Football Season Outlook: Nicholls State
Nicholls State claimed all three of its rivalry trophies
last season for the first time since 2005 and enters the 2011 campaign with its
sights set on repeating another feat from that season - a Southland Conference
championship.
Despite a complete overhaul of the offense, head coach
Charlie Stubbs led the Colonels to a 4-7 overall record and 3-4 in Southland
play. For the second consecutive season, Nicholls closed out its campaign with
two victories and will be looking to capitalize on that momentum.
Along with the stability of the coaching staff, which had
only one new addition, special teams coordinator Ricky Brumfield, Nicholls
returns 46 letterwinners from last year's squad, which includes 21 of 24
starters. Gone are All-America punter Patrick Dolan and defensive back
Tarbarris Hicks, but Nicholls welcomes back five all-conference honorees.
With three quarterbacks returning, Coach Stubbs gave the
trio equal opportunities during the spring. The most experienced returnee is
dual-threat Southland honorable mention LaQuintin Caston, who accounted for 18
touchdowns and more than 1,700 yards. Also bidding for the job are Landry
Klann, who started twice last season, and redshirt freshman Beaux Hebert.
Second-team All-Southland running back Jesse Turner leads
a group of explosive playmakers after a breakout sophomore season, when he scored
nine touchdowns while tallying 900 all-purpose yards. Marcus Washington returns
in the backfield as well after gaining 251 yards on 49 carries.
The receiving corps features four players who recorded
double-digits in receptions, led by Kenyad Blair with 29 and three touchdowns.
Josh Warren hauled in 21 for two scores while Chucky Nichols and Brad Nelson
grabbed 12 each. The tight ends, Marshall Crawford and Josh Dudley, were used
sparingly in the passing game last season but will be looked upon to contribute
in other areas.
Anchoring the offensive line are returning starters Jarrad
Hernandez, Pio Adams, Gerald Gruenig and Bart Roussel. Michael Billingsley is
projected to start after making the switch from the defensive line while three
others add much needed depth, something the Colonels lacked in 2010.
Although the Colonel defense will sport a new look,
transitioning to a 3-4 package, 10 starters return which includes first-team
all-conference cornerback Bobby Felder, who had four interceptions and 33
tackles.
The front seven features linemen A.J. Carter, Edet Udoh
and Darrell Brown with linebackers Jordan Piper, the Colonels' top returning
tackler, and Pa'a Kamaouha patrolling the inside. On the outside, Rashar Knight
moves to the dog position after notching four sacks while Shawn Elrod, who tied
Knight for the team-lead with six tackles for loss, will occupy the strong
side.
Joining Felder at the cornerback position is return
specialist Chika Madu. At safety, All-Southland honorable mention Jordan
Hanberry, who finished with 50 tackles and an interception, and Siegan Vergenal
round out the defensive back field.
Andrew Dolan returns as the place kicker and will
contribute to the team's punting duties. Dolan connected on six field goals in
2010 which included 4-for-4 in the 30-yard range.
Outlook provided by Nicholls State sports information.