Video of Full Press Conference

THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls State University football head coach Charlie Stubbs revealed the Colonels' 24-member 2014 recruiting class Wednesday, Feb. 4 at the Century Club on National Signing Day.

The 2014 class features the most signees in the Stubbs' era, consisting of 22 high school seniors and two mid-year transfers. Nicholls added 13 players on defense and 11 on offense, with 17 of the signees coming from the state of Louisiana.

"We're very excited about our 2014 signing class. We feel like it's a very good start in completing the first phase of our recruiting effort," Coach Stubbs said. "One of our main objectives was to increase our squad size, and we were able to sign exceptional young men with the majority coming from Louisiana. Our previous two classes consisted of 12 and 17 signees, so this group will add quality depth to our program and increase the competition for positions/playing time. We were also able to increase our overall team speed by adding numerous playmakers to this signing class."

While the class is dominated by Louisiana prospects, three signees come from Texas; two are from Alabama and two are natives of Mississippi.  Alabama recruit John Williamson (6'4, 220/ Spanish Fort) heads the defensive linemen, receiving first-team 5A All-State. Also at defensive line are Tyler Johnson (6'1, 265/ St. Amant) and Devin Simoneaux, (6'2, 255/East Ascension).

The linebacker group features four Louisiana preps - hometown Tiger Victor Bimah (6-3, 210/ Thibodaux), Baton Rouge natives Jake Myer (6'3, 230/ Central) and Moroni Pointer (6'1, 200/Tara), and John Curtis' Hezekiah White (6'0, 200). Bimah, Myer and Pointer were all-district honorees and White received LSWA 3A All-State honorable mention as a senior.

In the defensive backfield, Nicholls added three safeties and three cornerbacks. At safety, versatile Joel Dullary (6'1, 180/ Holy Cross) joins the Colonels after earning all-district as a defensive back, return specialist and punter. Jonavon Lewis (5'9, 175/ St. Amant) and Cole Spear (6'2, 190/ Denham Springs) were also all-district honorees.

The three cornerbacks are mid-year signee Ken Breland (6'0, 190/ East Mississippi CC), Tony Bridges (5'9, 170/ McGill-Toolen) and Tyler Green (6'0, 170/ East Ascension). Breland was part of a stout defense at East Mississippi which contributed to an undefeated national championship season last year. Along with success on the gridiron, Bridges claimed a state championship in the 100 meter and Green also starred in track at East Ascension.

After losing their two starting tackles to graduation, the Colonels signed three offensive linemen to restock the depth. Chandler Arceneaux (6'4, 260/ South Terrebonne) was a three-sport athlete, competing in basketball and track while earning first-team all-district three times in football. Another local product, Alex Bonvillain (6'4, 300/ Terrebonne), received all-region accolades and Texas native Vincent Dale (6'4, 281/ Cy-Fair) garnered First Team All-District 17-5A as a senior.

At running back, Nicholls signed four student-athletes following the departure of 2013 seniors Marcus Washington and Dalton Hilliard Jr., who combined for 784 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.  Mid-year signee Tobias Lofton (5'11, 185/ Itawamba CC) joins the backfield after rushing for over 600 yards at Itawamba in 2013 and Mason Boudreaux (5'9, 220/ South Lafourche) will move to offense after earning all-district twice as a defensive lineman. Baton Rouge natives Kaleb Kador (6'0, 195/ Tara) and Tyrone Scott Jr. (5'9" 185/ McKinley) come to Nicholls after each earned first-team all-district last season with over 1,000 yards rushing.

Four wide receivers round out the 2014 class, highlighted by All-State honorable mention  Jason Richard (6'1, 180/ Thibodaux) and Gary Triplett (5'9, 160/ Central). Richard had 547 yards receiving and seven touchdowns last season while Triplett had 884 yards and 11 scores. Texans Kevian Deleon (5'7, 165/ North Shore) and Mason Roberts (5'9, 175/ Cy-Woods) also had stellar senior campaigns, both earning first-team all-district. In addition to Roberts' success on the field, he was tabbed academic all-state.

"One of our goals too is to bring in first-rate student-athletes, and these young men are excellent in the classroom and understand the importance of academics while striving to play championship football on the field," Stubbs said. "This class features many players that can do more than one thing on the field. It's important to have wide receivers and defensive backs that can return punts, kicks, and contribute on special teams, giving each snap big-play potential."

A complete listing of the 2014 Nicholls Signing Day Class is as follows:

DEFENSIVE SIGNEES

DEFENSIVE LINE

Tyler "Tank" Johnson, DL, 6'1, 265 lbs, St. Amant HS, Sorrento, La.

At St. Amant: Was a four-year letter winner for the Golden Gators… in 2013, had 53 total tackles including six tackles for loss, four sacks and 10 QB hurries… received All-District honorable mention as a senior... played in the U.S. Army Red Stick Bowl… member of the 1,000 lb. club… named 2nd Team All-District as a sophomore… honor roll student, received the 2010 Hugh O'Brien Leadership award, and was a member of National Association of High School Scholars… very active member of community through various charities and organizations.

Personal: Son of Rev. Johnny and Kennitra Johnson.


Devin Simoneaux, DL, 6'2, 255 lbs, East Ascension HS, Gonzales, La.

At East Ascension: As one of the team captains, helped lead the Spartans to a 9-3 record and a berth in the second round of the 5A state playoffs... was a two-time second-team All-District honoree… as a senior, had 64 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks... invited to the NUC All-American game… placed third in state in shot put… National Honor Society member.

Personal: Son of Johnny and Dawn Simoneaux.


John Williamson, DL, 6'4, 220 lbs, Spanish Fort HS, Stockton, Ala.

At Spanish Fort: Played football and basketball for the Toros… lettered four years in football, helping his team to back-to-back state championships… named first-team 5A All-State and Coastal All-Region in 2013… had 83 tackles, 24 tackles for loss including 17.5 sacks, six fumble recoveries, two interceptions and three defensive touchdowns in his senior campaign… also blocked three PATs… named to Max Preps All-American Team.

Personal: Son of Tim and Deborah Williamson.


LINEBACKERS

Victor Bimah, LB, 6-3, 210 lbs, Thibodaux HS, Thibodaux, La.

At Thibodaux: Played football and soccer for the Tigers… received honorable mention all-district as a senior… earned second-team all-district in 2012… named second-team all-region as a junior… earned second-team all-district in soccer in 2012-13… is an honor roll student.

Personal: Son of Derrick and Angel Bimah.


Jacob "Jake" Myer, LB, 6'3, 230 lbs, Central HS, Baton Rouge, La.

At Central: Was a four-time district 4-5A champion as a Wildcat, leading his team to a 11-2 record and a berth in the state quarterfinals… earned first team All-District running back in 2013 after rushing for 852 yards and 15 touchdowns… Earned first team All-District tight end in 2012 and 2011.

Personal: Son of Austin and Edie Myer.


Moroni Pointer, LB, 6'1, 200 lbs, Tara HS, Baton Rouge, La.

At Tara: Was a four-year letter winner in football and baseball for the Trojans… received first-team All-District at linebacker and named Team Captain as a senior… led the team with 102 total tackles (42 solo, 60 assist), had three interceptions, returned one for a 60 yard-TD, and had four pass break-ups… Played in the U.S. Army Red Stick Bowl… named first-team team All-District First Baseman in baseball as a junior… Honors Student.

Personal: Son of Moroni Sr. and Delores Pointer.


Hezekiah White, LB, 6'0, 200 lbs, John Curtis HS,  Boutte, La.

At John Curtis: Lettered three years for the Patriots, helping his team to three consecutive state titles… racked up 137 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as a senior… named First Team 11-3A All-District, all-region and LSWA 3A All-State honorable mention… team was crowned High School Football National Championships in 2012 for the first time in school history… member of the National Honor Society.

Personal: Son of John and Keioka White.


SAFETIES

Joel Dullary, S, 6'1, 180 lbs, Holy Cross HS, New Orleans, La.

At Holy Cross: Played football for the Tigers… received all-district honors at defensive back, return specialist and punter as a junior… had seven interceptions, a fumble recovery, a blocked field goal and three punt returns for touchdowns in 2013… two-time member of the Clarion Herald Elite Football Team.

Personal: Son of Joe and Beth Dullary.


Jonavon Lewis, S, 5'9, 175 lbs, St. Amant HS, Darrow, La.

At St. Amant: Was a four-year letterman in football for the Golden Gators… in 2013, had 25 total tackles, two interceptions, five pass break-ups and eight punt returns for 104 yards… named first-team All-District Defensive Back as a senior and junior… played in the 2013 East-West All-Star game in Shreveport… for Track and Field – competes in the long jump and played on basketball team freshman through junior year.

Personal: Son of former Nicholls Running Back Melvin "Cornbread" and Renee Lewis.


Cole Spear, S, 6'2, 190 lbs, Denham Springs HS, Denham Springs, La.

At Denham Springs: Was a senior team captain for the Yellow Jackets… was named first-team all-district and all-parish as a senior… was selected as team captain at the 2013 U.S. Army Red Stick Bowl… in 2013, recorded 61 tackles, three interceptions, two pass break-ups, four tackles for loss and one forced fumble… earned all-district honorable mention as a junior… plays right field for the Denham Springs baseball team… Honor Roll student.

Personal: Son of Bill and Michelle Spear.


CORNERBACKS

Ken Breland, CB, 6'0, 190 lbs, East Mississippi CC/ Picayune Memorial HS, Picayune, Miss.

At East Mississippi: Was a member of the East Mississippi squad that claimed the 2013 NJCAA Championship after going 12-0… played in all 10 games for the Lions, recording 16 tackles, one sack, one pass break up and forced a fumble… for his two-year career, he had 34 tackles and two interceptions – one which he returned for a touchdown… was rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and received interest from Jackson State, Jacksonville State, Kansas State, Ohio, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Utah State and Western Kentucky.

At Picayune Memorial: Was named first-team all-state as a senior after recording 70 tackles and eight interceptions while helping lead his team to a state title… played in the North vs. South Mississippi All-Star Game and was invited to play in the Mississippi vs. Alabama Game… was a two-time all-state honoree in track in the 200 meter and long jump.

Personal:  son of Charmaine Ducre and John Feaster.


Tony Bridges, CB, 5'9, 170 lbs, McGill-Toolen HS, Mobile, Ala.

At McGill-Toolen: Played football and ran track for the Yellow Jackets… lettered four years in football… named Mobile All-County as a senior after compiling 42 tackles, four interceptions - two for touchdowns - three pass deflections, one fumble recovery and kick return for a touchdown… named AWSA special teams player of the week… as a junior in track he was 6A state champion in the 100 meters and was named all-state and all-region.

Personal: Son of Tony Bridges Sr. and Taryn Wiley.


Tyler Green, CB, 6'0, 170 lbs, East Ascension, Gonzales, La.

At East Ascension: Four-year letterman, helped lead the Spartans to a 9-3 record and a berth in the second round of the 5A state playoffs... named second-team All-District as a senior after 62 tackles, two interceptions, six pass break-ups and two tackles for loss… also blocked five field goal attempts… named honorable mention All-District as a junior… was a two-time East Ascension Player of the Week… as a member of the track and field  team, competed in 200 meter, 400 meter, 4 x 100, 4 x 200, 4 x 400 meter relays for East Ascension.

Personal: Son of Latacha Fobb.


OFFENSIVE SIGNEES

OFFENSIVE LINE

Chandler Arceneaux, OL, 6'4, 260 lbs, South Terrebonne HS, Bourg, La.

At South Terrebonne: Lettered in football, basketball and track for the Gators… was a three-time first-team all-district honoree in football… received MVP honors and second-team all-region as a junior… earned first-team all-region in 2011… lettered four years in basketball, earning second-team all-district twice… also lettered three years in track and was named second-team all-district in 2011… member of the National Honor Society… maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher in all four years.

Personal: Son of Gerald and Melody Arceneaux.


Alex Bonvillain, OL, 6'4, 300 lbs, Terrebonne HS, Houma, La.

At Terrebonne: Lettered four years for the Tigers… named second-team all-region and all-district as a senior… received first-team all-district in 2012…. member of the National Honor Society.

Personal: Son of Kirby and Tanga Bonvillain.


Vincent Dale, OL, 6'4, 281 lbs, Cy-Fair HS, Houston, Texas

At Cy-Fair: Lettered four years in football for the Bobcats… helped his team to an appearance in the quarterfinals of the Texas Class 5A Division I playoffs… named First Team All-District 17-5A as a senior… also received academic all-district honors.

Personal:  Grandson of Guy Dale.


RUNNING BACKS

Mason Boudreaux, RB, 5'9, 220 lbs, South Lafourche HS, Cut Off, La.

At South Lafourche: Played football for the Tarpons… named second-team all-district as a defensive lineman in 2013 and 2012… helped his team to a 9-1 record in 2012.

Personal: Son of Chad and Trixy Boudreaux.


Kaleb Kador, RB, 6'0, 195 lbs, Tara HS, Baton Rouge, La.

At Tara: Was a four-year letter winner, senior captain, in football and three-year letter winner in baseball for the Trojans… named first-team All-District running back as a senior… rushed for 1091 yards and five TDs, had 257 yards receiving and two TDs, and had one kickoff return for a score… selected to play in the U.S. Army Red Stick Bowl and Max Emfinger All-American Bowl… All-Metro and first-team All-District Second Baseman in 2012… taking Honors classes.

Personal: Son of Neldia Bell Jean-Pierre and Carl Jean-Pierre.


Tobias Lofton, RB, 5'11, 185 lbs, Itawamba CC/ Forest HS, Forest, Miss.

At Itawamba: Played two seasons at Itawamba… as a sophomore, rushed for 613 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry… caught 20 passes for 128 yards… as a freshman, averaged 4.7 yards, finishing with 365 yards rushing and one touchdown… received the 2013 Bennie Abram Legacy Award which is given to a sophomore player that reflects the life and legacy of the former Indian defensive back…  was named Capital One Academic All-District… had offers from Arkansas State, Georgia State, Marshall, Memphis and Ohio.

At Forest: Was a two-time all-district honoree in football helping his team to a 3A State Title in 2011… ran track where he was all-state in the 100 meter… was all-region in the 4x200 and 4x100 relays… was an honor roll student.

Personal: Son of Willie and Teresa Lofton.


Tyrone "T.J." Scott Jr., RB, 5'9" 185 lbs, McKinley HS, Baton Rouge, La.

At McKinley: Three-year letter winner for the Panthers… named first-team All-District in 2013 after leading the 5-5A district with 1,312 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns… played in the U.S. Army Red Stick Bowl… named WBRZ Player of the Week after rushing for 138 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 48-8 win over Capitol… rushed for over 700 yards and 10 TDs in 2012… in track, competes in 100 meter, 4 x 100 meter relay… member of the National Society of High School Scholars.

Personal: Son of Tyrone Sr. and Carrie Scott.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Kevian Deleon, WR, 5'7, 165 lbs, North Shore HS, Houston, Texas

At North Shore: Three-year letter winner in football and track… helped lead the Mustangs to a 10-0 regular season district championship and berth in the Texas 5A quarterfinals… earned first-team All-District as a wide receiver and punt returner in 2013… had 22 catches for 387 yards and six touchdowns, 25 rushes for 331 yards and six touchdowns, 11 punt returns for 242 yards and four kickoff returns for 156 yards… also threw a 56-yard TD pass… as a junior was named first-Team All-District punt returner and second-team All-City Athlete in 2012… as a sophomore received second-team All-District returner… in Track and Field, placed third in district in long jump as a junior… is an honor roll student.

Personal: Son of Manuel DeLeon and Katina Wilson.


Jason Richard, WR, 6'1, 180 lbs, Thibodaux HS, Thibodaux, La.

At Thibodaux: Received LSWA Class 5A Football All-State honorable mention as a senior after helping lead Thibodaux to a 2013 Playoff berth… also named first-team all-region and all-district… had 21 receptions for 547 yards and seven touchdowns… rushed for five touchdowns… runs track for the Tigers.

Personal:  Son of Veronica Richard and Jason Willis.


Mason Roberts, WR, 5'9, 175 lbs, Cy-Woods HS, Houston, Texas

At Cypress Woods: Was a four-sport athlete for the Wildcats, playing football, baseball, golf and ran track… was a three-year starter in football… earned first-team all-district, team MVP and team captain as a senior… garnered second-team all-district in 2012… received academic all-state… honor roll student and member of National Honor Society.

Personal: Son of Rob and Linda Roberts.


Gary Triplett, WR, 5'9, 160 lbs, Central HS, Baton Rouge, La.

At Central: Was a four-time district 4-5A champion as a Wildcat, leading his team to a 11-2 record and a berth in the state quarterfinals… earned All-District MVP as a senior in 2013 after leading the team with 884 yards and 11 touchdowns receiving… was a 2013 Warrick Dunn Award finalist… named 5A All-State honorable mention wide receiver in 2013 and 2012… was a three-time All-District / All-Metro Wide Receiver and two-time All-State Return Specialist… in three varsity seasons had 40 total touchdowns (26 receiving, eight rushing, four punt returns and two kickoff returns)… in track, was a 2013 100- and 200-meter District Champion, 100-Meter AAU National Runner-up, 200-Meter AAU Nation Champion.

Personal: Son of Gary Sr. and Gwen Triplett.