March 3, 2008

THIBODAUX, La. - The Colonels' 2008 football season will get underway with spring drills on Monday March 31, and will end with the annual spring game in John L. Guidry Stadium tentatively set for Saturday April 19 at 7 p.m.

"This time of year is always exciting. Every season brings a lot of anticipation and spring ball is our first chance to really evaluate our team," said head coach Jay Thomas.

"We are going to be young in some areas, but that is not to say that we won't be talented. I feel that we have an excellent class of newcomers that will really challenge for playing time this season."

The Colonels finished 2007 with a 6-5 record that included arguably the biggest win in school history over Division I-FBS (formerly I-A) member Rice to start off the season. Nicholls went on to be ranked as high as No. 13 in the Sports Network Poll leading up to their game against then No. 6 McNeese State in John L. Guidry Stadium.

Despite beating a Div. I-FBS school to start the season, Nicholls accomplished some other amazing things which included tying the NCAA record for most interception returns in a game for touchdowns with four against Northwestern State in a 58-0 victory over the Demons. All four interception returns came in the first half, which set the NCAA benchmark for most in a half.

Entering the 2008 season, Nicholls returns 44 letter winners while welcoming a signing day class of 30.

The Colonels graduated both their starting defensive backs in Jermaine Boggan and Lester Brooks while also losing defensive starters Jordan Stone on the defensive line and Kareem Moore at safety. On the offensive side, Nicholls will look to fill the shoes of all-time rushing touchdown leader Broderick Cole, Joseph Tobias, Zack Morgan, Cal Jones and Grant Thorne in the backfield.

Returning on defense for Nicholls is All-American and All-Conference player Ladarius Webb who is the only player in NCAA history to win all three weekly conference awards (offense, defense, and special teams) through the course of a season. The Buck Buchanan Award Finalist finished last season with 51 total tackles, eight pass breakups, five interceptions, three interception returns for touchdowns, 1,162 total all-purpose yards and five total scores.

The Colonels return their entire starting offensive line from a season ago with the exceptions of All-Conference guards Benjamin Gombossy and Jesse Frazier. Entering his third year starting at center is Nigel Cormier who has made 22 consecutive starts at the position.

Nicholls' 2008 Spring Football Practice Schedule

Pro-timing Day (junior and below classmen) Wednesday March 19 2 p.m.

Pro-timing Day (senior classmen) Thursday March 27 at 10 a.m.

Monday March 31 3:30 -6:30 p.m.

Tuesday April 1 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Thursday April 3 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Friday April 4 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Saturday April 5 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Monday April 7 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday April 8 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Thursday April 10 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Friday April 11 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Saturday April 12 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Monday April 14 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday April 15 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Thursday April 17 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Friday April 18 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Saturday April 19 Annual Spring Game 7 p.m.

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