Nicholls State University assistant coach and Athletic Hall of Fame defensive back Greg Greely does everything in his power to make sure the Colonels’ football team stays motivated now and in the future.

In 1984, Greely was a second team All-Gulf Star selection at defensive back. He also holds the record for most interceptions in a career with 21, and the record for most return yards in a single season at 141 during his time at Nicholls.

In 1985, he was selected 24th overall to the San Antonio Gunslingers in the United States Football League. He was inducted in to the Nicholls Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.

In 2012, Greely returned to Nicholls to obtain his bachelor’s degree and volunteered to be the offensive line assistant coach. This year, he is working with the defensive line.

Greely knows the team is still working hard, even with the lack of personnel.

“I see the kids and coaches continuing to work hard, and I think the issue is personnel. We have a lot of guys hurt right now, and we don’t have a lot of depth,” Greely said. “It cost us a lot of games as the season went on. We were unable to match and able to come back if we fell behind. It became a problem for us and it hurt us.”

As a former Colonel and a coach, Greely knows how important encouragement is in the locker room and on the field.
“The mood in the locker room is somber, but sometimes they do have a little fun. It’s not a bad mood, but it could be better if we came out on Mondays and had a great week of preparation,” Greely said.

Greely said, “I always share that with the guys; you always play like you practice. If you practice soft, then you will play soft. If you catch it in practice, then you will catch it in the game Saturday. There is no difference. I encourage the guys and let them know that we will get it done.”

With Interim Head Coach Axman’s time closing in, Greely believes that the next head coach should focus on recruitment.
“Whomever they decide to bring in, I hope they will buy into the fact that we need to recruit better. Personally, I would look locally: the river parishes and tri-state area first. That will help you build your fan base, and then you can be able to compete. You can have more players, not just on scholarships but walk-ons as well. You can have a preferred walk-on program where you can develop players,” Greely said.

Greely continued, “Coaches are not supposed to just draw up x’s and o’s. You are supposed to get the best out of your players through coaching, teaching techniques and motivations. So, you not only have to play well, but you have to coach well and recruit well. With that, we definitely need to do better going forward.”