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After back-to-back disappointing seasons, Nicholls is looking to climb out of the basement of the Southland Conference. However, the task will not be easy as the league has proved to be one of the strongest in the country.
But for the first time in Charlie Stubbs’ era, Nicholls will head into its season with a wealth of experience as the Colonels return 22 starters from 2012 and a total of 57 letterwinners. However, the Colonels have already had a setback heading into the 2013 campaign with last year’s starting quarterback Landry Klann, who led the Southland’s third-best passing offense, sidelined for the upcoming season.
Not all is lost on offense though as a pair of All-Southland honorees are set to return. Leading the receiving core is two-time all-conference tight end Nick Scelfo, and in the backfield, 2011 All-Southland running back Marcus Washington will look to close out his career with a strong senior season.
With Klann on the shelf, Stubbs will look to Beaux Hebert to handle to passing duties. Injuries have hampered Hebert’s career so far, but the redshirt junior put together a fantastic spring, but more importantly, stayed out of the training room. Also set to receive snaps under center is sophomore Tuskani Figaro, who looked impressive in the Wildcat before suffering a season-ending injury early in the campaign.
The Colonels will have plenty of options at receiver, but are still looking for one to have a breakout season. Four players return who had 10 or more receptions, led by junior Josh Hanberry (22 receptions, 308 yards). Also back is Erik Buchanan who proved to be a potent deep threat, averaging 28.3 yards per catch on 10 receptions.
The offensive line will welcome back Rafe Plaisance after a one-year absence, joining starters Abasi Salimu, Eric Alt, Brandon Holmes and Caleb Cline. Holmes, who started as a true freshman last season, will make the transition to center to replace four-year starter Gerald Gruenig.
On defense, the front seven brings back four starters, led by linemen Cole Frazier and Lorenza Young. While the linebacker group will have to replace the Southland’s leading tackler in Jordan Piper, Chris Bermond returns on the inside with Davin Bovie set to start at one of the outside positions. Nick LeBlanc and redshirt freshman Chris Lorden round out the starters on the fall depth chart.
At cornerback, starters B.J. Lewis and Toren Joseph are back for the Colonels, as well as reserves Josh Dewey and Byron Cobb. Joseph tied the team-lead last season with two interceptions while Cobb had a team-high six passes defended.
Nicholls also has a strong core of safeties returning in seniors Jordan Hanberry, T.J. Lumar and Siegan Vergenal. Lumar and Vergenal played a key role in forcing turnovers as they combined for three interceptions and five forced fumbles.
On special teams, three-year starting kicker Andrew Dolan returns, with newcomer Conner Fryoux scheduled to handle the punting duties.