Webb coveting championships at Nicholls State

Ladarius Webb is one of the smallest players on the Nicholls State football team.

Nonetheless, the sinewy defensive back flexes a muscle that’s arguably one of the largest in the Southland Conference.

&#8220It’s all heart,” explained Webb, a junior who measures in at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds. &#8220Size doesn’t matter. I’ve seen a lot more bigger guys who are softer than smaller guys. I don’t care if you’re 100 pounds. If you believe you can do something, you can do it.”

But even Webb couldn’t believe what happened Oct. 6 when he and teammate Kareem Moore combined for four touchdown interception returns (two apiece) in the first half of Nicholls State’s 58-0 win over Northwestern State.

The feat tied an NCAA record and earned both co-defensive players of the week accolades by the Sports Network and the Louisiana Sports Writer’s Association.

It was the second time Webb was recognized by the Sports Network this season.

&#8220It was just amazing how Kareem had two and then I had two,” Webb said. &#8220It was like ‘Wow! How did this happen?’”

Jay Thomas isn’t asking questions. The Nicholls coach is pretty familiar with Webb’s raw talent and potential.

He also knows his experience as a signal-caller, both at Beauregard High School (in Opelika, Ala.) and Nicholls, has particularly paved the way to his success on defense.

&#8220Obviously he (Webb) is a talented guy, but as a quarterback he obviously had to learn the game,” Thomas said.

Webb got a pretty good lesson at Beauregard, where he was a two-time all-state selection.

He was also an all-state basketball player who was averaging 28 points per game as a senior.

At the time, Webb believed hoops would be his future.

&#8220I never thought I’d play football because I didn’t think anyone would want me as a quarterback, and I was getting a lot of D II basketball offers,” he said.

Web’s mind changed, however, when Southern Mississippi showed interest.

&#8220That’s D I, so I chose them over basketball,” he said. &#8220Once I gave it (basketball) up, I gave it up.”

If there were any regrets, Webb didn’t show them with the Golden Eagles.

He finished his sophomore campaign with 55 tackles and led the team in pass break-ups with five.

Webb has been even better at Nicholls.

&#8220We’ve had some good defensive backs at this school, but his performance at that game (against Northwestern) stands at the top,” Thomas said.

Webb is counting on many more.

He relishes being a little player who can make big plays on the football field.

And he hopes it will only help the Colonels capture a title – one of the few things he hasn’t won.

&#8220This is a championship-caliber team,” Webb said. &#8220All it takes is everyone coming out and practicing hard every day. Nicholls State is on the rise. Our coaches are doing a good job of managing us and they’re going to help put Nicholls on the map.”

The Colonels (5-1) overall host McNeese State Saturday.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

(Photo contributed by DOUG KEESE

• NSU ) Webb returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the Colonels’ 58-0 win over Northwestern State on Oct. 6, tying an NCAA record and earning top accolades.