Nicholls signed 22 players for its 2009 football recruiting class including Blake Matherne who was named “Mr. Louisiana” from Belle Chase High School. These new faces will aid in the loss of many starters on offense and defense from 2008. The class includes 13 players from Louisiana, some from the local bayou region.

“I am very pleased with this class of signees. We were really able to go out and get a lot of local guys that were standouts in the state, and are happy that they decided to continue their careers with Nicholls,” said head coach Jay Thomas.

Five of these signees will begin this semester with spring drills. They are Ben Baldridge (Opelousas/Hargrave Military Academy), Brandon Johnson (Columbia/Miss. Gulf Coast CC), Troy Matthews (New Orleans/Jesuit), Earvin Moore (Stone County/Miss. Gulf Coast CC) and Donovan Tate (Hattiesburg/East Central CC).

Matherne headlines the Louisiana signing class. This past season he led Belle Chase to the class 4A title. He accounted for 50 touchdowns last year.

Another offensive addition to the Colonels includes wide receiver Mike Barba from South Terrebonne High School. Barba is a versatile player who can play defensive back and punter. He will also play Colonel baseball.

Tyler Collins from Eunice High School rushed for over 1,000 yards last season as a running back, and the Colonels added Rummel’s all-time rushing leader, Jarrell Johnson.

Headlining the defensive acquisitions include Brandon Nora from Destrehan, who helped them in back-to-back state championships. Clinton High School defensive tackle Brandon Spurlock aided Clinton to four consecutive district titles.

The complete signing class will be instrumental in the Colonels’ shot at the conference title in 2009.

“We are very fortunate to have these guys commit to us. I think it is a true testament to our staff in how hard they work, and all of the positive things happening on campus” said Thomas.