Louisiana Gridiron
Football
Working Your Way To The Top With
Geremy Hickbottom
Season Report For Louisiana Football
Check Out Who Is Up and Who Is Not
Vol 4 Issue 10
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STAFF Owner/Publisher/CEO Coach Andy Bryson Editor Kristen Bryson Dir. Of Ad Sales And Business Development Richard Hebert Head Football Scout Josh Sibley H/S Football Scout Fred Washington Photographer Jason Saucier Sideline Reporters Daila Weeks Oksana Lawrence Kadaja Cryer Makenzie Dixon Advertising/Marketing Alex Lord
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October 2018
Contents 8 LSU 10 La Tech 12 Northwestern St 14 Tulane 16 Louisiana College 18 Nicholls 20 McNeese State 22 Working Your Way To The Top with Geremy Hickbottom 28 Southern 30 Southeastern 32 ULM 34 UL 36 Diamond In The Rough 37 Seth Ducote 38 Reece Aultan 39 Kameron Booker 40 Johnathan Hill 41 A.J. Gullie 42 Seth Shirley 6
“Recently my son and student athlete Kameron Aucoin, was selectet to be interviewed by your staff as part of a recruiting production. Before this interview and interest from your magazine Kameron had very little contact with college coaches. Since the interview and your ability to get his film and stats out to coaches we have been contacted by several coaches, assistants and grad assistants from local and distant colleges from DI to Juco. The responses we get from friends are how honest and sincere to professional the Diamond in the Rough interview was conducted. We look forward to going on visits and keeping up with all the other HS athletes your staff at Louisiana Gridiron Football is helping get to the next level.” Thank you for everything, Ray Aucoin
“I just wanted to give la gridiron a special thanks for doing a write up on my boy Tayte Langley. This is great for kids who might be under the radar wow what a great magazine to get these kids names out there. Thanks Louisiana Gridiron Football” Trey Langley
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By Josh Sibley
LSU’s Defense has looked impressive thus far this
season. Jacob Phillips has recorded 16 solo tackles and a big interception that was returned for a touchdown, late in the second quarter of the Miami game. The defense would have another interception by John Battle returned for 27 yards during the same game. Middle Linebacker, Devin White, has made a statement why he deserves a top 10 pick in the draft by his leadership both on the field and in the locker room. On offense Nick Brossette has had a stellar season so far. Carrying the ball 103 times for 481 yards and 6 TDs and a long of 50 yards. Joe Burrow was 70-131 for 1023 yards and 6 TDs also adding 188 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns. When asked about his performance in the first game of the season
“We played average on offense, we can play a lot better, and that’s the scary thing of it. We dominated a really good team and we can get a lot lot better,” said coach Orgeron
This assessment of his team’s talent has definitely shown to be true as this season has progressed through wins over Auburn and Ole Miss. 8
On special teams Cole Tracy, the transfer Kicker from Assumption College, is a breath of fresh air for LSU fans going 10 for 12 on his field goal tries and tying a long standing LSU field goal record of 54 yards while doing so.
“The uprights are the exact same size and football’s football, and I’ve done this multiple times.” said Tracy when asked about if he felt any pressure going out against Miami and kicking for the Tigers. “I think it was kinda my own pressure, I like to hold myself to a very high standard, just wanted to go out there and do the best for my team.” He now sits tied for
fourth place in LSU history for points in a game by a kicker with 15. With a dominating wins over the Miami, Auburn, and Ole Miss the Tigers have jumped up quickly in the polls and quieted many naysayers. While, there will always be those who doubt the Tigers, this season has certainly shown that there is still a lot of talent at LSU. The passing game will continue to improve, and that comes from the quarterback working with receivers more and more. Justin Jefferson and Joe Burrow worked a couple hours each day after practice prior to the season to get their timing right, and it has shown during the season. Jefferson has 18 catches for 294 yards so far this season. As the season continues I believe the receiving corps will improve each game as they practice together. I expect great things from the Tigers this season as they take on Florida, Georgia, than Alabama. If the Tigers can continue to win against top talent such as Florida, than Georgia, LSU should move up in the polls to the top spot. If LSU is at the top spot when they play Bama on Nov 3rd, that should make for an epic showdown in Death Valley with the #1 and #2 teams to play in the grudge match of the century. For now though, Tigers are just looking to take every game week by week. Geaux Tigers!
Nick Brossette scores on a one yard cary against La Tech 9
By: Daila Weeks
The Bulldogs have jumped into a strong season this year winning their first two games. In their season opener against South Alabama in Mobile the Bulldogs pulled through with a 4-point win with a score of 30-26. In their second week they had their first home game which also happened to be the 50th anniversary of Joe Aillet Stadium. Excited Bulldogs fans filled the stadium and cheered LA Tech to another win. The Bulldogs came out on top of the Southern Jaguars with a score of 54-17. So far this season the Bulldogs have averaged 42 points a game while their opponents have averaged only 21.5. Thus far LA Tech has had 22 rushing first downs and 26 passing for a total of 54 first downs. In overall rushing yards gained Tech has 470 with only a loss of 53 yards. They have averaged 6 touchdowns per game and their opponents have only averaged 4. Overall for the season Tech has attempted 71 passes, completed 46, and has been intercepted 3 times. The average number of passing touchdowns per game is 5. Offense to date has 1053 yards and 11 touchdowns. The punt average yards per game has been 43.33. Last game starting quarterback J’Mar Smith had 434 yards and overall 3 touchdowns. After the LA Tech vs. Southern game, Head Coach Skip Holtz said, “Growth from week one to week two was the biggest thing we 10
wanted to see tonight. I think there was growth in a lot of areas. I thought in a lot of areas we improved. I thought offensively we played really well in this game. I thought J’Mar Smith had some poise. I thought he was patient in the pocket. He was very in control of his game tonight. I thought the offensive line did some really good things. Adrian Hardy and Rhashid Bonnette really stepped up- both went for 100 yards tonight as receivers. They did a really nice job. Jaqwis Dancy continues to be electric every time you put the ball under his arm. I thought offensively we played really well.” Head Coach Skip Holtz also went on to say, “We’ve got an open date this week, and we certainly need to sit down and take some hard looks at these first two games and where we need to improve, because after this we’ve got 10 weeks of tough sledding. We’ve got eight conference games and LSU and Mississippi State are our two non-conference games, so nothing is going to get easier as we move forward.” The Bulldogs head back into Louisiana Saturday night football action on September 22nd at LSU with kickoff set at 6 pm. All Bulldog fans are encouraged to come out and support as they take on the Fighting Tigers of LSU. Louisiana Tech has a long and exciting season still ahead of them and they hope to keep their winning streak going. Louisiana Tech is a strong and exhilarating team to watch out on the Gridiron.
QB J’Mar Smith Games Comp Att Yards TD’s YPG
3 70 116 919 7 306.33
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By: Oksana Lawrence
Football is one of the biggest sports in Louisiana and for the city of Natchitoches, football just adds to the many traditions that the city has to offer. Last season the Demons finished off their season 4-7 overall and 4-5 in the Southland Conference and tied for 6th place. This season the Demons are looking to dominate the Southland Conference with new head coach Brad Laird leading his team. In his 18th year in coaching, Laird is focused this season on details and enthusiastic, energetic efficiency.
Northwestern State University’s defense has always been able to play aggressively on the field and as a result of that, they have been given the name “Purple Swarm.” This season the Demons have two seniors, defensive end Obinna Iheoma and defensive tackle Zak Krolczyk, Last year they combined for 20 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. In 2017 Krolczyk was outside at DE but has been moved inside to open the way for two younger pass rushers (Braylon Daigle, Desmond Prejean) to work the DE spot opposite Obinna Iheoma. This season both players are getting ready for their best season, with the hopes of playing at the next level. Junior Desmond Prejean and sophomore Braylon Daigle should definitely increase the energy defensively. On the offense side for the Demons the team has been able to come together and work in order to help the the team out. Senior Clay Holgorsen and transfer Shelton Eppler are two very experienced quarterbacks that have potential to lead the team. Going into the season the offensive line still had lots of experience at every position, and they have been able to use that to their advantage. When NSU went to Texas A&M, the competition was challenging, but the Demons were still able to make a strong showing. Quarterback Clay Holgorsen threw for 125 yards and Shelton Eppler threw for a total of 105 yards during the game. These two became the first northwestern quarterbacks to throw at least 100 yards in a game since 2006. Wide receiver Jazz Ferguson had
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129 yards receiving, while Parker Pastorello’s averaged 42.1 yards on 9 punts which was a career best for him. The aggies were able to put some stress on NSU rushing for 503 yards during 41 minutes of possession time. Despite the tough opponent, the Demons never gave up even in the fourth quarter.
were the most for the purple swarm have had in a single game since 2011. During their second week, Shelton Eppler was awarded with Louisiana College co-Offensive player of the week. The same week Hayden Bourgeois was chosen by College Sports Madness as its Southland Conference Defensive player of the week.
Moving towards the Southland Championship, the Demons grabbed their first win of the season against Grambling, the two-time defending SWAC champions. Their home opener game was a big success, with an attendance of 13,525. The Demons were able to score on the game’s opening possession and get 3 TD’s early to lead the match 21-0. The Demons set game records with both Eppler and Holgorsen splitting time on the field. Combined between the two were 35 completions to their receivers; including a 10 yard touchdown to Levar Gumms, who made his college debut. Both defense and offense did well this game with offense jumpstarting the momentum. The offense and the team as a whole seems to have taken the loss in week 1 to the Aggies and turned it into motivation for the season. The Purple Swarm defense had 5 turnovers and intercepted the ball 4 times. The interceptions
In their Southland opener against Lamar University, Shelton Eppler went for the passing record and demolished it. Eppler had a total of 474 yards with 6 touchdowns. Wide receiver Jazz Ferguson had a great one-handed stab along the sidelines which gave the team the opportunity to get that 70 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. This play turned into a tie breaker and turned the whole game around. The Demons edged the Cardinals with only 2:38 left in the game, as transfer defensive tackle O’Shea Jackson blocked the game’s final point after try, for one point in order to save the game for his team. If you missed this game, you missed out on an exciting matchup. “The Offense got into a rhythm and got in a rhythm late,” said Coach Laird. The Demons are moving nicely so far this season with only one loss, they are hoping to keep their winning streak alive with the least amount of mistakes possible.
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By: Kadaja Cryer
“Great programs start with great leadership,” Athletic Director Troy Dannen says. He then goes on to say, “Willie has provided that great leadership during his first two years. As a result, our students and our program are poised to achieve at a high level in the American Athletic Conference.” You can say Willie Fritz is one of the many reason why Tulane Football is the way it is today. Another reason Tulane is so dynamic is their energetic, driven, and unique football team. Tulane finished the 2017 season at home strong, with a record of 4-2. They were continuously on the rise to improve as a team day in and day out. They finished 20th in the nation and 4th in the AAC in rushing with 231.5 yards per game. During the 2017 season, all but one drive of 70 yards or more ended in a touchdown, and of the 40 touchdowns for the season 21 of them were 20 yards or longer. Tulane has rushed for 100 yards or more for 27 games straight. The Green Wave finished 4th averaging 225.7 yards in passing defense. Within the last 24 games, 18 of those games Tulane has had at least one interception, and in 11 of those games they have had a force fumble. Tulane tied for 1st in their conference for only 6 interceptions their entire season. They also finished 2nd in the AAC in time of possession per game at 32:25. 14
The returning senior quarterback Jonathan Banks completed 45 passes, for a 792 yards, and 5 touchdowns so far this season. This is only the beginning of Jonathan unleashing his amazing talents. Banks also rushed for 43 yards and scoring 1 touchdown so far. This dual threat quarterback, is only one of the many assets returning for the 2018 season for Tulane football. Although senior running back Dontrell Hilliard has graduated and will not be returning for the 2018 season, he has passed the torch to Darius Bradwell. Darius rushed for 238 yards so far this season and has scored 2 touchdowns. However, Terren Encalade made a significant impact on this aspiring talented team as well. So far this season Encalade had 310 receiving yards, two touch downs, and has an average of 20.7 yards per carry. Defensive standouts in 2018 include junior linebacker Lawrence Graham who has posted single-season bests in tackles (31) and tackles for loss (2.5) in just four games. He is also the only Tulane player to be in the America’s top 10 tackles per game with 7.8. Graham isalso currently ranked 9th in the league. Senior cornerback Donnie Lewis Jr. has a team-best two inter-
ceptions this season. In his career, Lewis has picked off seven passes so far, and is looking to increase that number. Other Tulane defensive leaders include Zachery Harris (14 solo tackles), 13 (tackle with assist), and 1 (sack). There are a few teams on their schedule that they have played against multiple times while there are some unfamiliar opponents as well. Tulane vs Memphis, was their first conference game at home. This game set the standard offensively and defensively for the team’s momentum. Another exciting game to watch will be Tulane vs SMU, they came up short by a few inches making them ineligible for a bowl game last year. This year they will be playing SMU at home, with their fans ready to rock the stadium, and with that chip on their shoulder the Green Waves will dominate SMU. This game could be the driving force for Tulane to finish out the season strong. Although the Green Waves had a rocky start in 2018 season (they are currently 2-3), this does not define how they will finish their season. With small adjustments combined with determination and drive, Tulane should progress this season. 15
By: Josh Sibley
Coach Justin Charles is entering his second year as head coach at Louisiana College after taking over the job prior to the 2017 season. He is a former graduate and All American defensive back that played at Louisiana College. Coach Charles was part of the 2000 recruiting class that restarted the football program at L.C. Louisiana College got off to a rocky start this season against Alcorn State. Traveling to the Division I FCS opponent, the Wildcats did flash moments of quality caliber play, it did not hold out in the end for L.C. as Alcorn State would go on to be a dominant force on both sides of the ball and get the win in the end. The Wildcats offense was stymied for most of the night against Alcorn and didn’t pick up a first down until the third quarter. LC’s offense had the ball 11 times in the first half and ran 27 plays for negative 25 yards. The Wildcats defense gave up 51 points in the first half and 28 in the first quarter. Wildcat QB Skyler Bonneau would finish the game with 62 yards passing and one interception. Despite the score the Wildcats never quit playing and gave it their all. For the home opener against #8 ranked Hardin-Simmons University, the Wildcats looked impressive. After the Cowboys returned the opening kickoff 91-yards for a score, although they missed the ensuing extra point. The Wildcats would put together a methodical 12-play drive led by quarterback Skyler Bonneau that ended in a 17 yard reception JoJo Robinson. Punter Caleb Prejean would help the Wildcats out by converting on a fourth and long on a fake punt. L.C. would go on to score putting them up 14-6. LC would hold HSU to only a field goal on their next possession. Bringing the 16
field goal attempt and HSU would capitalize scoring quickly in just three plays and taking back the lead. 1614. LC would commit two turnovers in the form of a fumble and an interception. HSU would score off these turnovers and never look back. The final score 57-20 HSU. In week 3 the Wildcats traveled to Southwestern University to take on the Pirates. This was the best that the defense had played all year, making play after play in the second half to ensure a 21-19 victory for the Wildcats. Skyler Bonneau continued to impress passing for 293 yards and three touchdowns and one interception. On the offensive side of the ball it seems that the Wildcats are hitting their stride with quarterback Skyler Bonneau who has thrown for 537 yards and 6 TDs with 4 INTs through three games. Things are looking up for the Wildcats as they travel to Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Then are home against Texas Lutheran University on the 6th of October, which should be a great match up. With only one other away at McMurray University, if the defense continues to be competitive and play at a high level the Wildcats could come away with an undefeated October. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
SOPHOMORE QUARTERBACK ASCENSION EPISCOPAL BLUE GATORS
By: Kadaja Cryer
“Our guys always want to prove they can play with the big boys. I like the attitude they can win big games. If you can have depth on both the offense and defensive lines, that’s where you have a chance to win.” -- Coach Tim Rebowe. Coach Rebowe knew what he was in for when he inherited this program. He wanted to recruit players who had room to grow and mature into his team’s playing style. With this recruiting process in place aligned with his coaching method there was great improvement for Nicholls. Looking at the Nicholls 2017 season at 8-4 overall with a 5-1 home winning streak can tell you a lot about this football team. Nicholls averaged 28.2 points per game, along with 249 first downs, and 2,635 rushing yards gained. Chase Fourcade a young soaring quarterback started 11 of 12 games played during the 2017 season. He finished the season with 2,316 yards passing, which ranked him 7th on the programs single season list. Also, thisranked him 4th in the Southland Conference averaging 193.0 yards per game with 14 touchdowns. Chase continues to exceed expectations as quarterback since his 1st year as a true freshman. Starting all 12 games, names the Colonels #1 receiver, Damion Jeanpiere Jr. He racked up over 770 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns. Then there is Dai’Jean Dixon who started 7 of 12 football games that he played in as a true fresh 18
man. He was also 2nd on the team in receiving yards with 489 in total on 23 receptions with 5 touchdowns. Offensively Nicholls State dominated almost every game they played in. As powerful as Nicholls State was on offensive, it was an even scarier sight on defense. The junior now entering his senior season defensive back Corey Abraham dominated the field. He started all 12 games last season as a safety with 79 tackles in total and 59 of them being solo tackles, and he forced 2 fumbles and 2 pass break ups. Another standout is inside linebacker Allen Pittman, he started all 12 games last season and led the team in tackles with 80 total and 43 solo, and he had 1 interception. Each of these players will be returning for
the 2018 football season, and will continue to impact this divine defense as the season progresses. Going into this 2018 season Nicholls State has 91 players returning. This team has grown together, which will only allow them to become more in sync and continue to get better as a unit. Despite the 1-2 start for this 2018 season, Nicholls still has a lot of great football left in them to display throughout the rest of the season. They opened the season with a bang, fighting to beat Kansas State in overtime. Nicholls offense did what they could to keep up with Kansas offensive, but this game the defense showed out making the necessary stops. If the Colonels keeps this momentum up, and finds a few more ways to score offensively, they will be untouchable in their conference.
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By: Makenzie Dixon
Coming off of a 9-2 record during last year’s season, the McNeese State University Cowboys opened their 75th season of football against the Northern Colorado Bears with vigor. In their opening game, the Cowboys defeated the Bears with a 17-14 win thanks to the coaching staff under coach Lance Guidry. Since this win, the Cowboys have improved with two more wins to create a 3-0 record against the Houston Baptist Huskies and the Nicholls State Colonels. Thanks to their dominating defensive and explosive offense, the Cowboys have paved a sturdy path in their journey towards the championship game. Despite having a better ranking than most teams in their division, the Cowboys fell short of the Division I playoffs last year, making it the first team to acquire nine wins and not earn a spot in the playoffs since 2013. Nonetheless, the Cowboys took their time in the off-season to pay attention to specific detail and improve their team as a whole. This will be Head Coach Guidry’s third season leading the Cowboys, and it is showing to be his best yet. Along with the veteran players, the Cowboys gained 18 signees to help supply the team’s wide receiver and offensive line positions. “We really wanted to go after wide receivers,” said Guidry. “We lost a lot last year so we felt that was an area we needed to focus on.” Amongst these incoming players was Trent Winbush, a 5’11 multi-talented running back from Rayne, LA. Winbush has shown to be very flexible in his playing ability, proving that he can play running back, corner, or the safety with ease. McNeese 20
returns a variety of skilled players including running backs David Hamm, Justin Pratt, Ryan Ross, and Mac Briose who accounted for over 90 percent of the teams rushing yards in the 2017 season. Junior quarterback James Tabary returns for his third season as a starter, having started in the past 23 games consecutively. Alongside Tabary, veteran running back David Hamm leads the team in rushing yards for the 2017 season with 805 yards on 152 carries.
As the season continues, John Tabary, David Hamm, and B.J. Blunt will be the top 3 players to watch. The Cowboys’ durable defensive line will continue to remain strong when confronted with force in its upcoming games against dominating teams like BYU, Central Arkansas, and Southeastern. If the team can continue to uphold the skills that they have shown early in this season, it will be the Cowboys of McNeese State University taking home the championship title.
McNeese’s defensive “Blue Wall” continues to prove its toughness by keeping the opposing teams’ ground game from penetrating the front line. The Cowboys led the FCS in rushing defense, first down defense, and 3rd down conversion defense. With junior Chris Livings returning from last seasons’ injury, the Cowboy’s defensive line continues to have an intimidating reputation for any opposing teams’ offense. The “Blue Wall’ only allowed 54.5 rushing yards per game last season. The Cowboys’ defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks a total of 10 times in the first two games.
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Working Your Way To The Top with
Geremy Hickbottom
By: Daila Weeks
Grambling Tiger’s starting quarterback
When did you start playing football? “I first started playing football when I was in peeGeremy Hickbottom has proven himself worthy and strong in his time thus far with the tigers. He is 6’4, 215 wee league, and I was around 10 years old. I used to see people playing, and all at once I got into playing. pounds and is very effective on the field. Last season It felt kind of good. I was like, oh, okay I can do this! he completed 13 out of 29 attempted passes with an Once I got up to middle school ball, I noticed I was average percent of 44.8. He threw for 2 touchdowns really good at it. So I stuck with it. I was a 3 sport and did not have any intercepted. Last season with his rushing he recorded 98 yards and 1 touchdown. So far athlete from middle school all throughout high school this season Geremy has gained 117 yards with only loss I played football, track, and basketball; but I really felt of 29 yards. He has one touchdown so far this year and football was best because that is what I played growing up. Basketball and track came along once I got into the season is just getting started. Geremy is majoring middle school, but football it’s just fun going out and in mass communication and will graduate in 2020. competing and doing what you love. I started playing quarterback my 8th grade year. In middle school I
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played wide receiver, but I converted over my 8th grade year because our starting quarterback was injured and they needed someone. I stepped in and starting playing quarterback and I felt better at it. I felt good. I was like okay I can do this! It is a lot more fun for me playing quarterback. I can get the ball every play and show what I can do with it.” What made you want to play football? I was brought up in a big football home in Mobile, Alabama which had a huge effect on me. The community around me kept hollering, “football football football!” Until I started to play it myself and found a passion for it so that is what made me stick with it. For most people to make it out; it is either football or knowing your worth. Most of the time that’s what they put it on and portray it as. If you don’t make it in football or any other sport, you are either going to be stuck there or just working. I kind of used that as an edge to get away from my city, because it is really not good there. At the very least I could use sports to get my degree and get an education from that and use it to better myself. Down where I am from it is really tough.
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How did your junior high and high school football experiences help mold you into the player you are out on the gridiron today? High school was a help, but I would not say it was too much of a help. Me being in high school, I was like the only guy that could really play the position that I played. It molded me in a way, because it kind of put me in an uncomfortable position. As for being a student of the game it helped. Some of the stuff was simple, but it was all football. At the end of the day, it was all X’s and O’s. It all helped make me the player I am today, because I was put in tough predicaments and I was the only guy who could really perform and that is how I stuck with it. How was the recruiting process from high school and how did you end up at Grambling? I had lots of schools with interest in me, but I did not take my ACT until the end of my junior year more into the summer so most of the teams lost interest. Basically some schools stuck with me. Once my recruiting process started flowing, I started to learn how it worked. That was in my senior year. Then when I got my ACT score back, it helped with recruiting. When Grambling came down my senior year; they stuck with
me through the recruiting process. Despite any of my downfalls they were persistent which is what made me end up here at Grambling. They never doubted me, so once I did get the right ACT score that’s who I signed to. You said that throughout junior high and high school you were a 3 sport athlete; do you think that those other sports contributed to your skills on the football field? Yes, most definitely track. It helped me with my speed. Basketball helped me with agility, being able to get from point A to B. I would say track did the most due to dealing with a lot of running and conditioning. We were a small school, and most of our guys had to play both ways. Running track helped all of us for conditioning purposes and speed too. What would you say is your biggest motivation for playing football? I would say my family. You know just playing for them and my community, just having a positive role model for younger people and showing them they can come out of Mobile. I just want to be an inspiration to those guys, and that is what matters to me.
Is there any athlete that you look up to and want to model yourself as a person to be like? Most definitely Cam Newton and Tyrod Taylor. They fit my idea of how I play the game and how I try to play it. I say Cam Newton because of his running ability, and how he can survey the field and throw the ball. Tyrod Taylor has good mechanics and his progress in the NFL up to now is amazing. That is who I look up to. What is your most fond football memory, something that really sticks out in your mind as a special moment? My senior year of high school we got my team back into the playoffs, and it had been like an 8-year drought since we had made it to the playoffs. We had lost a lot of supporters, and my senior year we turned that around. Now they have been back in the playoffs since I left. That was my biggest memory getting my high school team back into the playoffs. What is the most exciting play or game that you have been a part of? It was a game winning touchdown back in high school. It was the last play of the game, and we were in overtime. I scrambled to my right, I think it was
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like on the 37. We weren’t red zone, but we had got a penalty and it took us all the way back to the 37. It was the last play of the game, and I rolled out to my right but I did not see anyone open. I just threw the ball and one of the defenders batted it, but my receiver recovered it and still caught it in the end zone. That won the game, and that was a part of a reason we got back into the playoffs too. That was the best thing for me to be a part of. You mentioned that your major is mass communication, what do you plan on doing with that after you graduate? I am still thinking on what I want to do with that because I know it is very versatile and you can do a lot of things with it. I could do media, videoing, editing, being on camera, or behind camera; but I really want to be behind the cameras. Coming up in church I used to do the cameras at my church in the media room. That was the only thing that was related to what I want to do. That is what made me want to do mass communication. What do you love about Grambling and what made you want to go there? The tradition here is amazing and the alumni, the students and the overall feel. It feels like it is my home away from home. To be here, it is amazing. What do you think makes you stand out as a quarterback compared to other collegiate quarterbacks? I would say I am a dual threat; I can run and pass. I have not had as much time to show that, but in time I can show that. I was overlooked in the past, but just me doing the running and passing not being just a pocket passer or runner will help. I can be a mixture of both which makes me stand out the most. How have you most improved since last season, what is the main thing you have worked on? I have worked on reading more coverage and working on my release. My release is pretty high. Some games it can be wet so working on that should help with it. But mostly I have been working on my reads and my reading coverages. I also have been working on my accuracy and connection with my receivers. We have been working together a lot over the summer.
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What life lessons has football taught you and what have you learned about yourself? It really helped with adversity. Sometimes you start out at the bottom and you got to work your way to the top. It really taught me being in adverse situations and helped me develop as a man as well. I have learned how to step up to the plate and do what I have to do to be successful. Was there ever a pivotal moment in your life where football changed for you, something that made you push harder to try and accomplish your goals? My freshman year in high school I had the only injury I have ever had. A guy fell on my shoulder and broke my collar bone. I was very small in high school, and I was supposed to start so that gave me a wakeup call that this was not middle school anymore. It showed me I need to be on the weights harder and be more aggressive and be quick on my feet. Everything I did needed to be a step or two faster. How do you feel about your performance on the field last year and this year thus far? The game has slowed down for me in a way like I was saying reading coverage. This year I am doing read keys and I know the coverages. My accuracy has definitely improved since last season. I really did not know coverages or D-line fronts or anything but once I learned that, it really slowed the game down for me. What are your goals for this season? I want to be MVP of the SWAC, and I want to be SWAC offensive player of the year. Most definitely I want to reach at least 5,000 yards. I want to have 30 touchdowns through the air. I do not have a specific goal for running ones. I also want to be an All-American.
“Sometimes you to hit rock bottom but you have to work yourself back up to the top.�- Geremy Hickbottom 27
By: Makenzie Dixon
With a pass from John Lampley, sophomore wide receiver Cameron Mackey glided past two speeding defenders to run in the end zone for the 55-yard touchdown during the Southern University Jaguar’s opening game against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs. Jaguar’s head coach, Dawson Odums was very enthusiastic and confident in his fresh-faced team of athletes due to the heavy talent in their recruiting class and returning veterans. Odums signed 17 players in total, including four wide receivers, three defensive backs, three offensive linemen, and two defensive linemen. With more than 15 of the 2017 team’s student-athletes graduated, the Jaguar’s spring scrimmage previewed the outstanding ability on the new and improved team. The graduation of longtime starter Austin Howard sparked the commencement of a three-way competition for the starting quarterback spot between John Lampley, Bubba McDaniel, and Ladarius Skelton. When the eight month long battle ended, it was sophomore John Lampley who came out on top showing to be “slightly above those guys from a consistency standpoint”, said Head Coach Odums. Despite entering at the number four position in his freshman year, Lampley completed 14 of 26 passes and ran for 118 yards, having the third most yards on the team. Since gaining the number one spot on this year’s team, the starting quarterback has passed for 401 yards and 5 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Trey Smith leads the pack with 184 yards.
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The graduation of longtime starter Austin Howard sparked the commencement of a three-way competition for the starting quarterback spot between John Lampley, Bubba McDaniel, and Ladarius Skelton. When the eight month long battle ended, it was sophomore John Lampley who came out on top showing to be “slightly above those guys from a consistency standpoint”, said Head Coach Odums. Despite entering at the number four position in his freshman year, Lampley completed 14 of 26 passes and ran for 118 yards, having the third most yards on the team. Since gaining the number one spot on this year’s team, the starting quarterback has passed for 401 yards and 5 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Trey Smith leads the pack with 184 yards. Despite a slow start to the season, the Jaguars have finally found their strengths. The team struggled in the first two games to score on offense and defend against the opposing teams, but was able to pull together in their third game against Langston University, with a 33-18 win. The Southern University Jaguars enter their fourth week of play in the top spot for the SWAC division with a 1-2 record. SU will return to A.W. Mumford Stadium for their first conference game versus the Alabama A&M Bulldogs who also have a 1-2 record. Since 2012 with new head coach Dawson Odums, the Jaguars have had an overall record of 43-26, with two SWAC Championship game appearances, and one win. As the season progresses, Southern University’s leading receiver Cameron Mackey, receiver Trey Smith, and quarterback John Lampley will be the top 3 players to watch. The Jags have a developing passing game that will be very competitive across the field. With all energy going into each individual game, the Jaguars will continue to prepare themselves for the 45th Annual Bayou Classic Game hosted in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This game’s history dates back to 1974, when the Grambling State Tigers and the Southern University Jaguars first competed against each other in what became one of the most intense rivalries in southern football. If the Southern University football team can continue to improve all around, it will be the blue and gold of the mighty Jaguars will be victorious this season.
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By: Oksana Lawrence
Despite a rocky start of the season, the Lions have
shown loads of aggression and persistence in their first five games. The turning point for Southeastern was their game against Lamar, which they won 30-24. Senior linebacker Tamarcus Russell was named the Southland Defensive Player of the Week after helping Southeastern to its first win. Tamarcus recorded the most tackles for his team in the ULM and Central Arkansas (20 and 8 respectively). During the game against Lamar, Russell and Brayleon Thorns both had 12 tackles. Russell along with Brayleon Thorns and Matthew Wright have proven to be leaders on the team in the area of defense. Some more heavy hitters on the defensive line are seniors Sean Clavelle and Dwaine Thomas. Southeastern is yielding 30.5 points and 420.8 yards per game this season as compared to last year’s 25.6 points and 374 yards per game. Lynch leads the Lions with five pass breakups, while freshman Ferlando Jordan has two interceptions. Russell and Adeyemi-Berglund also pace the team with four tackles for loss apiece. The Lions offense has returned this season with mostly veterans, with seven of the top eight rushers who were third in the FCS last season. Running backs Darren Jones (Sr.), Julius Maracalin (Sr.) and Marcus Cooper (So.) are back for another season. Marcus Cooper had a total of 647 yards and 3 TDs last season as a freshman. Darren Johnson had a total of 571 yards and 4 touch downs, while Julius Maracalin had 328 yards and 7 touchdowns. Not only will the Lions have some veteran players, they have fresh young talent as well. 30
Devonte Williams (Jr.) played two years at Indiana and JoMari Becnel played two years at Mt. San Jacinto College, both these young men are very talented athletes. Another new player is Taron Jones a freshman from Mandeville, LA. Freshman Southeastern also has a list of receivers returning to help the team this season. Austin Mitchell (So.), Juwan Petit-Frere (Jr), Bransen Schwebel (Jr), Nih-Jer Jackson (Sr.), Jariah Tolbert (Sr.) and Jake Ingraffia (Sr.). The Lion offense is averaging 418.8 yards per game through the first three weeks. Chason Virgil is currently second in FCS with 1,210 passing yards. Despite being new,
he has completed 61.7 percent (103-for-167) of his passes and thrown for seven touchdowns versus five interceptions. Petit-Frere (20 catches, 395 yards, 2 touchdowns) and junior tight end Bransen Schwebel (15-216-2 TD) are Virgil’s top targets. Juwan Petit-Frere has been a huge contributor since the first match against ULM with 401 yards receiving in the first four games with 2 touchdowns. If the Lions continue to gel as a team this season is far from over. As they continue in conference play the Lions are looking to expand their winning streak.
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By Alex Lord
In the middle of the bayou, the ULM Warhawks have been soaring above their opponents in the past few weeks with close wins over Southeastern and Southern Mississippi. Both wins came within a field goal and the close victories have the team beaming with confidence. This should have fans showing out in their maroon and gold gear this year at Malone Stadium. Third year head coach Matt Viator runs a spread offense, which has proven to be well balanced this year. Averaging per game over 260 yards through the air and over 160 yards on the ground, the Warhawks have defenses on their heels. In the first week, the Warhawks gave fans a glimpse into what this season will hold, accumulating over 200 yards rushing and almost 350 passing yards. While running a 4-2-5 or nickel on the opposite side of the ball, the defense played just as aggressively and recorded three Interceptions and eleven sacks in the first four weeks. Stout against the run, the Warhawks defense stonewalled their first two opponents, Southeastern and Southern Miss, holding 32
them to a combined 130 yards rushing. Their pass defense against Texas A&M and head coach Jimbo Fisher allowed less than 250 yards through the air. Mike Collins will be calling the defense this year for ULM. One of the defensive standouts this season is Cortez Sisco Jr. He is a do it all linebacker, who is leading the team with a total 29 tackles 3.5 for a loss and a single sack. Sisco is great in coverage, which is becoming more essential for linebackers at all levels. He already has an interception and a pass break up this season. The junior from Southaven, Mississippi had this to say about their outstanding effort in the 2nd half against Southern Miss that included a 4th quarter shutout, “...the defense was eager to get back on the field, we were ready to keep going.� Kendrick Marbles and Corey Straughter are leading the backfield with eight pass break ups between the two of them through the first four weeks of the season. Starting quarterback Caleb Evans has vision and is a dual threat, boasting an impressive 125.9 quarterback
rating thus far. Evans can get it done through the air but more impressively with his feet, the ultra-athletic Evans gained 264 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Accounting for three fourths of the total yards per game, the leader of the Warhawks is a crucial part of this team’s success. His favorite target is speedy senior Marcus Green who might be undersized in comparison to his teammates, but his game is mammoth. Green has 299 yards for the year so far as well as four touchdowns; his big play ability is something to take note of too, especially as his record includes a 79-yard touchdown against Southeastern. Derrick Gore, the Alabama transfer, leads the backfield atop the depth charts and is a superb athlete. A perennial talent coming out of junior college, Gore played at one of the top programs in the country under Nick Saban, but decided to transfer after his sophomore year. He has accumulated over 200 yards rushing to go with his two touchdowns. During the Texas A&M game he averaged over 5 yards a carry.
another tough SEC opponent in Ole Miss. Ending the season with six Sun Belt Conference matchups should shape up a dramatic finish for fans.
The Warhawks are 2-2 through four weeks and have only in conference Sun Belt games left, aside from a game in two weeks against Ole Miss. This week the team travels to Atlanta to battle against a struggling 1-3 Georgia State team. Following that, the team faces
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By: Coach Andy Bryson
The Cajuns have looked good this season under
new head coach Billy Napier, despite the 1-3 start. Last season the defense was a major area of concern, however under new DC Ron Roberts, they look much improved. They key for the future of the Cajuns will be recruiting depth while getting bigger, faster, stronger. Currently, the Cajuns are ranked in the top 40 FBS teams in recruiting with the quality of recruits that have committed.
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Offensively, quarterback Andre Nunez is a stand out player. He is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the country and has a 70% completion ranking. Nunez is currently ranked 12th in the FBS and second in the Sun Belt. During the first four games Nunez has thrown at least one touchdown pass per game. He has already broken a school record when he completed the game against Grambling with an 86.4 percent completion rating. At present he has thrown for 616 yards
this season, 5 passing touchdowns, and 1 rushing touchdown. One of Nunez’s favorite targets is junior receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley who has caught four touchdown passes in the first four games of the season. Two of these passes were against Grambling (Sept 1), one at Mississippi State (Sept 29). It marks the first time a receiver at Louisiana has caught four touchdowns in the first four games of the season since Jamal Robinson caught four touchdowns during the start of the 2013 season. Another stand out offensive player is sophomore running back Trey Ragas. He has rushed for 405 yards so far which is the best in the Sun Belt. On average he has 101.2 yards per game. Ragas is also the only running back in the Sun Belt that has an average over 100 yards per game. So far this season Trey Ragas has three touchdowns. He has been a major force all season long for the Cajuns. Louisiana is 12 for 12 in the red zone during the first four games of the season. They are one of only 12 teams across the country that has a perfect record inside the 20. Defensive leaders include Jacques Boudreaux, Terik Miller, and Justin Middleton. Jacques Boudreaux has 10 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, and 1 sac so far this season. Terik Miller thus far has 10 solo tackles and 8 assisted tackles. And Justin Middleton has 8 solo tackles and 8 assisted tackles. Moving forward, the Cajuns have finished the hardest part of their schedule and will enter Sun Belt play. With Cajuns going to Texas State on Oct 6th, a team that the Cajuns have never lost to Texas State. This game should get coach Napier and staff back in the right direction.
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Diamond In The Rough O U R G O A L AT L G F I S T O H E L P T H E U N D E R R AT E D
BECOME RECRUITED
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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.
Seth Ducote is a skilled quarterback who can also
Seth Ducote Rosepine High School By: Oksana Lawrence
Pos: Height: Weight: GPA: Clean: 40: Bench: Squat:
QB 6’1” 185 3.9 235 4.78 255 385
play wide receiver. Seth is going into his senior year at Rosepine, High School here in Rosepine LA, and is looking to accomplish big things for himself and his team. With support from his coaches, teammates and family right by his side. As the leader for the offense, Ducote has great poise on the field, and is very mature when it comes to guiding his team in the right direction. He has great arm strength and he uses that to his advantage on the field. Seth has received offers from Kenyon College in Ohio and Culvert Stockton College, in Caton Missouri. Seth has been awarded 1stteam all-district athlete and 2ndteam all-district wide receiver. Not only is Seth focused on the field but he is also focused in the classroom, he has maintained a GPA higher than 3.5 for more than three years in his high school career.
When did you start playing football? I started playing football when I was five years old.
passion for the game, and he has a lot of the same qualities that I like to show on the field; as far as maturity and being a driven athlete.
What has playing football taught you about yourself? Football has matured me as a person and has taught me how to carry myself off the field as well.
Did you play any other sports in high school besides football? Yes, I played baseball and I enjoyed it.
What would your coaches and teammates say about you? My coaches and teammates would say that I am a great leader and I am a very humbled person on and off the field. What would you are some of your biggest accomplishments? This past year I helped my team make it to the second round in the playoffs and we won the District Championship. Who is one of your role models and why? Peyton Manning is one of my role models. I believe he shows his
What are your expectations/goals for yourself this season? Some goals that I have for myself are to help my team win another District championship, and make it pass the second round. I would also like to touch up on my throwing game. I think we have a good team this year and we can go all the way.
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Reece Aultman is a senior kicker at West Monroe
High School. Reece has a 4.0 GPA and 29 on his ACT. Last season he played in 13 out of 14 varsity games and scored 64 out 66 PAT’s.This season he looks to continue that streak he is 11 for 11 on PAT’s and 1 for 1 on field goal attempts thus far. He participated in 8 camps over the summer to work on his accuracy in his kicks and overall strength. Reece uses his former soccer skills to help better his accuracy and consistency with the football. He is looking forward to finishing his senior year and wants to major in finance or business administration in college.
Reece Aultman West Monroe High By: Daila Weeks
POS: Height: Weight: Squat: 40: GPA: ACT:
Kicker 5’11” 170 205 5.1 4.0 29
When did you begin playing football? I started playing last year as a junior but football has always been a part of my life growing up. I started off as a kicker which is still what I do now. What made you want to play football and what do you love about the sport? I love the brotherhood. Up until last year I was always in the stands cheering the team on until I played in a pick-up football game with friends and I noticed that I have a pretty good ability to kick a football. I think that stems from my soccer background so I went to the head football coach and asked if I could join the team as a kicker and he said yes. Ever since I began I have flourished and I really enjoy everything about the game. What do you want to major in once you start college? I want to major in finance or business administration which will lead me to hopefully being a general manager or athletic director for a major sports team.
How did you prepare in the off season? I attended 8 camps at places like LA Tech, Ouachita Baptist, Louisiana College, Northwestern State, Millsap’s, and ULL. What are you most improved on since last year? My most improved skill has definitely been power and consistency. I worked throughout the off season getting stronger in the weight room and getting more accurate with my field goals. Accuracy has lead me to have a further kickoff distance from what I had last year. I have not missed a field goal at all this season so far. Have you won any academic awards or a part of any clubs? I am in National Honor Society and I have made the Principal’s List and Honor Roll every six weeks of school throughout my high school career. I am in FCA and FCS as well as a group of students that helps incoming freshman get acquainted with the school. I am a part of Chick-fil-a Leader Academy which is also a national club that helps serve the local community as well as Biology club that helps serve the community.
Kameron is a 4 star ranking in our recruiting magazine with an overall grade of a 7.6. He scored a 6 in size, 6 in strength, 10 in speed, 8 in technique, and 8 with hands. He is a senior running back at Jonesboro Hodge High School and uses his speed and agility on the field. He maintains a 3.4 GPA. He attended various camps over the summer to work on speed and footwork skills.
Kameron Booker Jonesboro Hodge High School
When did you begin playing football? I began playing flag football when I was 7 and began tackle football when I was 10.
By: Daila Weeks
POS: Height: Weight: Clean: Squat: Bench: 40: GPA:
RB 5’9” 170 225 360 250 4.48 3.4
What do you love about football? It teaches you a lot about life and lets you know that nothing comes easily. You have to work hard in football you cannot just go out on the field without preparation. What do you like most about being a running back? I like running back because you have to know a lot and you and the quarterback help operate and run the team. A lot of people look up to running backs.
Do you play any other sports? I run track as well as play football. I run the 4x1, 4x2, 100-meter dash, and 200-meter dash. My freshman and sophomore year I was second team All-District at running back and my junior year I was first team All-District at running back. What is the biggest thing you have improved on since last season? My speed has improved from all the workouts and things I did over the summer. My footwork has become more accurate. What is your biggest motivation? My mom died when I was 2 so I do everything in honor of her. I never got a chance to do anything to make her proud before she died.
What did you do over the summer to get better prepared for your senior season? I attended a lot of camps over the summer. Any time I got the chance I was on the field or in the weight room putting in extra work. I went to NSU, LA Tech, and ULL camps.
What are you excited about for this season? Our first game let us know that we can be beat. Over the summer we got very hype and losing last week was a humbling experience leading into the rest of the season. I am looking forward to us coming together as a whole team and hopefully winning the state championship.
What would your coaches say about you? They would say that I am a leader on the field, I lead physically by example.
What do you want your college major to be? I would like to major in architecture. If that does not work out, I would like engineering. 39
Jonathan is a junior left tackle at Pearl River High
School. He uses his height and size to his advantage to dominate the field. Jonathan has a GPA of 3.2. He attended various camps over the summer to stay active and better prepare himself for this season. He loves the physicality of football and has been told he is very coachable.
Johnathan Hill Pearl River High School By: Daila Weeks
POS: Height: Weight: Bench: Squat: Clean: 40: GPA:
OL 6’2� 270 315 405 225 5.5 3.2
When did you begin playing football and what do you love about it? I think I was 9 or 10 years old when I began to play. It is a physical sport you get to play with a bunch of people you like and meet so many new people. I like to interact with people and it gets very high intensity especially down in the South where the coaches interact with the players more.
What did you do in the off-season to prepare for this year? I attended multiple football camps to make sure I stayed active. I went to the Tulane and LSU camps, the Top 150 camp, Ole Miss, Southeastern, as well as a few others. I worked out mostly with the team over the summer. What is the most exciting aspect of being left tackle? I love the physical aspect of it when it comes to hitting people. It is very dynamic. What do you think your coaches would say about you? Coaches would say I am very coachable and dependent. I am positive and have been told I am very coachable.
Do you play any other sports or received any sports awards? I am on the wrestling team as well as track and field and football. Last year I was second team All-District for football. Wrestling last year, I went to state and finished 7th. I lettered in all 3 of my sports last year my sophomore year.
What are you looking forward to this season and what are your goals? I want to make better grades and hopefully more colleges will look at me the better I do each game. I want to work on my blocks and get my rules correct.
What would you want your college major to be? I think I want to do mechanical or chemical engineering because they are very hands on.
What is your biggest motivation on the field? I love to win and I also want to go to college so I can receive a good education.
A.J Gillie is a strong offensive guard from Natchi-
A.J Gillie Natchitoches Central High By: Oksana Lawrence
POS: Height: Weight: Bench: Squat: 40: GPA:
OL 6’3” 285 315 630 5.0 3.5
toches, LA. A.J is a very smart and disciplined player, and can play very well with his eyes and his feet on the field. Going into his senior year at Natchitoches Central High School, he is very confident he will have a successful season. Growing up football has always been his passion and he believes in putting God first in everything that he does. He is very team oriented and believes in pushing his teammates to be the at their best. Going into this season A.J has very high hopes for his team him and his self. A.J wants his team to make it to the championships this year and believes that in order to do so it is going to take hard work and dedication from everyone on the team. He has great support from his family and coaches and uses that motivation to keep him going every day. He has made 2ndteam all-district his freshman year, and 1stteam all-district his junior year. A.J has gotten offers from Northwestern State University located inhis home town, the United States Military Academy located in West Point, New York and Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana. At what age did you start playing football? I started playing when I was 8 years old. Besides football did you play any other sports? I also played baseball when I was younger. Who motivates you to play football? My parents are my biggest motivation, they keep going and they always lift me up. They always tell me that is important to keep trying, because I never know what I can do, until I try. What would your coaches say about you? My coaches would say that I am a great leader for the team, I work really hard, and I am very team oriented.
Who do you look up to, and why? I look up to a lot of the players that played for Natchitoches Central before me. They helped me to face challenges head on and always encouraged me to keep going further. What has playing football taught you about yourself? I have learned that being mentally tough is something that is very important. It Is something that every playing should have especially when it comes to workouts and games. What expectations do you have for yourself and for your team this year? I want my team to make it to the championships this year, and if not at least make it pass the third round. The expectations I have for myself are to get more offers 41
Seth Shirley is a senior running back at
Rosepine High School in Rosepine, LA. Born and raised there he started playing football at the age of four, and his love for the game has grown ever since. Seth has had an impressive junior year, rushing more than 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns and looks to keep that same energy as he goes into his senior season as an Eagle. Seth has one goal in mind, and that is to be better than he was last year, with his team right beside him.
Seth Shirley Rosepine High School By: Oksana Lawrence
POS: Height: Weight: Clean: Bench: Squat: 40: GPA:
RB 6’0� 180 225 225 325 4.9 2.6
At what age did you start playing football? I started playing football when I was four years old. Did you play any other sports while growing up? I played both football and baseball for 12 years. What are some of your strengths on the field? One of the strengths that I have is mental toughness. I always continue to push myself no matter what. What would your teammates say about the type of player you are? My teammates would say that I am a hard worker, and that I am always there for them no matter what. What has football taught you about yourself? Football has taught me to be humble and show good sportsmanship to others on the field.
Who do you look up to? I look up to Leonard Fournette, I love his aggression on the field. He never gives up and he is a very physical athlete. What areas of your game would you like to improve on? I would like to improve on both my pass and run blocking. What would college coaches be most impressed with about you? I am very coachable, I am always looking for ways to advance my skills. I am a determined athlete and I like to show that when I get on the field. What keeps you motivated? My teammates keep me motivated, we push each other every day at practice.