Uncommitted targets have LSU hopeful for future
November 20, 2013E.D. White, VCHS finish as v-ball state runners-up
November 20, 2013
Any success the Nicholls Colonels have had on offense this season has been a byproduct of the team’s improved offensive line play.
As with any offense, everything starts up front.
This year’s offensive line unit is deeper, more experienced, more in sync with one another, and just as importantly, less banged up.
After suffering through various injuries in seasons past that thrust players into action perhaps a bit prematurely, the Colonels’ line has remained relatively healthy this year.
Because of that, Nicholls has been able to have success with three different quarterbacks – two mobile threats in Tuskani Figaro and Kalen Henderson, plus a more traditional pocket presence in Beaux Hebert – as well as several different running backs.
When Henderson went down with a knee injury in just the second game of the season against Western Michigan, the Colonels rallied behind Figaro to win four of their next five contests, including the game against the Broncos.
In subsequent games, Nicholls lost two running backs due to injury, the first being starting tailback Marcus Washington, who went down with a knee injury in the team’s 33-21 victory over Northwestern State back in mid-October.
Dalton Hilliard Jr. would fill in nicely for Washington, averaging at least 5 yards per carry in three games before he too succumbed to a season-ending injury.
In the team’s most recent game, a 17-10 loss to Central Arkansas last Saturday, the Colonels got another modest performance from sophomore tailback Michael Henry (9 carries, 59 yards) and freshman C.J. Okpalobi (5 carries, 32 yards), the latest players who were able to find success in the running game.
None of that would have been possible without the play of the offensive line, which has been able to help churn out one star performance after another this season.
“What’s happened to us in previous years unfortunately is we’d have injuries and then we’d end up playing some young men who weren’t quite ready because they were young and experienced,” Stubbs said. “All it takes is one weak link up front and then it looks bad everywhere.
“We had some veteran guys returning so it ended up being a real good thing,” Stubbs added. “The whole thing with the line that a lot of people may not recognize is when you can stay healthy and they can get used to each other and work together as five men to a unit, then you can get better in a hurry.”
The five working together up front currently are senior left tackle Abasi Salimu, left guard Rafe Plaisance, center Ashton Duhe, junior right guard Caleb Cline, and senior right tackle Eric Alt.
Salimu has been the anchor of the left side of the line for two seasons now. Plaisance missed last season due to an eligibility issue but returned this year as a force alongside Salimu, and Alt and Cline both had experience as starters coming into this season.
According to Salimu, the Colonels feel pretty good about themselves at every position up front.
“I feel like our confidence is high,” Salimu said. “No matter who’s in (at quarterback), we’ve had some guys go down, and we feel prepared the same way no matter who’s behind us. We can get it done. Whoever has the ball, we can get them the yards and the touchdowns.”
Having depth up front has also paid dividends for the Colonels.
When Nicholls lost starting center Brandon Holmes to an injury earlier this season, the Colonels moved Duhe into his spot. Duhe arrived at Nicholls after transferring from SMU, one of 16 linemen that the program brought in over the off-season.
All that depth created some competition, which is still serving the team well.
“It’s pushed us to get better as guys who are already here,” said Plaisance. “Whenever you get a couple of guys that have played on the (FBS) level coming here, it kind of makes you step up your game. We have done that and they’ve fit in well with us so far.”
The hope now is that the Colonels can gain some consistency with its line from year to year and develop a good turnover rate.
If they can, they’ll be able to help drive big-game performances like some of the ones they’ve received from Figaro and others this season.
“I feel like we have eight guys ready right now that could play for us in games,” Stubbs said. “We also have some young men that are being red-shirted. What we want to do is build up that group so that it’s never a drop-off from year to year.”
The Colonels’ offensive line will look to carry its strong play into the final game of the season.
Nicholls will travel tomorrow night to take on Southeastern Louisiana University – the 2013 Southland Conference Champions.
The Lions boast a powerful offense and a timely defense.
They will surely present a challenge for Nicholls, who has scuffled in Southland play in recent weeks.
Nicholls State quarterback Beaux Hebert takes a snap, while his new-look offensive line readies his protection. The Colonels’ offense has seen a big boost this year because of the play of the team’s line. Nicholls will look to have one more strong outing up-front tomorrow when the team travels to take on Southeastern Louisiana University.
