After a 2-1 start, the Colonels defense is ranked second in pass defense allowing 136.7 yards thrown a game and a large part of that success could probably be attributed to junior safety Ladarius Webb. Webb transferred to Nicholls last spring from the University of Southern Mississippi and has been turning heads on the football field since his arrival.
In the win over Rice, Webb tied the school record for interceptions in a game, with three – one of which he returned 32 yards for a touchdown. For his efforts in week one, Webb was honored as the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week, College Sporting News National Player of the Week and Sports Media Entertainment’s Defensive Player of the Week.
Webb’s abilities are not limited to defense because he also returns kickoffs and returns punts for the team.
In his first three starts for the Colonels, Webb totaled three interceptions, 14 tackles, one touchdown and 259 all-purpose yards.
Webb said his performance on the field should be accredited to his teammates.
“I would really like to give all the credit to the defense back, Jermain Boagan, who held the All-American wide receiver Jarret Dilliard in check for the Rice game. Lester Brooks and Kareem Moore are two other players who make this defense special.” Webb said
Webb grew up in Opelika, Ala., and started playing football at Beauregard High School where he was able to play both sides of the football at quarterback and defensive back.
During his senior year in 2004, Webb led the state of Alabama with 10 interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 52 total tackles. His performances helped lead Beauregard High School to a berth in the state playoffs.
During his high school years, Webb participated in football, track and basketball, which he said was his favorite sport.
“Playing basketball was an awesome time, during my junior year the team went to the state championship game.” Webb said.
At Southern Mississippi, Webb started on special teams and saw significant playing time as a defensive back. He was ranked fifth on the team in tackles in 2005 with 55.
Head football coach Jay Thomas said he was pleased when Webb came to Nicholls to play and he saw that Webb would immediately be an asset to the team because of his strong work ethic.
“What I like about Ladarius is that he is very diligent. When given his play assignments on the field, he does everything we ask, and he is good at it,” Thomas said. “He is a great competitor and has great leadership skill on the field.”
Webb said he really likes the atmosphere at Nicholls and enjoys being a part of the Colonels football team.
“Attending Nicholls University has a small-town feel that reminds me of my hometown and the people in Thibodaux are very friendly,” Webb said.
The Colonels face off against Azusa Pacific University on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. in John L. Guidry Stadium. APU enters the contest 1-3 and Nicholls is 2-1.
