Locals grateful for collegiate opportunities

Friday night lights are done for the seniors in the Class of 2019.

But for a select few, the dream of playing football in the fall still remains.

Six local players signed National Letters of Intent to continue their careers last week — some as preferred walk-ons and others as scholarship players.

Nicholls was the biggest recipient of local talent, inking Vandebilt standouts Drew Rios and Brennan Patterson, as well as E.D. White senior Michael Clement.

Vandebilt sent a third player to the next level in lineman William Wade, who inked with UL-Lafayette.

Also signing on Wednesday were Terrebonne prospects — T.J. Ruffin (with Lamar) and Treveon Johnson (with Arkansas Tech).

Those players join E.D. White standout Brandon Legendre, who signed with UL-Lafayette in December for the early signing period. Ellender prospect Daquirs Griffin also signed with Lamar in the early period.

TERRIER DUO GRATEFUL FOR POST-GRAD OPPORTUNITIES AT NICHOLLS

For Vandebilt Catholic standouts Drew Rios and Brennan Patterson, their journeys to Nicholls State University were paved through the triumph of adversity.

Rios was one of the top running backs locally in the Class of 2019, despite missing time as a junior with an injury. He recovered fully and became a dominant force for a Terriers’ offense that needed someone to step up after losing quarterback Andrew Robison in the offseason.

Rios was a big-time player, recording more than 1,000 yards rushing and more than 1,400 all-purpose yards with nine touchdowns.

His ability to consistently gut the inside of defenses allowed Vandebilt to control the clock throughout games.

Rios said he had interest from Nicholls, Southeastern, Millsaps College, Louisiana College, among others. But the powerful back said he told his father at the beginning of the season that his heart was set on being a Colonel and he stayed true to that pledge.

“I told my dad at the beginning of the year that if Nicholls offers me anything — even if being a preferred walk-on, that I would strongly consider going,” Rios said. “When I went to visit there, it just felt like home. I felt comfortable. It’s not that far from home and it’s just a great fit for me and my family.”

Rios said his mindset going into college is open, adding that his only focus right now is on getting bigger, faster and stronger so that he’s ready for the fall.

He said he’s willing to play any position Coach Tim Rebowe needs him to play. At the high school level, Rios was also a slot receiver and safety in addition to being a tailback.

“Anything they need from me, I’m willing to do it,” he said.

That same versatility was a factor in getting Brennan Patterson his spot at Nicholls.

As a Terrier, played both sides of the ball and was a premier return specialist.

He, too, is getting a chance after enduring a serious foot injury, which limited his time on the field at Vandebilt. It’s an opportunity said he’s grateful for and will not take for granted.

“It’s a real good feeling,” Patterson said. “Just being very grateful and thankful for the opportunity. I always wanted to play at the next level. I have always said I just needed an opportunity to show all my talent and I have it at Nicholls.”

Like Rios, Patterson said he wanted to be a Colonel. He said during visits, he loved the vibe and got the family-like feel that he was looking for in a new program.

Patterson said he’s going to be a defensive back at Nicholls and he’s working strongly on his conditioning, foot speed and techniques before arriving on campus.

“The coaching staff stuck with me through the time when I was down and while I was coming up,” Patterson said of Nicholls. “It shows their real interest in me. With them being right up the road from my family, I will always have their support.”

WADE BLOCKS HIS WAY TO THE NEXT LEVEL

One of the guys responsible for opening up holes for Patterson and Rios is also off to make his mark at the next level.

Lineman William Wade accepted a spot at UL-Lafayette, joining his high school teammates for a joint ceremony on Vandebilt’s campus last week.

Wade was a powerful force along the offensive line for Vandebilt last year — a run-heavy offense that relied heavily on Wade’s abilities to power their running game.

“It’s so unbelievable to have a spot at the next level,” he said. “To have an opportunity that only a fraction of high school players have is just incredible and I’m so happy to be a part of that small percentage.”

Wade said he picked UL-Lafayette after touring the school and falling in love with “every aspect” of the campus.

He said he will be an offensive lineman with the Cajuns, adding that he will be doing CrossFit in between now and summer to stay in shape — the best shape of his life.

Wade also said he was proud of his teammates and team for their ability to overcome adversity last season — especially after the Robison situation and all of the hoopla that surrounded the team all year.

All three players said they were proud of how well the team bonded in adversity and came together, adding that the ability to sign together is a huge day for them all.

“I wouldn’t have wanted to be anything else,” Wade said of his career. “Yes, we went trough a lot, but we went through all of it together. We stayed as brothers and friends through the trials and tribulations and got through everything as one. I wouldn’t want to be a Tiger, a Hurricane or a Lion. I wanted to be a dang Terrier. I’m honored and blessed to be one, too, and will never forget everything my coaches have done for us.”

CARDINAL STANDOUT OFF TO NICHOLLS

Nicholls coach Tim Rebowe loves signing hometown boys.

He got one — a premier one — in E.D. White standout Michael Clement.

Clement inked with the Colonels last week after a solid career with E.D. White over the past several seasons.

Clement is a powerful, bruising runner who will compete for time in a crowded backfield over the length of his career.

Former Cardinals coach Chris Bergeron said last season that he was an unsung hero of the team — often not getting the credit of Legendre, who inked with UL-Lafayette as a top-flight prospect.

“He makes our offense go,” Bergeron said. “He gets a lot of the hard yards and doesn’t get the attention, but he’s a hard-nosed, physical, good football player.”

TERREBONNE DUO INKS AT THE NEXT LEVEL

Over at Terrebonne High School, two of the top seniors on a loaded team are heading off the the next level.

Defensive back Anthony “T.J.” Ruffin inked with Lamar after a star-studded senior season which generated several offers from several schools around the Southeast.

Ruffin is a ball-hawk — a turnover machine who helped changed games with his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and make plays on the fly. He had six interceptions and a pick-six last year — easily one of the top players in the state in Class 5A.

“He changes games,” Hill said during the season of his defensive back. “He gives you the chance to make a big play on any given snap.”

For Johnson, he lands at the next level with Arkansas Tech as a bit of an unsung hero on a Terrebonne offense that was loaded with weapons.

Johnson caught 28 passes for more than 400 yards with four scores — often yielding touches to some of the Tigers’ other top players.

He said he chose Arkansas Tech after fielding interest from other smaller schools in the area.

VCHS trio

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