The Nicholls State University football team brought in several transfer student-athletes into the offense this offseason to create a competitive atsmosphere.

Colonels offensive coordinator Rob Christophel said the Colonels have accepted the new additions with open arms and the returning players accepted the challenges that the coaches have given them.

“We knew what we were looking for in the spring and these new guys have brought a competitive edge that will make us a better football team,” Christophel said.
The coaches also praised Jonah Austin for coming into the team and solidifying the left tackle spot on the offensive line.

“We already had some good pieces, but it was just a matter of finding that last piece of the puzzle. It worked out well for us,” Christophel said.

Quarterback Tuskani Figaro holds the Colonel record for rushing with 1103 yards. In his sophomore season, he became the only player in Colonel history to rush and pass for 1000 yards each in the same season. He received a medical redshirt last season, but said he is ready to take on the starting quarterback position again.
“I bring a dual threat,” Figaro said. “I’ve improved on throwing the ball, and I am also able to run on my feet. Coach Robby and all the quarterbacks have been giving me good tips, and the Manning Camp has helped me as well.”

Figaro worked mainly with the receivers during the offseason and tried to get familiar with all the new additions.

“We had a couple of new receivers come in, and we wanted to make sure we had the timing down coming into this year,” Figaro said. “We knew about their abilities, and we should be able to run anything. All of them are talented and have performed well.”

Offensive lineman Brandon Holmes was a part of the line that helped the Colonels reach 1369 rushing yards last season.

“There are a whole bunch of new faces. It’s a new environment and we worked on building team chemistry,” Holmes said. “Coach Roussel knows how to motivate the players. He brought the ‘O-train’ together.”

Colonel running back Michael Henry led the team in rushing with 1031 yards last season, and finished second on the team with 253 receiving yards. He also became the third Colonel to rush for 1000 yards in a single season. He believed that the team has responded well to the new challenges issued by the coaching staff.

“They made the transition easy,” Henry said. “It’s almost like we found the love again. Our practices are a lot more up-tempo and upbeat, and the energy around us is so positive right now.”

The offense practiced every day during the offseason to prepare for their first game at the University of Louisiana at Monroe on Sept. 12. Their primary focus was getting into shape and building chemistry.

“Players really stepped up this summer and started taking the initiative to do extra work, whether it be running more to get in shape, catching jug machines on the field or running routes with the quarterback,” Henry said. “A little something extra every day goes a long way.”