August 19
August 19, 2008
Edna Breaux Uzee
August 21, 2008
When defensive back Jordan Ogletree was being recruited from Langham Creek High School, he didn’t have to look far for advice.
His brother, Joe, then a senior at Nicholls State University, was a starting defensive back for the Colonels. The choice to play at Thibodaux was an easy one.
Before Joe graduated, the Ogletree boys played one season together. That year, the Colonels won the 2005 Southland Conference championship.
Joe Ogletree has since graduated and moved on.
Jordan, a junior, is a reserve defensive back and a key contributor on special teams. Last season, he was credited with eight tackles and half a sack.
SportsNet recently caught up with the 21-year-old to talk about the upcoming Nicholls football season.
SportsNet: As the Colonels enter preseason drills, how are things looking for the defense?
Jordan Ogletree: The defense is looking real good. We have a lot of players that have played a lot and have a lot of experience, but we are also looking for some of the younger players to step up.
SN: Is the defense doing anything different this season than in past years?
JO: It’s pretty much the same thing. We’ve been strong and finished at the top of the conference in the last couple of years. We pound the rock and go after the ball. That’s what we do every game.
SN: You already have one conference championship ring. Any chances of getting another?
JO: I’m definitely looking to get another ring; I think we could do it this year. We are definitely capable of it.
SN: The Colonels are predicted to finish fifth this season in conference. Any comment?
JO: We always look at (pre-season predictions) as something to build upon. We have in our mind that we are going to finish on top and we are going to work hard.
SN: So the team is confident it can stay competitive this season?
JO: If you look at our season the last couple of years, we have always been in position to win a championship. This year, we just have to put it all together. I think we are capable of doing it.
SN: Is that the season’s main goal?
JO: Yes, definitely. We want to take what we started off last year and finish. We started off 5-1 and ended up 6-5. We need to start strong and build on that success. This year, we are looking to put all the pieces together, patch everything up and move on.
SN: As a reservist, what role do you hope to play this season?
JO: I’m just trying to find a spot to contribute. We lost some players on defense last year. We have younger guys that have to step up into their new roles. I’ll play anywhere I can contribute.
SN: What are you doing to step up your game and make sure you get on the field more?
JO: I’ve been watching a lot of film. One of the things I want to work on is playing fast. I have to play fast and explode to the ball, wherever it is.
SN: What is the best part about being a Colonel?
JO: One of the best parts is coming in and being able to play on the same field that my brother played on. I don’t want to fill his shoes; I want to create my own legacy like he did when he played here. We have great fans. It’s a great atmosphere, great coaches. It’s just a great place to play. Our coaches are excited about the game.
SN: How has the secondary been adjusting to life without now-Washington Redskin Kareem Moore?
JO: Coach (Jay) Thomas and Coach (Steve) Ellis have done a great job of recruiting to get new guys in here. We always have guys ready to step up and play. A lot of our defensive backs that didn’t get to play last year have their chance now. We learned a lot from Kareem. We are going to take what we learned from him, Coach Thomas and Coach Ellis and be just as good as we’ve been before.
SN: What’s it like having an All-American like Lardarious Webb back there with you guys?
JO: He’s a playmaker. He brings a personality to the defense and the defensive backs. He is somebody we can count on. When we count on somebody to pick us up and hold us together, he’s that guy.
SN: What do you like to do when you are away from football?
JO: My father is a pastor in Texas, so I’m very religious and very involved. I love music, too.
SN: What is the best piece of advice your brother ever gave you?
JO: Just to work hard and that the hard work would pay off.
If God gives you talent, make room for it, that’s something I’ll always remember.
