Colonels ink 22 to football team

Championships start with recruiting. And if this year’s Nicholls State Colonels’ recruiting class is any indication of the future of the Colonels, championships won’t be out of the question.

Colonels head football coach Jay Thomas unveiled the names of the 22 new players who will don the red and gray next season.

All smiles at last Wednesday’s Signing Day, Thomas described the recruits as “one of the top classes” since he took the job as the Colonels head man five years ago.

“It’s a dynamic class,” he said. “There were a lot of needs. All of these guys are very talented young men and we are very excited about the group of guys that we were able to assemble and recruit. Our coaches did a great job of going out and finding these guys.”

Of the 22 recruits, 13 are from Louisiana; a factor Thomas said is key in recruiting.

“That’s important to be able to stay within the state and do a good job in our own back yard,” he said. “I give coach (Josh) Eargle credit. Since he became our recruiting coordinator this year, he has changed our philosophy on how we handle in-state areas. We really hound those areas now. He deserves most of the credit for that.”

All of the recruits are expected to have an immediate impact on the Colonels and bring depth to key positions, according to Thomas.

One of the highlights of this year’s class is Belle Chase quarterback Blake Matherne. His accolades include being named Louisiana’s “Mr. Football” for 2008, District 8-4A Most Valuable Player and a First-Team All-district and all-State selection at quarterback.

Matherne rushed for over 1,300 yards, garnered 20 touchdowns, and threw for 2,675 yards with 30 touchdowns. He also played defensive back, where he recorded 20 career interceptions, seven during the Cardinals 4A state championship run this season.

Matherne will also play baseball for the Colonels.

“I like to call him lightening in a bottle,” the coach said of the multi-threat quarterback. “He’s a guy that you can’t catch in a phone booth. We watched his highlight tape and it’s just phenomenal the things he does with the football. He’s a big time guy and we are excited about having him here.”

Another top recruit joining the Colonels this season is running back Jarrell Johnson of Archbishop Rummel High School in New Orleans.

During his career with the Raiders, Johnson became the school’s all-time leading rusher with 4,636 yards and 54 touchdowns.

A three-time All-District and two-time All-State selection, Johnson rushed for over 200 yards in back-to-back seasons against his school’s arch rival – Jesuit.

Adding depth at running back and defense was a major priority, Thomas said, especially with the losses of running backs Jerald Watson and Isa Hines.

“He’s elusive but isn’t afraid to bang off the linemen,” Thomas said of Johnson. “He’s always getting positive yardage and can create the big play at any time. He’s an exciting player. He’ll make his mark.”

On defense, Thomas said he expects Destrehan’s Brennan Nora to step in and fill a void.

One new name familiar to those in the Tri-parishes is South Terrebonne wide receiver/punter Mike Barba.

Barba joins the Colonels as the only player from the Bayou Region in this year’s recruiting class.

The multi-dimensional player was the Gators’ primary offensive weapon at wide receiver, and handled the punting duties and played defensive back.

Barba holds the school’s record for most touchdowns in a single season (15), which he set in 2007. He was named first team All-District as a wide receiver this year with 34 receptions for 640 yards and seven touchdowns. He was also named Second Team as a punter.

Thomas stressed the importance of keeping the local talent home, and Barba fit right into the Colonel’s plans.

“The guy catches everything,” Thomas said. “There is just so much Mike can do for us. He reminds me a lot of (former receiver) Patrick Gordon – just real smooth with the way he hauls in passes.”

The 22 recruits include five junior college players who are already enrolled and can start participating as early as this spring.

Offensive lineman Ben Baldridge, linebacker Ed James, running backs Brandon Johnson and Earvin Moore and defensive end Marquis Russell are among them.

“The JUCO guys are going to come in and bring immediate depth at a position,” Thomas noted. “They are coming from great programs and winning traditions and all have the right attitude.”

Moore and Johnson were teammates at Mississippi Gulf Coast, where they won the National Junior College Athletic Association championship. “So they know how to win,” the coach boasted.

“Baldridge has a brother who plays for Marshall and who is a Top 5 lineman in next year’s draft, so it’s in his blood,” Thomas added. “These guys will be a big help.”

In the coming months, all of the players will have to qualify academically, which Thomas speculated will not be an issue.

With the recruiting over, the coaching staff is now looking toward next season.

“We’re not signing these guys to come in here and sit on the bench – that’s for sure,” Thomas said. “They have the potential to grow, get bigger and become better players as they go through their careers.”

“We can all take a breather and spend some time with our family now,” he added. “I know my wife and kids will appreciate that.”

Fifth-year Nicholls State University head football coach Jay Thomas announces his latest recruits at last Wednesday’s Signing Day. The group of 22 includes one local name – Mike Barba, a wide receiver from South Lafourche High School. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER