De’Aryck Kelly, a senior from Hattiesburg, compares his teammates on the Colonels football team to being like members of his own family.

“We are just like brothers,” Kelly said. “It is brotherhood comparable to a fraternity in a way.”

The 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback might not be the largest of his teammates, but that does not mean he puts in any less work or effort in as they do. If anything, it makes him work harder.

“I attended Pearl River Community College in Mississippi before I played football for Nicholls, so I was fortunate enough to have been recruited. It made me realize though that I needed to put in hard work to be a member of the team,” Kelly said.

Though Nicholls has gone 1-7 on the year and 0-4 in conference play, Kelly has not lost hope.

“We are trying to keep our heads up and maintain some positive things going for the team,” Kelly said. “We still have a few games left so we want to go out there and make a statement.”

Q: Are you glad you came to Nicholls to play football, and has it helped you make connections on campus?

A: Yes, I have made a lot of friends over the last few years being here, and there are a lot of people and coaches that can help me if I ever need anything.

Q: What are your hopes for the rest of the season?

A: We are trying to get things going. It has been a tough season so far, but we have a lot of younger players, so the future looks bright.

Q: If not football, what would you be doing?

A: I would just be a regular student I guess.

Q: Other than football, did you participate in any other sports in high school?

A: Besides football, I did not play any other sports. I was, however, a manager for my high school baseball team.

Q: Do you get along with the guys on your team?

A: Definitely. Like I said earlier, we are like brothers.

Q: Who is your favorite NFL team?

A: The New Orleans Saints of course! There is a strong fan base for the Saints in Mississippi. I would even say it is just as strong a fan base as over here in Louisiana.

Q: Do you like living in this area?

A: It is not that far away from home for me, so I do not mind living here. It is a tight- knit community, and I like that.

Q: Do you have any role models?

A: My mom is my role model because she has been a great parent to me, and she is always there for me when I need her. I want to be like her one day.

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: I am a laid back person. I stay to myself usually, but if a friend or teammate needs help I am there for them.