LOUISIANA GRIDIRON
FOOTBALL COACHES CORNER
TIPS FROM LINDSEY COX
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH High School Standouts
MCNEESE ON THE RI SE WI TH
JAMES TABARY
contents june 2018
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH Paul Phillips Perry Ganci Liam Rowan Aaron Benfield Dylan Rathcke Terry Matthews Jordan Clark Cameron O’Brien Brennan Patterson Thomas DeLoach Mike Hollins Christopher Sehring Landon Burton Brandon Legendre Joshua Carter Andrew Robinson Anthony Echols Jarius Monroe
JAMES TA B A RY
MCNEESE ON THE RISE
36
COACHES CORNER TIPS FROM COACH LINDSEY COX
UPCOMING ISSUES
Tailgating Super Issue J U LY NFL Preseason AUG College Preseason SEPT Season Updates OCT - DEC All - Louisiana Team JAN LA Players in the Draft FEB College Recruiting MARCH
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Dear Readers, This month is especially exciting here at Louisiana Gridiron Football. We have a fantastic interview with the quarterback from McNeese State University including nineteen diamond in the rough articles. A diamond in the rough article is an interview where we talk one on one with a high school player who wants to play at the next level. We work with all types of players, but many of them aren’t on any team’s radar. We look at the player’s game film to ensure that they are capable of playing at the next level. To date, every diamond in the rough player has received a college offer from a college or university. We are consistently blown away with the support and excitement around these articles. At Louisiana Gridiron Football, we believe that helping one young man go to college and play football can change not only his life but the whole community that he comes from. Football is an enriching sport that teaches many life lessons that help mold young players into better men in the community. We hope that you enjoy getting to know our diamond in the rough athletes. Enjoy, Andy Bryson
IN THE COMMUNITY
Dear Mr. Andrew Bryson: I am the Iota High School librarian. As a librarian, I am always looking for new ways to spark reading interest in students. We want all students to feel welcome in their library. Some students are hesitant to come to the library because they are not “readers”. We have a very successful reading program that requires students to read for their English, Science, and Social Studies classes. Students can also engage in puzzles, games, and complete assignments on the computers. I am always looking for ways to increase the number of students that read for pleasure. By high school, the love for reading has been established in many students. However, there are some students that do not like to read. To encourage reading, I have set up a reading area, away from the book shelves, for students to read newspapers and magazines. One of my goals has been to increase the number of students that read the magazines. Over the past few years I have felt like I am purchasing magazines for the library that are not being read by the students. Therefore, I am always looking for magazines that interest students. This year, when I asked the teachers if they would send me a list of magazines that they would like for me to purchase for the library, Coach Ray Aucoin sent me the request for Louisiana Gridiron Football. I am excited to say that it was well received by the students. They really enjoy reading and discussing the articles in this magazine. As you know, one of our students, Kameron Aucoin, was recently interviewed for an article in The Louisiana Gridiron Football magazine. His article is on display in the library, along with the other issues of the magazine. I couldn’t ask for a better way to encourage reading. I would like to thank you for working with me to get the magazine delivered promptly and for providing reading material for high school students. It was nice to meet you and your staff. You are always welcome to visit our library at Iota High. Sincerely, Becky F. Istre Librarian Iota High School
6
Diamond in the rough
Paul Phillips
University Laib school Baton Rouge, Louisiana Paul Phillips is a 6’3 260lb Center from University Lab High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Paul is very physical and powerful at the point of attack and finishes off blocks really well. He has great size, a good frame and uses his hands well to get inside leverage. He maintains his blocks and drives defenders downfield. “Mean Streak” type player who can block in space and get to the next man or level on a screen. Paul was selected to 1st team All-district and 1st team All-metro for his Junior season.
What do you love about football? I love football, I love the brotherhood of it and the feeling like a family. I also love the contact, being able to hit people, and bringing people to the ground to finish the play. What are your strengths? One of my strengths would be how I bring leadership to the offensive line. I can pick up my teammate if a mistake is made. I always put the work in and go the extra mile. How did spring practices go? My spring, I feel like I did well. The team hasn’t left off from last season. We still are a very good football team. I get to practice against the best defensive line with players like Donald Berniard, Jaquelin Roy and playing against them makes me a better player.
After winning a championship last season, teams will want to beat you even more. Are you using that as motivation for the season?
Height
6’3
Weight
260
ibench
225
squat
375
gpa
3.0
Without a doubt, we all know we have a target on our backs. We all are looking forward to go out there and try to win another championship. In practice we always say how hard we need to work so we can go back to back. What have you improved on this off-season? Some things I’ve been working on are my hips, my speed, trying to get stronger, and finish blocks more often. And also, I’ve been trying to get my weight up.
What would your coach say about you? He can always put me in to push lineman back more, or to call on me to get that extra yard. He would say that he can always count on me to get that final play to win the game.
8
Perry Ganci
Jesuit High School New Orleans, Louisiana Perry Ganci is a 6’2 235lb Defensive End from Jesuit High School in New Orleans, LA. Perry has tremendous strength and power as he is able to bull rush through offensive lineman and make plays in the backfield. He led his team with 165 tackles during his junior year and was an All-District selection. He has good speed and quickness to go along with his size. He displays a lot of hustle as he chases down ball carriers to make tackles across the field from his side. Ganci is an underrated Defensive End for the 2019 class. He is also a back to back state champion in wrestling.
When did you start playing?
What are your goals for senior year?
I started playing football at Cleary playground at the age of 5. I continued to play there for the remaining of my youth where I had the opportunity to play multiple positions QB, RB, TE, LB, and DE.
To lead the catholic league in tackles and ultimately win the state title and receive some offers.
What do you love about football? I love the competitiveness, making plays, being part of a team, getting better and trying to win a championship. But the contact and physical aspect of the game is what I really like though. How was winning the State Championship in wrestling? I won back to back state championships actually. Basically, using my competitiveness I’ve learned from football and took that with me with wrestling. I trained hard with my coaches from day 1 and got better while always focused on my ultimate goal which was to win state.
How do you stay successful?
Just by always striving to get better, learning from my coaches, and stay training hard every day. I’m always watching film and learning from my mistakes. The coach writes down notes on film and I go over it. Also, I would say my mindset and attitude, I give it my all on every play. What would college coaches be most impressed about you? My dedication to the game and my strength, I’m very strong and just how hard of a worker I am. Also, my hustle to the ball. Who are your role models? I really look up to Khalil Mack because he bulldozes over the lineman and I feel like I do that a lot when I play.
Height
6’2
Weight
235
ibench
380
squat
475
Act
21
Newman High School New Orleans, Louisiana Liam Rowan is a 6’0 215lb Linebacker from Newman High School in New Orleans, LA. Liam is a very talented and smart player. He has an aggressive style to his play with a nose for the ball. Can time his blitz counts well and shoot the gaps for tackles in the backfield. With good size and strength, he is able to drive through his tackles. Liam was an all-district linebacker and led his team in tackles with 58 for his Junior season. He plans on attending Tulane and Ole Miss camp this summer.
liam rowan When did you start playing? I first started playing football when I was about 6. I played in the Carrolton youth football league.
What do you love about football? I love the contact and how it’s a team sport. Everybody has to work together to do their job. I love accountability and the pace but definitely the physical aspect of it. It’s my favorite sport. What are some of your strengths? My physicality, my play in the box, and just reading plays and stopping the run. Being a leader knowing the plays and where everyone is supposed to go. Anything specific you working on this offseason to improve on?
I’m working on my speed and agility and trying to gain some more weight. But definitely trying to focus on being the quickest I can be.
What would your coach have to say about you?
Height
6’0
Weight
215
Squat
400
40 time
4.75
Act
25
My coach would probably say I’m one of the hardest workers on the team and the most passionate. I come in everyday with a chip on my shoulder. Heading into your senior year what are you looking forward to the most? I want to win a State championship. Bring Newman a first championship. As captain, I look forward to being a leader for my team and lead by example by giving 110% every play, and not taking any plays off. Trying to push everyone to be the best as possible to play for a state championship. How is spring practice going?
My spring is going pretty well. I’ve been focusing on my speed and quickness and it’s paying off. We lost a lot of players last season but we all stepping up and coming together.
10
E.D. White High School thiBodaux, Louisiana
aaron Benfield
Aaron Benfield is a Linebacker from E.D. White High School in Thibodaux, LA. Aaron is a true athlete and plays well on both sides of the ball. He was first team All-District at 2 positions (Guard, Linebacker). He has good size, and strength. On defense Benfield is a solid tackler and plays with a high motor. He has violent hands, and the ability to fight through traffic to get to the ball carrier. He can come up and make big hits at the line and is an overall good run stopper. On offense he is a physical blocker and moves with quick feet. Could play fullback at the next level. He can drive back defensive lineman, weighing at 230 lbs. It shows how strong he can be. Going into his senior year Aaron Benfield will be a valuable piece on the team as the Cardinals look to repeat as district champs and redeem themselves from that tough 1-point playoff loss from last year.
When did you start playing?
How did spring practice go for you?
I was 7 years old. I enjoyed my youth football days. I started hitting people and that’s when I fell in love with the contact of the game.
It went pretty well for me, I got to develop more as a player and we got better as a team.
What do you love about football? Getting to compete, honestly, I’m a very competitive person. I don’t run away from the competition, and I love the physicality of the game. Did play other sports before football? Growing up I played some baseball when I was younger and a ton of basketball. What are your strenghs? My strengths, are my conditioning, I can play the whole game without getting tired. I feel that if I’m not the best player in the 1st quarter I will still be the best player in the 4th. I can blow up blocks and play with a high motor to chase down the ball carrier and finish blocker.
What are you looking to improve on this off-season? I want to work on playing faster this season, play with better technique, and become a better leader. Losing a 1-point game in the playoffs must have been hard to overcome. Did you take anything away from that game as a player moving forward? Yeah, I got to look back at and see the mistakes that was made. As a team we all been going after it really hard trying to not let that happen again for next season. What would college coaches be most impressed about you? I play hard every play, I’m a very physical player, and I’m always looking to get better.
Height
6’1
Weight
230
ibench Squat
305
435
40 time
4.8
Act
22
LAB High School DYLAN RATHCKE UNIVERSITY BATON ROUGE, Louisiana Dylan Rathcke is an offensive lineman for University Lab High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Dylan has great size and strength, and brings toughness at the tackle position. After starting his Sophomore and Junior seasons, Dylan is heading into his Senior year with a lot of experience and is expected to be a leader on the offense.
When did you start playing? Ever since I was eight years old. I started off playing for Central youth football league and fell in love with it right away. What do you love about football?
The game itself, being on a team. Being able to play with friends and family. I also like the competition that comes with the game and how every play is a new challenge. What are some life lessons you have learned from football?
Being able to deal with other people and work with the team. Also learning to be more responsible and accountable as a leader. What kind of player are you? I would say, more fast and aggressive style player. I like to get to the second and third line of defense and block linebackers and so on. Tough in the trenches is a perfect way to describe me.
What was your best game you ever played in? Either the game against Rummel high school my sophomore year or the state championship game last year. Rummel was the first game that I got to see the intense side of football, started to man up and play a lot more aggressive. The game against Southern Lab I got to play against Damone Clark, having that type of competition brought the best out of me. What are your strengths on the field?
My strengths would include that I’m fast and an aggressive player. I developed a lot of technique to my game from training with NFL Lineman Kevin Mawae. I Like pass block because it is more technique but love run block just as much because it is more aggressive.
Height
6’5
Weight
285
ibench
265
CLEAN
250
squat
380
Act
22
What have you learned about yourself?
I’m more of a technique person but learned to be more aggressive and impactful in my blocking schemes. What are your goals for next season?
My goals are to get bigger, stronger, and play as best as I can while being a leader for my team. Don’t want to give up any sacks, get a lot of pancake blocks and play against some of the top players.
What would your coach say about you? How I am a responsible player, I try my hardest. Also, that I’ve grown a lot as a player and person over the past 3 years. Who do you mimic your style of play after?
Kevin Mawae my personal trainer for pass block technique and La’el Collins just because of how fast and aggressive his style of play is.
terry matthews
Dutchtown High School Geismar, Louisiana Terry Matthews is a wide receiver for Dutchtown High School in Geismar, LA. Terry has a skillful set to his craft with great speed and vision. He is a playmaker on offense and a real threat in the return game. Terry is also a member of the LA Bootleggers 7on7 team. He continues to be great with determination to not be outworked.
Height
5’9
Weight
155
ibench Squat
What do you love about football? I love the contact, scoring touchdowns and hitting people but mainly the contact because of my physicality I bring to the game. I like to go against people who has a more advantage than me. I love 50-50 balls that I can go up and snag them. What separates you from others at football?
I’m a very hard worker, I always stay on the grind. Putting in work in the weight room and at practice is what separates me. A lot of people want it but don’t want to put in the work. With me it’s my mindset I just want it more than others. I watch a lot of film on my opponents and on me as well to see where I can get better at. Also, I’m a coachable player, if my coach gets on me it is not for nothing it’s for a reason. Having that attitude will make me a better player so I always listen and fix what they coach me up on.
What motivates you to play football?
I just have a love for the game. I play with a chip on my shoulder. I watch film on others guys that I feel don’t really deserve it and see the offers they are getting. I just want to go harder than them and earn my respect. Any obstacles you had to overcome? Has football taught you any life lessons? I would say football has kept me out of a lot of trouble. If it wasn’t for football only god knows where I would be at right now. Playing football gives me something to look forward to and keeps me focus on the positive things in life. What is one thing this off-season you want to improve on? My catching, going to be working on my hands, speed, and route running the most.
235
365
40 time
4.53
Act
20
Who’s a role model you look up to or a player you can compare to The players that I look up to are Antonio Brown, Juju SmithSchuster, Julio Jones and Odell Beckham Jr. Like coach said, play the game with fun and you can tell they having fun when they play the game. Also, the routes they run are on a different level, they create separation and get in the end zone. What do you look forward to the most for your senior year? Any goals? I want to win a championship, never won a championship yet in any sport I played. A big goal of mine is to sign to a D1 college. Being that it is my last high school season I will go hard every game and cherish every moment along the way.
UNIVERSITY LAB High School BATON ROUGE, Louisiana
Jordan Clark What do you love about football? How did you get started? I started playing football in first grade. I used to not really like football those days, I played soccer at the time. I watched it more back then but my dad had played football so I followed his legacy and played. You’ve recieved offers from many notable D1 programs, including Ole Miss, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Louisville and more. How are you enjoying the recruiting process so far? It’s a blessing to be recruited by all schools. Right now, I’m taking it slow and trying to pick the right school to play for. Looking at all my opportunities and seeing what the best fit is for me. What would college coaches be most impressed about you? Whatever school I go to, I will outwork everybody and master the playbook. I study the game and I just love football.
Jordan Clark is a cornerback and another highly rated prospect from University Lab High School. He is one of the top defensive backs in the state for the 2019 class. Jordan has great coverage skills and is a tough lockdown corner to matchup with. He plays with a lot of knowledge in the secondary and is a complete defensive back as he can come up and make tackles in space. He is a vocal leader on the defense and a true competitor of the game. Having football in his bloodline from his father Ryan Clark who played at LSU and with the Pittsburg Steelers, Jordan is looking to continue on the family’s football legacy. University Lab has a special group of young athletes. USA TODAY dropped their national high school preseason rankings and they landed at #18 overall. I got the chance to watch U-High and Jordan Clark for a spring practice. What stood out to me was how great his technique and speed is. He plays very smart and excels at man to man coverage. He is an experienced defensive back. Jordan is ready to perform at a high level for his senior year.
“Jordan has the mindset most high school athletes don’t pick up until college. He is ready for the next level. You can tell he plays with a lot of confidence when you watch him play.” Do you feel confident heading into your senior year after going undefeated last season?
I think it does something to the game. It solidified what we already knew, and that was that we were a good football team. We have a lot of players that left but we are ready for the senior year. I’ve always had confidence in my game.
Jordan really knows the coverages in defense and does a good job in jamming receivers. It’s a scary sight for receivers and Jordan will only continue to get stronger and bigger heading into his senior year. Come this fall will be another special season for Clark as he looks to help University Lab repeat as State Champs.
Height
5’10
Weight
170
40 time
4.46
What are your strengths that seperate you from other players? My strengths are my football IQ, I study the game a lot. Getting to know the tendencies and my explosion as a player. 14
Hannan High School covington, Louisiana Cameron O’Brien is a Safety from Archbishop Hannan High School in Covington, LA. Cameron has good speed and vison. He can react to the ball carrier quickly and come up and make tackles with good form. He can cover a lot of ground in zone and plays smart. In coverage he catches the ball at its highest point and will win 50/50 balls. Cameron was a first team AllDistrict selection for his junior year. Going into his senior year, Cameron will have more expectations but as a determined leader his is ready to lead the team to another successful season. Cameron is a hard worker in the classroom and in the weight room. He’s always motivated to learn about the game and connect with his coach.
Cameron o’Brien When did you start playing?
I started playing tackle football at 5 years old and haven’t stopped since. It was fun for me and I enjoyed playing at the playground with my friends. Girard playground was a solid program to come up in and was super competitive. I also played for the JPRD All Stars for 4 years and that was a great experience I learned a lot from.
What do you love about football?
I enjoy competing and the family atmosphere of being on a football team. One of the things I like about playing at Hannan is the brotherhood and the vibe in our locker room. I’ve been playing for 12 years and I love everything about football.
What area of your game you looking to improve on for the offseason? I would say, staying lower in my breaks, finishing my tackles lower, using my arms more on back
He’ll attend Southeastern, UCA and Louisiana College camps this summer. In June, Cameron plans to go to Yale and Lehigh then Holy Cross, Brown and Harvard in July.
peddles and man coverage. You can always improve on your game no matter what level of football you’re at. What are your strengths?
My strengths are reading and reacting quickly, understanding zone coverages and supporting run defense. I’m excited to tackle and get physical when I play. Some of my other strengths are in the classroom, I’m a harder worker, leadership and leading the defense during the game. How was your spring ball?
We didn’t have spring ball. We opted out to get an earlier start in the regular season. But we’ve been really grinding in the weight room trying to get bigger. I gained around 25 lbs. so far this spring. I’ve been working really hard and keeping the right mindset to get better.
What are your goals for your senior year? My goals are to win District and a State Title as a team. I would be honored to get first team All-District and be on the All-Parish team again. And I want to improve from Honorable Mention All-State to first team All-State and from All-Metro finalist to All-Metro team.
Height
5’10
Weight
175
ibench Squat
270
405
40 time
4.7
Act
27
gpa
3.5
Brennan Patterson
VandeBilt Catholic High Houma, Louisiana Brennan Patterson is a Defensive Back from Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma, LA. Brennan has great speed and range, with the ability to be a good run support corner. Brennan has great close out speed with a ball hawking vision that allows him to force turnovers. He is a talented athlete that makes plays all over the field. In the return game he is dangerous as he had several returns for touchdowns with four of them coming in a 2-game stretch. Coming off an injury that ended his season last year, Brennan has worked hard and is back and ready for a big senior year.
Height
5’11
Weight
181
ibench Squat 40 time When did you start playing?
I started playing at a young age, I was always fast. My dad had put me in to start playing and I just took it over from there. What do you love about football?
I love the intensity of the game. The impact of it and the relationships you build with people around you. Also, the grind to get better at the game. I just love football period. It’s fun to me.
Growing up did you play any other sports?
I played basketball and football growing up. In high school I play track and field along with football and basketball. For track I’m a Sprinter, I run the 4 by 100 and 200. What are your strengths?
My strengths would be that I have great hips. I’m strong and I just play full speed through the ball. I’m an athlete, I can do it all on the field.
What position do you see yourself more dominant at for the next level, WR or CB? I really say cornerback or even safety. Because I got the vision of the whole field and the speed to track them down. I rather play man press more than off the man coverage but it all depends on the receiver I play against that week. I study my receivers I will be matched up against every week before I play them. If they don’t have no stick or move in their game I can play off and if they have no speed I can play up on them. It really all depends on the matchup.
How did your junior season go for you? My junior season was going well for me until I got injured, I had broken my ankle. I had a little setback. I was getting looked at by some D1 schools. I picked up 2 offers. I had 4 touchdowns in a 2-game stretch. A key moment for me was against
225
300 4.4
Thibodaux High School. I had some great returns that game. I was getting my team pass the 50-yard line every time setting my team up for easy touchdown drives.
“That the team that I’m on will go to the state championship. I put in hard work because hard work pays off. Some individual goals for me would be to make All-state, leading in tackles, return yards, and interceptions. I want to become the best DB in the state.” - Brennan Patterson
16
st.thomas more high school lafayette, Louisiana Thomas DeLoach is an Offensive Tackle from St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, LA. Thomas has good strength and is a very tough blocker. He plays with leverage and beats most defensive lineman that are bigger than him. He has a strong initial punch and quick feet that he uses to set up defenders on key blocks to spring his running back. Thomas has a nasty streak and plays until the whistle. He also has a high motor and doesn’t take plays off. He was selected to 1st team AllDistrict last season. At the next level he could be used more as a fullback. Going into his senior year, DeLoach is now an experienced starter and ready to help the team push for another playoff run.
ThomAS DeLoach When did you start playing?
I started playing when I was 9 years old for a Lafayette league. The CSA Tigers is what the team was called. I fell in love with the sport the first practice I went to and I knew that football was going to be the sport that I was going to play all the way through high school.
What do you love about football?
I love the family aspect of the game, you look up to your leaders and also get the chance to lead. It’s a physical game and how its different from other sports.
What are your strengths?
I would say, I am a mean player and how low to the ground I get on my blocks. Also, another strength is my football IQ. Just knowing where the ball is going. Know where to place myself and I have a lot of quality experience.
What position do you see yourself playing at the next level?
What would impress college coaches most about you?
I see myself more as a fullback at the next level because I don’t have the height for a college lineman.
Just the way that I play. I’m nasty and I have very good feet for how big I am. I can block bigger people than me.
How did your junior season go for you? It was a good season. I got a lot of experience starting. Our season got cut short in the semi-finals and we are using that loss as motivation to win a championship for this year. A key moment for my Junior year is when I pulled block on a play against Park View and our running back ran off me for a 70-yard touchdown in the quarter finals. What are you working on this summer to improve on?
Getting stronger, faster, and becoming a leader on my team. What are your goals for your senior year?
Win a state championship and repeat as 1st team All-District.
Height
5’10
Weight
240
ibench Squat
350
405
40 time
5.02
Act
22
gpa
3.0
mike hollins
When did you start playing?
I started playing football around 8 or 9 years old. I actually wanted to quit at the time but my mom did not want me to. She left it up to me and I decided to keep playing. My first year was tough for me, I was out of shape. I started out as an offensive and defensive lineman. I lost some weight and moved to running back.
How is it like playing for U-Lab and handling all the expectations put on the team? It’s great playing for U-High, I have been playing with those guys since middle school. We have a lot of chemistry together and we just go out every Friday night and play hard. This season we know we have a lot of expectations placed on us because we have several DI guys so a lot of teams will want a piece of us. We have to stay off of social media to remain focused and that focus is to win back to back state championships.
UNIVERSITY LAB High School BATON ROUGE, Louisiana Mike Hollins is one of those prospects and is the next star running back to come out of “U-High.” He also is one of the top recruits in the state. For his junior season, he rushed for 34 touchdowns and 1,700 yards. Also had 6 catches for 320 yards. Hollins has great size and strength to run through defenders. He also has the speed to be a threat to take it to the house on any given play. Hollins can pick up the blitz really well and protect the QB in the pocket. Hollins is a complete back and ready for the next level. I had the opportunity to watch him play this spring and what impressed me the most was his size and football IQ. He has good vision to hit the holes and make people miss. When watching Mike Hollins play, you can see comparisons to former Louisiana star running back Leonard Fournette. They both are big bodied running backs that can run through you and get yards after contact. Hollins is a little smaller than Fournette but their style of running is similar. After winning a state championship last season, Hollins is looking to repeat in 2018.
Notable power 5 schools have given you offers including Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia Tech just to name a couple. With so many schools actively trying to recruit, how are you enjoying the recruiting process? I love it. Although it is tough at times. Early on I didn’t get as many offers as other players. It’s great to have all these big colleges see my potential and want me to play for their teams. what separates yourself from others? Just being a team player, a lot of people can play ball, you have to block and pick up your players. For example, in the dome last year, our offense came out a little flat. I picked up my teammates and made big plays when it mattered. It brought the energy back to where we needed to play with.
Who can you credit you success in football to? I can’t really pinpoint just one person, there are a lot of people I can credit to my success. I had lots of coaches and friends support me along the way but if I had to choose one person it would be my mom. She’s been through everything and has always been there for me.
Height
5’10
Weight
210
ibench Squat
330
465
40 time
4.46
GPA
3.4
st. Michael high school Baton Rouge, Louisiana Christopher Sehring is an Athlete from St. Michael High School in Baton Rouge, LA. He has a diverse skillset to his game and can play well at different positions on the field. On defense he has good read and react skills and a high motor, coupled with good vision. He has good tackling form with strength to drive through his tackles. Also has the hands, route running, and size to be a threat in the passing game. He has the ability to catch the ball in traffic and will high point the ball when necessary. Sehring was an All-district Athlete and 2nd team Defensive End for his junior year.
Christopher Sehring When did you start playing?
I started playing football around 5 years old, it was flag. In 3rd grade I started playing contact football. What do you love about football? I love the intensity of the game. I love being able to go full speed every play and never holding anything back. I love the game and everything about it. Football has always been my favorite sport ever since I was younger. I see you play multiple positions, what position do you think you excel at the most?
I think I excel most at outside linebacker. But I like playing all positions as it brings a different challenge for me, I look at it as a new task with each position. I think that I am a true athlete, I can perform well at any spot I play at on the field. 19
What are your strengths?
My true strengths would be my versatility, I can get up the field where my coach needs me to be. I have good speed with my size. Also, I consider myself a smart player. I can read an offense very well and predict where the ball is going. I’m able to keep a calm head during the game and actually think about the situation my team is in. What are you working on this summer to improve on?
These past couple weeks I’ve been working on all aspects of my game. Just trying to improve in all areas. How was spring ball for you?
What would impress college coaches most about you? Just the way that I play. I’m nasty and I have very good feet for how big I am. I can block bigger people than me.
Height
6’3
Weight
220
ibench Squat
225
375
40 time
4.7
Act
31
gpa
4.0
St. Thomas More High School Lafayette, Louisiana Landon Burton is a 6’3 295lb Center from St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, LA. He has great size and plays very tough on the offensive line. Landon has the power to control defensive linemen and drive them off the ball and the quickness to reach the next level for impact blocks. He plays smart and opens up big running lanes for ball-carriers. Going into his senior year, Landon is expected to be a leader on the offense and a huge success for St. Thomas More’s redemption season for a championship.
Landon Burton When did you start playing?
How was your Junior year?
Playing back in my youth days is where I fell in love with football. When I was about 6 years old. I lived in New Iberia, we had a league, and the team that I was on was called the Dallas Cowboys.
My Junior year was good. It was the first year I started. We as a team got all the way to the semi-finals and lost to De La Salle. But personally, for me, it was a good season. I still have room for improvement and I felt like this spring I stepped up my game but still have some work to do before the season starts.
What do you love about football? Just that it is a team sport. It’s a physical game and I love being in the trenches. I love the family aspect to it as well. When you are out there, you are with your brothers and that’s who I can count on to have my back. What are your strengths? What type of player are you?
I’m physical, I got a mean streak, I just want to destroy you if you line up in front of me. I’m physical but I play smart at the same time. I am always in the film room studying my opponent so going into the game I know what my opponent’s weaknesses are.
Height
6’3
Weight
295
ibench
350
squat
415
Act
22
What area of your game do you need to improve on? Keeping my feet hot on contact.
What should colleges coaches know about you? The way I play. I play mean and nasty and also, I have good footwork. I can move like a wide receiver and a defensive back. What would you like to major in? Business and Computer Programming 20
E.D. White High School thiBodaux, Louisiana
Brandon Legendre When did you start playing?
Around 6 or 7 years old. My dad had coached me and we used to have good quality time together. We used to ride home and listen to music together. I really enjoyed those days of my youth football. What do you love about football the most? Definitely the relationships you build with people. When you out there on the field, you got their back and they have yours, its just something special about it. I like the family and brotherhood of the sport. How are you enjoying your recruiting process so far?
It’s been fun for me. Its definitely nice to see all the new and exciting opportunities given to me. It’s a blessing and I’m grateful for it all.
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E.D. White Catholic High School is located in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Last season the Cardinals went 9-2, and a huge reason for their success came from bigtime playmaker and leader Brandon Legendre. Brandon rushed for over 1200 yards and had 31 touchdowns as a junior while being selected to 1st team All-state and MVP for his district. Now he is being highly recruited for the 2019 class. Already having 22 offers, some notable power-5 schools include Notre Dame, Kentucky, Arizona State, TCU and Tulane. Brandon is a very talented athlete that has great vison and football IQ. In open space he is dangerous and has blazing speed to out run defensive backs. At the next level, Brandon will look to make an immediate impact because of his speed. For his senior year, Brandon will look to lead the Cardinals to another district championship and playoff run.
In your opinion, what separates you from others?
Who could you credit your success in football to?
I would say, my leadership ability, my love for the game, and the passion I play with. Everything I do whether if it’s in the gym or the field, I will go harder than everyone else. If we do lose its defiantly something I learn from.
First and foremost, I would have to say God. National talent and ability is given from him. Also, I would say my family. Without them I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. Same thing goes for my coaches and teammates.
Since you are able to run to a blazing 40 time. What is the hardest part to master?
This is actually a good question. With work everything comes I would say. I don’t think there is a certain part that is hard to master. The hardest part is staying consistent and with that everything else comes with it. How has your experience with the LA Bootleggers been? What I’ve attended has been good for me. I play baseball and wasn’t able to make all the tournaments. I’m really looking forward to the national tournament coming this summer.
Height
5’9
Weight
180
ibench Squat
265
405
40 time
4.39
Act
23
gpa
3.2
st. Charles Catholic high Laplace, Louisiana Joshua Carter is an Offensive Guard from St. Charles Catholic High School in LaPlace, LA. Joshua has good size and is very physical. Can drive people off the line of scrimmage and executes pull block plays with good technique. Plays with great leverage and has the ability to get to the next level in blocking schemes. He brings toughness to the trenches and will be a key factor on another playoff run for the Comets. Joshua was an AllDistrict selection for his junior season.
Joshua Carter When did you start playing?
Whenever I was 5 years old. It was for a local youth football league.
What do you love about football?
I just love the atmosphere of it. The adrenaline that comes with playing on the field. I like hitting people and the contact of the game. Growing up did you play any other sports?
Yes, I played baseball but stopped after my sophomore season to focus more on football. I also play track and field, I throw the shot put.
Since lineman usually don’t get that much recognition what motivates you the most?
I feel like it just gives me more motivation to work harder and play at a higher level. It makes me want to do well.
How did your junior season go for you?
What would college coaches be impressed about you?
I think it went great, I got all district. A key moment for my junior year was in the quarter final playoff game. We played against St. Louis Catholic. It was one of my best games.
My footwork and how low I am off the ball. Also, my physically, I’m very tough in the trenches.
What part of your game are you working on this offseason to improve on?
I think it went great, I got all district. A key moment for my junior year was in the quarter final playoff game. We played against St. Louis Catholic. It was one of my best games. What part of your game are you working on this offseason to improve on? My speed, trying to get stronger, and my footwork. Trying really to build more muscle this offseason.
What would you like to major in while in college? Physical therapist, I want to stay close to sports.
Height
6’0
Weight
260
ibench Squat 40 time
315
510 5.3
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hahnville high school Boutte, Louisiana Andrew Robison is a Quarterback from Hahnville High School in Boutte, LA. Andrew has great downfield vision and quickness. He can extend plays with his feet and throw well on the run. He has really nice touch on his throws, he makes them look easy. Robison is a playmaker and will be even more dangerous now surrounded by more athletes. Andrew threw for 2,699 yards, 34 touchdowns and was All-district and All-state selections for his Junior year at Vandebilt Catholic. Expecting another big year for one of the best QBs in the state.
Andrew RoBinson What do you love about football?
I love to lead a team in the common goal of winning. Competing and representing a school community is a great privilege. Honestly, giving everything you have physically and mentally to compete to win is a great feeling. Growing up did you play any other sports? Baseball when I was younger, and I still love playing basketball. I’ve started for the Varisty team since I was a Freshmen.
How are you enjoying your recruiting process so far?
It’s a fun time for me. There’s a good bit of teams interested in me. I been getting attention from all the in-state schools, including LSU. Memphis, Purdue, SMU, Boise St., and Wyoming are some out of state schools looking at me and I appreciate that. It’s a fun process. 23
Height
6’0
Weight
192
ibench Squat ACT You recently transferred to Hahnville, can you tell us a little bit about that decision?
It was a decision that my dad made. He worked at Vanderbilt Catholic High School as the head basketball coach but did not renew his contract. He will be an assistant basketball coach at Hahnville High School now. I’m going to play football and basketball. What are your strengths?
I’m a gamer, I live for big moments and finding a way to win. I play QB like a point guard, vision of field and distributing the ball. My accuracy is another strength. I have the ability to put the ball in tight windows. Ability to extend plays, avoid pass rush, or step up in the pocket. Finally, my leadership is something I’m always working on. Being a great teammate and making my
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What is your favorite offense to run? Honestly, I want to score points. Taking what the defense gives us is what I’m looking to do. Airraid concepts and quick passes have been the foundation. This really opens downfield passes and explosive plats as well as the running game.
How’s your experience been with bootleggers? It’s been a great experience to play with the best athletes in Louisiana. It’s an honor to play with them. Facing great athletes on defense is great for my development as well. It just helps me get better. I’m looking forward to the National Tournament in Atlanta in June. Ryan Clark our coach is a good vocal leader and it’s been a great experience overall.
Benton high school Benton, Louisiana Anthony Echols is a Defensive End from Benton High School in Benton, LA. Anthony has good awareness to find the ball and make plays all over the field. He has good size and uses aggressive swim moves to get by offensive lineman. He has great speed and the ability to set the edge on run plays. He plays with a high motor and is always around the ball. Echols had 58 tackles and 10 sacks last season.
Anthony Echols What do you love about football? I love the competition of the game, I love the intensity and the fact that you get to hit someone each play. Love that it is a team sport and if people make mistakes, you got to pick that player up. Growing up did you play any other sports? I played flag football around 6 years old, I also played a good bit of baseball growing up and some basketball as well.
How did your spring practice go?
Spring practice was good for me, I got interest from a lot of colleges, I was coming off an injury so it was a little sore when I first started playing again but now I feel great and ready to go.
How will you carry the momentum from spring through the off-season? I find I always have the momentum every day. I hustle hard in the gym to get stronger and make sure I’m in shape with my sprints, you have to be ready now than to be catching up later for the season. What are your strengths?
I would say, my physicality, I’m a very aggressive player. Also, I would say my quickness. I’m a mismatch for a lot of offensive linemen because of how quick I can get by them. Coming off a tough one loss season, are you and the team using that as motivation for your senior year?
Most definitely, we know that the lost last season for us was a fluke and we just didn’t cooperate as a team that night. We’re ready for the new season; the team has put in a lot of hard work.
What would college coaches be impressed about you the most? They like my size and my speed, my exclusiveness, I can play defensive end and linebacker. They like my footwork and how aggressive I am on the field. What would you like to major in while in college? Industrial engineering or marketing
Height
6’2
Weight
220
ibench Squat 40 Time
265
405 4.6
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Jarius Monroe
East st. John high school Reserve, Louisiana Jarius Monroe is a defensive back for East St. John High School in Reserve, LA. Jarius is a gifted athlete that has size and versatility and is a real playmaker on defense. He has great coverage skills and is a big-time hitter when needed to come up and stop the run. Monroe had 4 interceptions during his junior year and displayed good technique in his pass break ups. Jarius is also a member of the LA Bootleggers 7on7 team. Jarius has offers from Idaho, Nicholls, McNeese, Ball State and Western Kentucky.
Height
6’2
Weight
185
40 TIME GPA ACT What do you love about football?
I just love the way it makes people feel. It makes me feel closer to a super hero in a way. I get to make plays knowing all the hard work I put in. I also love the game because I’ve learned to better myself, and that discipline, football teaches helps me better myself as a person. What are your strengths?
I would say, my length and athleticism, I got good hips and footwork. I can also tackle really well. What is one thing this off-season you are working on? I’m working on mainly my speed and becoming a leader for my team to carry us in multiple ways on and off the field.
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How do you feel your Junior season went? My Junior season was good but I feel I could have done more for my team. If I didn’t get hurt we could of went further in the playoffs, maybe all the way to the dome. I had a thigh contusion on my leg that kept me out of playing. A key moment for me was against our rivals. It was the Destrehan game on my birthday, I took an interception 70 yards back all the way to the 1-yard line. That What have you learned about yourself from playing football? I learned that I am a very competitive person and that I will give it my all. I hate losing so I always go hard every time I step on the field.
4.6
3.0 18
Did you attend any camps? I attended The Opening. That was a good experience and I felt like I was the best player out there and they had a lot of good players out there. When I was playing I had a lot of confidence because I felt like I could match up with them. The Opening gave me an opportunity to prove myself. How is it like playing for the Bootleggers? I enjoy it because my teammates are good players and I like to surround myself with good players to make me a better player. They tell me positive things on my game and it’s a good experience on and off the field. I feel like the competition is a wide group and it will prepare me for the next level. In college I will be playing against those type of players from different states with that type of talent, not limited to just Louisiana.
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JAMES TABARY VYING FOR A N AT I O N A L CHAMPIONSHIP By: Josh Sibley
We recently sat down with McNeese Quaterback James Tabary, who is currently listed as the number two all-time single season passing leader with 3,036 yards, and also set single season school records for most completions (249), most attempts (415) and most 300-yard passing games in a season (4). He did all these things in his first year at McNeese, after transferring in from Arkansas State where he started in three games as a freshman and played in eight. In 2016 James was named the South Land Conference Newcomer of Year, the Louisiana Newcomer of the Year, and the R.L. Cline Sr. Team MVP, and his accomplishments have continued to grow. After a 6-5 campaign in 2016, James helped lead his team to an overall record of 9-2 this past season, 7-2 in conference play, they ultimately did not make the playoffs due to a 3735 loss at Nicholls. Since the end of the 2017-18 season James says he has been training harder and believes this team has what it takes to get back into playoff contention, and is vying for a spot in the National Championship. If his past two seasons are any indication of what is to come, then McNeese could be on the verge of an undefeated season.
When did you start playing football? I started playing when I was about four years old. Did you play any other sports growing up? I played basketball and baseball, and I also wrestled. Where you always the quarterback or did you play any other positions? No, I actually started playing quarterback when I was about eight years old. I started out playing nose tackle and linebacker. What do you enjoy most about playing football? I would say the atmosphere, the crowd, the pressure. There’s always adrenaline going on, rushing through you. All the pressure that’s always on you, just makes it intense and fun. What style of player do you feel best describes you? Definitely, I would say a pocket passer, but I’m a great athlete too though, I’m not the guy that’s going to toss for an eighty yard touchdown, but I’m definitely going to get a first down, and move the chains. I’d say a guy that’s going to look to throw the ball first and can also run. This past season did you have any goals, and did you meet all of them? Well my goal is always to be the best player I can be and to win every single game, so obviously I did not do that. We went 9-2 and didn’t make the playoffs, so I feel like I let my team down. Whether it was my fault or not, it always falls on the quarterback. My personal goal is to win a National
Championship, stats really don’t matter to me, I’m just trying to win every single game, and we didn’t really do that. I have set internal numbers but no goal. Who do you feel are some of your biggest influences? I would say my trainer for sure, Wyatt Harris at Sonic Boom, he is definitely one of them. Definitely, I would say my mom, and my idle Peyton Manning, “The Sheriff.” Why Peyton Manning? Just the way he can manage the huddle, and he always has full control of the game. No matter if he’s losing or winning, he always seems like everything is under control, and he makes the game just go in slow motion. It never seems too hard for him, and he always makes it easy, even in hard situations. I just like his style.
What do you think some of your strengths are on the field? I would say arm strength and footwork for sure, with some good accuracy. I feel like I have more, but I’ll just give you those three. Do you think attitude is a factor in winning then? Absolutely, I would say attitude, but it goes into confidence as well. If you don’t have any confidence in yourself and your teammates as well, you’ll never have the success that you want to have, your attitude has to go towards hard work and grinding every single day. If your best players aren’t your hardest workers, your team is not going to be as successful as you want it to be.
What do you love about the pro-style offense? It’s kind of a guessing game for defenses, it’s a hammer the ball game, giving the ball off to the running back. If you can have a great running game, a good passing game will always be there, and it just makes it a lot easier on the quarterbacks. If you have a team that just throws the ball every single time you’re not going to get to the National Championship, because once you get in a game with bad weather conditions and you can’t throw the ball and have to rely on your running game and you don’t run the ball a lot, that’s when you’re not successful. Tell me about your past two seasons at McNeese, coming in your first year, you broke a bunch of passing records, then continued to do so this past season, how has that been?
What do you think needs some work on during the off-season? I would say getting off the spot, sometimes I’m too lasered in on going through my progressions, and just stay in one spot in the pocket, so I would say getting off the spot and finding different throwing lanes. That’s the main things I’ve been working on.
What offense do you like to run? Really, I’ve been in the spread my whole life, I’ve always been in shotgun. But, my favorite is to go under center. I’ve been training since I was eleven years old and all we do when we train is to go under center. So I’ve always been just a true drop back kind of guy, I mean I love a pro-style offense.
That really wasn’t my goal, it was hard to do. I definitely feel like I had a really, really, good year my first year, but defenses watch film as well. We didn’t have as many opportunities we did my first year with the new offense. But I’m actually much happier with what we did last year than what we did the year before, we won nine games instead of six. So all those stats, they can only take you so far. I mean I had 3000 passing yards and 23 touchdowns and we only won six games, and I’d rather take 21 touchdowns and 2600 yards and we went 9-2 and somehow we didn’t get into the playoffs. It’s always about winning for me, it’s never about stats. I do have my own personal goals, but it’s always about trying to win first.
What was it like being named your team’s MVP? It was awesome, it was an absolute honor. That’s another personal goal of mine just try to be the best player I can be, and that’s not only for myself that’s for my team. I was actually very surprised when I got it. They were handing out awards left and right, and my name hadn’t been called so I figured I didn’t get anything this year and when they called my name for MVP, I was really honored and happy as can be. Do you feel your team has been building, your first year you went 6-5, last season 9-2, where do you see yourself this coming season? I really think we can have an undefeated season. We have BYU and Northern Colorado as our two out of conference play games, and the way that our defense has been playing and the way that we have really been running the ball and catching this past spring. I really think we have a shot at beating those two teams. I think we’re going to have a great year, we just have to keep building and it’s all about the culture. It’s not always about what you have on the field, it’s also about how you’re relating with your players off the field as well. You’re going to play that much harder for the guy next to you if you have that, and that’s what we’ve been building for the past couple of years with Coach Guidry his new staff coming in. It’s been great, we just keep building and building. Have you given any thoughts to next year's draft? Absolutely, I train just like every other quarterback does, and my ultimate goal is to be in the NFL and be a starting quarterback for a
franchise. I think I have a shot just as much as anybody else, it’s just always about opportunity, being at the right place at the right time and knowing the right people. But I really think I can throw the ball with the best of them, I really do. It’s always about opportunity, I just need a shot, and if I get that shot I’m going to definitely succeed on that.
Anything else you want to add that I might have missed?
“GEAUX POKES!”
COACHES CORNER: TIPS ON PROPER AT H L E T I C F O U N D AT I O N By: Lindsey Cox Creating the proper athletic foundation will enhance overall coordination. According to (Hayes, 2015), The KISS philosophy can be divided into mechanics creating eight distinct elements. These include alignment, stance, catch, presentation, approach, drop, leg swing plant-leg drive, and body position. If the athlete aligns roughly 13-15yrds deep directly behind the center, the shoulders will be perpendicular to the punt line or direction of the punt. Exercises will enhance coordination for the punter executing at an extreme angle to practice the biomechanical shift. When creating a lower body agility or strength program, visualize the alignment of punters in the athletic position. Its critical to know the anatomical position to transfer game-like training patterns. For example. The feet are shoulder width apart, knees and hips slightly flexed, weight slightly forward with shoulders over knees, and knees over toes. According to (Hayes, 2015), “the punter needs to have hands like a wide receiver: soft, secure, and reliable. The hand position for catching high, low, and to the side snaps are like the hand
positions used by a wide receiver” (p.142). The following is some criteria to consider prior to talking about projectile motion: “According to Hayes (2015), For a punt with equal height and distance, the seam of the ball should be parallel to the ground and at chest height in the initial position of the basic drop. Imagine a plane passing through both side seams, parallel to the ground. This drop plane is an important concept for equal height and distance. Punters who want to drive the ball against the wind farther with shorter hang time use a slightly depressed (nose toward ground) drop plane. Punters who want to hang the ball higher use a slightly elevated drop plane (nose toward the sky)” (p. 146). Understanding projectile motion in parabolas will show the significance of vertical and horizontal velocity based on the trajectory every time a punter kicks the football. These concepts are nothing new to science for example remember Galileo in the renaissance, he was one of the first people in western science to understand the shape of the curve which is the parabola. When the punter kicks a football or quarterback attempt to pass it follows the path which is called a
parabolic arc. The two components that now affect the ball are the horizontal and vertical velocity. Both different characteristics of velocity can be described as vectors in which is an arrow into dimensions that describes a physical quantity. The greater the speed the longer the velocity vector. Essentially as gravity acts on the ball the vertical velocity gets smaller. Gravity essentially allows the ball to travel until it stops rising due to the trajectory of gravity. When it reaches the peak, it does not have any up-and-down speed it all instead at the natural point of arc it is 0. When pulled back down to earth, the vertical velocity vector points in the opposite direction which is downward.
HOW TO R U N 11 0 ’ S
BY: COAC H LINDSEY COX HOW TO RUN 110’S- RUNNING 110YRDS IS A GREAT TEST OF MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONING. THIS DRILL IS MOST EFFECTIVE WHEN IMPROVING TRUE SPEED AND EXPLOSIVE ACCELERATION OF YOUR ATHLETES. WHY?
The 10-110’s conditioning test represents the ultimate test for cardiovascular, conditioning, strength, endurance and mental toughness. This test represents the 4 quarters of the game. The game played with repetition of personal recovery time and work capacity. The performance of others counts and this drill will put your athletes in the spotlight is they are lacking drive or mental toughness. Your teammates need you to excel in a game. If called upon you must be able to execute a 10-16 play drive just like a tough game. You can’t find your way through it or hide you must be tough. First-quarter, 4 reps- anyone can do it just like the first quarter of the game. It is easy, both teams are excited and full of adrenaline. Second-quarter, 4 reps- demand focus just like a game in the second quarter. You begin to tap into your energy stores; it takes effort and mental toughness to finish strong before the half.
Third-quarter, 4 reps- absolutely vital to be strong. Set the tempo in the second half. You must be determined to be relaxed and confident. The third quarter begins to separate the players– doubts begin to creep in the minds of the soft and unprepared.
Tips of the Trade = Preparing for the test = Train hard and run every rep as fast as you can the first 50 yards. The most important is to get into a good stance and start fast. Starting the test you will get more oxygen and you will look tougher when you’re tired.
Fourth-quarter, 4 reps- Who has paid the price will succeed. You do it with effort, toughness, discipline, commitment and pride. You must not let the team down when the game is on the line. It is one thing to finish every rep in time; but to do it under your prescribed time and remain standing= means that you were tough and paid the ultimate price of dedication.
Be positive and carry your teammates. Set an example for those who are not as tough as you. Remember to always practice positive self talk. Drink a gallon of water every day. Get a good nights rest, Be mentally tough.
Overtime: could you do more if the game went on? and they will!! It went into overtime we need you to perform for another four reps and win!!!!!
PROPER START STANCE
BY: COAC H LINDSEY COX
1. 2. 3. 4.
RELAXATION: Keep the face, neck, and jaw and hands relaxed. Run fast smooth and not stiff.
BODY POSITION: head level, chin tucked and eyes focused on a point straight ahead. Stand tall with the hips and shoulders tall. Your stomach should be “tight” with your back flat.
ARM ACTION: Keep the elbow at a 90 degree angle, with the arms action swinging from the shoulder. The arm action should be straight and not cross the midline of the body. The shoulders should be relaxed with the elbows down, and the emphasis should be on the arm drive BACKWARD, with the back hand going slightly past the back pocket. The front hand should return to shoulder height. KNEE LIFT: Lift the knee up to waist level in a straight line up and down. Step over the opposite knee with a toe up, heel up, knee up action.
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