THIBODAUX, La. – Former Colonel football great Lardarius Webb's Baltimore Ravens will compete for the NFL Championship in Super Bowl XLVII at the Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday.

Webb, who earned All-American honors in each of his two seasons at Nicholls, helped lead Baltimore to a 5-1 start before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the Ravens' 31-29 win against Dallas on Oct. 13. According to Pro Football Focus, he had only given up 111 yards all season while quarterbacks had a 42.2 rating against him.

In six games, Webb recorded 25 tackles and despite being targeted only 24 times, had six passes defended and one interception. Regarded as one of the top cover corners in the league, he has not surrendered a touchdown since becoming the starting cornerback last season.

Although Webb, a 2009 third-round draft pick, won't be able to suit up on Super Bowl Sunday, he is enjoying his experience in the Crescent City.

“It feels awesome, especially to be in New Orleans which feels like home since I went to school at Nicholls,” Webb said. “I've loved everything about the experience - being on SportsCenter and ESPN - just the whole atmosphere. I also feel good for guys like Ed Reed and Joe Flacco, having a chance to get their first ring.”

While Flacco has led the offense in the playoffs with eight touchdowns and no interceptions, the Webb-less Raven defense has stepped up as well, giving up only 14.3 points per game as Baltimore became only the second team to beat future-hall of fame quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in the same postseason. Even though Webb is on the sidelines, he still has found a way to contribute.

“I talk to all the guys. We communicate back and forth about what they do on the field and what I see,” Webb said. “I'm always there for them so if they're down, I tell them to keep their head up. That's my job.”

The Ravens came up short of reaching the Super Bowl last season, but were fortunate to take advantage of a second chance against New England this year, defeating the Patriots 28-13 for the AFC title. Webb, who joined Nicholls in 2007 after leaving Southern Miss, talked about his own second chance, which came with the Colonel football program.

“Being at Nicholls helped me get back on the right track, it's just a great family environment. People were there to help you out and they were always there when I needed them. I just love that family atmosphere. That's why I always come back and do my football camp there because I love the Thibodaux area.”

Webb still closely follows the Colonels and believes greener pastures are in the future.

“It was a tough year, but with Coach Stubbs there, he's turning things around. I can promise you that this year will be a different from the last.”

Webb, who signed a six-year deal with Ravens before the season, is working hard to return to the field, hoping to become the first Colonel to play in the Super Bowl. He is the second former Nicholls player in the last three years to be on a Super Bowl team, with Antonio Robinson being a member of the Super Bowl XLV Champion Green Bay Packers.

“Rehab is going great. I'm working hard every morning and just excited to get back,” Webb said. “But right now, I'm just enjoying my time in New Orleans for the Super Bowl.”