Nicholls State University’s head football coach, Tim Rebowe, announced the signing of 21 players to the 2023 signing class on Feb. 1.

The 2023 signing class is made up of 14 high school signees and seven transfer signees. All of the high school signees are Louisiana natives while four of the seven transfers are from Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs.

High school remained a key focus for the Colonels during recruiting. Coach Rebowe said he believes that there are a lot of good players in the high school ranks.

Transfers like defensive back, Devonte’ Mathews, had multiple offers from other colleges while in the transfer portal, but chose Nicholls.

“I picked Nicholls because it felt like home. On my visit, they welcomed me in, and I know two coaches that came from my old school, so it felt like home,” Mathews said.

This is the second consecutive year Nicholls has had a signing class of 20 or more recruits. The Colonels put a big emphasis on linemen in this recruiting cycle with 10 of the 21 signees playing those positions. They signed seven offensive linemen and three defensive linemen.

The Colonels were able to secure some talent at other positions as well. They added four players to the secondary. They also added six skill players to the offensive side.

The Colonels are expected to begin their spring season on Feb. 28 with the spring game scheduled for March 30.

**Offense:**

Offensive lineman, Jordan Aaron, Columbia/Pearl River Community College

Wide receiver, Gil Chapman, Helen Coz

Offensive lineman, Justin Howard, De La Salle

Wide receiver, Jackson Dufrene, C.E. Byrd

Offensive lineman, Jacob Johnson, Catholic

Wide receiver, Karaaz Johnson, St. Augustine

Offensive lineman, Colby Orgeron, John Curtis/Tulane/Highland Community College

Tight end, Justin Brooks, John Curtis

Offensive lineman, Aaron Ponson, Helen Cox

Quarterback, Pat McQuaide, Solon/Kent State/Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Offensive lineman, Hamza Rahman, Scotlandville

Running back, Jayden Milton, Berwick

Offensive lineman, Ethan Reynolds, E.D. White

**Defense:**

Defensive back, Hunter Addison, North Desoto

Defensive lineman, Aidan Clements, E.D. White

Defensive back, Devonte’ Mathews, Central/West Georgia

Defensive lineman, Josh Johnson, Catholic

Defensive back, Matt Melancon, E.D. White

Defensive lineman, Joe Mason, Green Oaks/Louisiana Tech

Defensive back, Kendarius Smith, Fort Walton Beach/East Mississippi Community College

Linebacker, Kershawn Fisher, Northshore/Louisiana Tech