at shooting my hands inside and replacing them.

What would college coaches be most impressed with about you? I’m hard worker, always there, and always accountable. They can count on me to do my best, while accounting for my teammates and not just myself. Have you gone to any camps or plan to? I went to Ole Miss, LSU, the LSU/ Tulane camp, and UL. I’m going to Southern Miss the 15th [of July] and LSU the 16th [of July].

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DEVIN WHITE By: Josh Sibley

Devin White has thrived in Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda’s game plan. The 6’1, 240lb linebacker earned Freshman All-SEC Honors in 2016, having 30 tackles including three for a loss. He followed that up with an incredible 133 tackles in 2017 which included 4.5 sacks. This earned him Defensive Player of the Week four times in 2017, a feat never before accomplished by any player in SEC history. We go under the helmet with Devin to find out what drives him and what it’s like being the next great linebacker to come out of LSU. When did you start playing football, and what do you love about the game?

When I was seven, I played on the nine and ten year old team. I was the running back. We didn’t win a lot of games; we probably didn’t win any games. We weren’t really good at the time, but I do remember we were playing Haynesville, and I scored a touchdown. My mouth got busted open some, but I was the happiest kid in the world because we finally scored a touchdown. I was playing up in an older division too, and that’s how I fell in love with football.

What style of play best describes you?

I’d say physical, with my physical acts of the game, playing like an “old school style.” I’m don’t really like leg tackling, I’d rather get a guy at his chest and take him to the ground. It shows my weight room work ethic, shows that I’ve been in the weight room. So I put my chest on you, take you to the ground. Also I’m a smart player; I’m always in the film room, studying film. What were your goals this previous season?

I don’t really have individual goals, but my same goal each year is to be a leader for the team. I help the team in any way I can whether it is on special teams or defense. My team goals are winning a National Championship, winning the SEC West, winning the SEC Championship as well, making it to the playoffs and winning the playoffs. Those are the only goals I will have every year I’m in college. Individual accolades will come through the process of reaching all those other goals I just named, because we’re doing something right and because the team will be winning. Hopefully I can be the player that’s doing something good to help the team win and reach those goals.

Who would you say are some of your biggest influences?

My mom and my mentor, Coach Houston, because they stay on me. They keep me grounded and keep me humble.

Who is Coach Houston to you?

When I really started playing organized pee-wee football at the age of nine. Earlier when I played it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as organized, I was on a team that my town put together. But when Coach Houston came into play I was on a

more organized team, so he really introduced me to the game. He was my pee-wee coach, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just been in my life ever since.

Do you feel that attitude is a factor in winning?

Yeah I do, but I like to think of it as having a passion for the game.

“If you love the game, you’re going to do whatever you have to do in order to be victorious.” -Devin White Like me, I’m the type of person that if we lose a game

I’ll be devastated. I’ll be almost in tears. If it’s a really big game, I probably will be in tears. I mean that’s just to show the passion I have for the game. I’m not the type to accept losing. I hate losing more than I like winning. I’m definitely one of those types that can say that comfortably,

and I think that’s what makes me the type of player I am today.

To piggyback off of that, what do you think one of your biggest strengths is in your game play? I think my football IQ, overall football knowledge, knowing what’s going on, on the field,

and knowing how to break down an offense so I can play fast are my biggest strengths. But overall I feel like my football IQ would be my biggest strength.

You had a tremendous high school career at Running Back, and were listed as the number three Athlete in the country, when you committed to LSU did you think you were going to get more reps at Running Back or Linebacker? When I committed to LSU and through my whole recruitment process Coach Miles and Coach Frank, they told me, just stay home and we’ll figure out what you want to play later. They

said we want you to stay home, and we are going to recruit you because in the long run we know you are going to make our team better. Everything I’m doing now, they basically told me I would be doing. When I got to LSU, we started out doing drills in the spring, because I went in the spring, before we started doing team organized drills with the coaches, and I went and told Coach Miles that I would love to play linebacker. So, I was originally strictly a linebacker until our star running back got a concussion in the middle of the season, and my coach just put me back there. I just took off at the position.

What was it like being named Defensive Player of the Week four times last season, something no other player in SEC history has done?

It was exciting to keep getting those accolades. I get on Twitter a lot, but I really don’t tweet as much as I just look. I saw a lot of guys that were mad about it; they felt like they were snubbed whether it was offensive guys or defensive guys. So that just goes to show you that Defensive Player of the Week is an title that people look forward to getting, and for me to get it four times that just shows you I put a lot of work in and that work was recognized by the voters who

pick those awards. Overall, I was just thankful to have the type of games I had the weeks I got the award. I can’t complain and it’s not just the accolades. Since getting Defensive Player of the Week four times, I feel like I can break my own record. What is one area that you have excelled at while at LSU?

Overall growing up and becoming a very mature young adult. I feel like LSU has helped me on and off the field to be a better person in my life, and that’s the main thing that I can brag about.

If I could brag about anything that would be the number one thing I brag about since being at LSU for the past two and half or three years.

to be like them. I’m trying to be like ten times better than them. I thank them every time I talk to them for setting the example, but I’m trying to go above and beyond the How does it feel to know example they set. I’m trying that you’re in a position to leave LSU as the greatest to become the next great linebacker. I don’t even want linebacker to come out it to be debatable. I want to of LSU, following in leave as the best, and if I the footsteps of Kwon don’t do that I will feel I’ve Alexander, Kendell Beckwith, and Deion Jones failed myself. One thing I know is that if I put my mind just to name a few? towards something, I feel like It feels great, but at the end I can do it. That’s something of the day, I’m not a guy that I told myself, I have it written gets complacent. You can talk down, and that’s something to anyone of those guys, and I’m striving to do. they’ll tell you, I’m not trying

LSU has earned the nickname DBU and Leonard (Fournette), and Derrius (Guice) have said that LSU is RBU, do you think that LSU can make a case for being LBU as well?

Yeah, absolutely, I think we can make a good case for it. It just depends on how you define LBU. If I were to define LBU. I would say it’s a college that has a lot of linebackers go to the NFL, but they’re not only in the NFL they’re excelling in the NFL. If you want to talk about linebackers excelling in the NFL, you’d have to put “Debo” Jones at the top of the list. In my opinion, he is the best linebacker in the NFL right now. Then there’s Kwon Alexander who’s not that far behind. Then Kendall Beckwith and Duke Riley who had incredible seasons as rookies. Then there are the guys that people forget about because they’ve been banged up like Kevin Minter, who is one of the all-time LSU greats that’s still in the NFL. He’s back with his defensive coordinator with the Bengals. So I expect the Bengals to have another big year. Also Kelvin Sheppard, I think he’s going to be healthy next year playing with the Giants, and that’s another LSU great. So LSU linebackers don’t get overlooked but we also don’t talk about it much. None of the linebackers here are

really the type of players who brag often. But if I started to brag on it, I definitely could make a case for LSU to be Linebacker University based off the people I just named as well as the linebackers we have at LSU right now. If you go by rankings, we have some top linebackers at LSU right now. What’s your favorite defense to play in right now?

I don’t really have a preference. I’m the type of linebacker that can play in the box. I can go cover somebody man, or I can play sideline to sideline. I don’t have to be covered up by D-linemen. You can put me anywhere. I’m not the guy that someone will say “well he’s only a 3-4 linebacker”; I can play in any defensive scheme. That’s just because God, and the skills he gave me to be strong, fast, and powerful. Not everyone has those traits, some people are just fast or just a good tackler. I feel I’m everything, I’m like a jack of all trades, so I wouldn’t limit myself to just one defense.

coaches corner

CREATING A QB Creating a breed of quarterback that utilizes a complex system and creates functional and aggressive movement patterns:

By: Coach Lindsey Cox

For the Coach: Overall, implementing a QB system involves teaching proper movement mechanics and the complex demands of moving with power. QB’s have the ability to implement intelligent, protecting, and complex systems of motion within any offensive scheme. How do we train these complex systems in a weight room?

As coaches we are concerned with posture, scapula, rotator cuff, and the glenohumeral joint. A commonly overlooked aspect in training the QB is the (GIRD), the glenohumeral internal rotation deficit. According to Baker (2009), Former S&C Coach for t he Boston Red Sox “GIRD develops due to the great deceleration forces placed on the posterior capsule and rotator cuff , which causes shortening of the muscles, tightness in the posterior inferior capsule, and a shift go the glenohumeral rotation joint” (p.24). Coaches will use player statistics to determine the current accuracy of the quarterback. Based on these results the staff will provide a correct amount of velocity training along with some specific program demands discussed in this article. Rotational power is a focus to train the neuromuscular system to utilize all core strength and impact the deceleration phase after the quarterback completes a play. Rotational core strength will be achieved with explosive med ball work and multi planer weighted movements. With any throwing athlete, toe flexibility is a common unknown area that has a focus. Improved flexibility and mobility will lead to a longer stride and activate more power through all muscle systems in a pass related play. Mobility Assessment for Quarterbacks: SLEEPER STRETCH checking the glenohumeral joint and the internal rotation deficit. • 20 degrees of deficit between arms is a warning sign • Measure with goniometer and progress athlete through internal rotation exercises for improvement of this joint.

room. These give coaches clue’s to their development, both physical and psychological. Some coaches might say,

Whether your training a collegiate QB, at Southern or Tyrod Taylor who was taught by Mike O’Cain at Virginia Tech; we have to research the volume of throwing and how to assess how their anatomy which may show signs of a deficit due to the bony adaption of the humerus, also known as retroversion. Good coaches can watch the QB before a power clean, and the way he moves and reacts to all the distraction forces in a weight

“We execute a lot of bent over barbell row for scapular stability, we don’t practice olympic lifts so I am not concerned with GIRD” No matter the QB system that you implement at your high school or college, all movements that are high level, utilize the three dimensional approach. The offensive line is all working to together, just as all the QB’s muscles are targeted to generate enough controlled force to detonate the humeral head to fire motor patterns at a high velocity. At Southern University A&M we utilize power snatch, 3 position snatch, snatch to overhead squat within our Hatch derived weightlifting system implemented by director of strength and conditioning, Tony Webb. Complex movements at high velocities can be implemented correctly when progressed with snatch grip shrugs, snatch pulls,

snatch pulls from 3 positions, snatch grip deadlift, and many other variables that train the transfer of forces in the kinetic chain.

TIP:

We have local QB program that develops quarterbacks P3 Quarterbacks located in Baton Rouge, LA www.p3qb.com to practice their on the field skills. This twice a week system takes the training programs in the weight room and teaches proper mechanics involved in scapula activation, angular accelerations, and tactics in proper movements of the posterior chain. Many times our quarterbacks have the intelligence and mental toughness to execute high levels of teaching. It’s our job as coaches to teach proper ways to avoid dysfunctions as well as improve posture, reduce injury, and put their joints in the best position to throw accurate. In a position that requires tremendous acceleration of the lower body and upper body, commonly in fast short bursts with quick decision making the question becomes this

If Olympic progressions paired with QB skill development sessions are to complex for your current system here are some quick recommendations. High Schools can still develop future NFL players by implementing 20 minute protocol in the athletes warmup before a football practice, or weight room training.

“ How can I react in the most efficient way within organized chaos? Explosive lifts, as implemented by Tony Webb, are always paired with scap pull apart, pulldowns, and myofascial release procedures. The main reason we are so confident in the method of the snatch, According to Baker (2009), “one of the most important scapular forces for improving posture is the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior; since they are responsible for upward rotation of the scapula” (p.25).

The image below is of former Tulane Player James McMurchy practice scapular activation and assessments of the latissimus dorsi.. According to Baker (2009), “the restriction of internal rotation should be roughly equal to the increase in external rotation in the same shoulder, and the internal rotation deficit should not be greater than 25 degrees when compared to the non-throwing shoulder” (p.24). Baker, B. (2009). Treating the Athlete. Training and Conditioning, 23-29.