Lee Brecheen's Recruiting Recap: Southeastern Louisiana University

by Lee Brecheen and Jace LeJeune

As all 12 Louisiana teams are currently participating in spring practices, that could mean only one thing and that is the upcoming football season is approaching near. As we continue to wait the days before fall practice, for the next three weeks, we will recap the National Signing Classes for all 12 Louisiana collegiate football teams starting with the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions. The Lions are coming off a 4-7 season in the first year of the Frank Scelfo era. This season, the Lions are looking to build on that next step with a productive effort of not only its veterans, but also the talented incoming high school signees and transfers that are coming into the program. Louisiana Football Magazine's recruiting expert Lee Brecheen has watched all of the Louisiana high school signees featured below at one point. Whether it is watching full game film or seeing them in person, Brecheen has gotten the chance to see a lot of these signees play. In today's recruiting recap, Brecheen takes a dive in the Southeastern football program as he gives out his top four talented high school signees, top transfers, sleeper players to keep an eye on, and also, his final thoughts on the entire signing class in general!

Lee's Overall Thoughts On Southeastern's Signing Class:

"This is the first top heavy Louisiana native class in many years meaning you could tell that Frank Scelfo and his staff's goal was to sign as many Louisiana kids and not as many junior players as in years past. Former Southeastern Head Coach Ron Roberts took a lot of junior players and it ultimately worked for him including getting Bryan Bennett in at quarterback after he transferred from Oregon a couple of years ago. I do think it is smart to recruit Louisiana players. The key is you have to develop them. I have seen every kid in this class play that is from Louisiana, and in person. If developed, I think a lot of these guys can make a great group of Louisiana players. The key loss is TE Hayden Hagler (6-3, 220) because here is a kid from Sulphur High School that signed, but is no longer attending Southeastern. I thought he was a big time tight end. He is a great blocker and can run. Still, this is a talented class and we shall see how the development of these players go."

"As far as the junior ranks are concerned, you can tell that they were going after some linemen and some tight ends. When you look at guys like TE Matt DeBlaiso (6-4, 235) from Nassau Community , OL Jalen Bell (6-5, 350) from Copiah Lincoln Community , and DE Jaeden Ridgeway (6-2, 254) from Pearl River Community , you know that the coaching staff wants them to come in shape and compete for starting jobs. Then, there was another junior transfer in Mason Schucker (6-4, 207) from Hutchinson Kansas Community , who can come in and challenge for the quarterback spot like Cole Kelley and the other quarterbacks on the roster."

Lee's Top Four Talented Louisiana High School Signees In Southeastern's Class (In No Particular Order):

WR Edward Magee

6-1, 180

Kentwood High School

Kentwood senior WR and Southeastern signee Edward Magee (Photo provided by Edward Magee)

Bio: Kentwood's other big time playmaking receiver, not named Trey Palmer, had a huge breakout season in 2018 by making All-District and All-State in 2018. With a lot of the attention being on Palmer, Edward Magee rose to the occasion with 45 catches for 1,059 yards and nine touchdowns. His biggest moment came on the biggest stage as Magee had a MVP caliber game with a touchdown pass and also recording an interception to help propel the Kangaroos to the state championship last year.

Lee's Scouting Report: "I believe that Edward Magee is a DI player. I think that he came on as strong as any DI player in the state. He could have went to a Kentucky, Troy, Southern Miss type of school. I think that he is good enough to play in the SEC. He really came on and was one of Kentwood's best players among other great players for that team. He had a good junior season and you knew then that he would be a I-AA player, but in his senior year, he looked faster, stronger, and more determined. Ed Magee could end up being the best player in this class as a high school signee.

DE Eldridge Walker

6-2, 250

John Ehret High School

John Ehret senior DE and Southeastern signee Eldridge Walker (Photo courtesy of Vincent McArdle)

Bio: The John Ehret product was one of the main players on one of the best defensive teams in the state. Eldridge Walker helped lead the Patriots to a semifinal finish as well as a 12-2 overall record. Last season, Walker posted 57 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 11 tackles for loss as a senior. Prior to signing with the Lions, Walker had received offers from Liberty, Arkansas Pine Bluff, Tennessee State, Eastern Illinois, Southern Miss, Western Kentucky, and ULM.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Eldridge Walker is another guy that I think is going to be great at Southeastern. He is tough and has a big motor to go along with it. He is a SEC caliber player."

MLB Herman Christophe

5-11, 233

Plaquemine High School

Plaquemine senior MLB and Southeastern signee Herman Christophe (Property of LAFM)

Bio: The Plaquemine product was a two sport athlete during his high school career also playing baseball, but what Herman Christophe loved doing more than hitting bombs is hitting the opposing skill players from his linebacker position. Last season, Christophe, who was on the cover of the South edition of our Louisiana Football Magazine, posted 76 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble as a senior. The two time All-District performer also played three different positions during his time with the Green Devils including playing fullback and tight end to go along with playing linebacker.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Herman Christophe is one of the best linebackers that I have seen in Louisiana over the last three years from Plaquemine High School. Christophe reads and is really explosive with his hips like he is only 200 pounds. He also is a really tough moxy kid that tackles from sideline to sideline with 4.7/40 speed."

DE/OLB Ron Madison

6-3. 240

Westgate High School

Westgate senior DE/LB and Southeastern signee Ron Madison (Property of LAFM)

Bio: Ron Madison is a very gifted two sport player in his own right. In fact, he made his name on the hardwood as a basketball player before making his name on the gridiron as a football player. The gifted edge rusher played linebacker and defensive end at Westgate High School in New Iberia. As a senior, he broke on the scene making 1st Team All-District honors as a senior. He finished his senior season with 54 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Before signing with the Lions, Madison had other offers from Southern, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, McNeese State, Northwestern State, and Southeast Missouri State.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Ron Madison played defensive end at Westgate, but I think that they are going to try and change him into a traditional defensive end, a middle linebacker, or even an outside linebacker. He was one of my favorite sleepers in the Lafayette area because he can run a legitimate 4.7/40. Here is another guy who could be a legitimate SEC player."

Lee's Top Transfer (Including DI and Junior transfers):

QB Cole Kelley

6-7, 260

Teurlings Catholic High School/Arkansas

Former Teurlings Catholic/Arkansas QB Cole Kelley has signed with the Lions. (Property of LAFM)

Bio: The big and strong armed quarterback that set many records at Teurlings Catholic High School and played for the Arkansas Razorbacks has now transferred to Southeastern. Like many players before him, Southeastern has been known for getting top transfer quarterbacks and Kelley is no exception. The former Teurlings Catholic All-State signal caller had an incredible high school career throwing for 6,183 yards and 55 touchdowns while also rushing for 11 scores over his final two seasons at the program. He also averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Rebel basketball team as a junior. The four star QB signed with the Razorbacks and had some bright moments including making six starts at quarterback. During his two year stint in Fayetteville, Kelley threw for 1,483 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for five touchdowns. He was the first freshman to start at quarterback for Arkansas since 2012. His greatest moment as a Razorback came when he threw three touchdowns at Ole Miss leading the Razorbacks to a 38-37 victory and overcoming a 24-point deficit, which is the largest comeback in school history. He also scored the game-winning touchdown in 39-38 win at Coastal Carolina for the second fourth-quarter comeback in as many weeks. Kelley is now practicing in the spring as we speak and is expected to battle for the starting quarterback job for the Lions.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Cole Kelley had a phenomenal career at Teurlings Catholic, and we all know that he went to Arkansas. Cole wasn't part of the problem there as the team just was not good last year. He could have a phenomenal season in the Southeastern Conference, but you are going to have to protect him because he is 6-7, 260 pounds. He has a cannon arm, but once again, you have to protect him. It is going to be interesting once again who is going to be the quarterback next season because they have options. However, one thing that he has going for him is that he has the strongest arm out of any of the quarterbacks there."

Lee's Top Sleepers of the Class:

DB Gregory Mahtook

6-0, 185

St. Thomas More

St. Thomas More senior DB and Southeastern signee Gregory Mahtook (Photo provided by Gregory Mahtook)

Bio: If Gregory's last name may sound familiar to you, that is because he is the first cousin of Mikie Mahtook, who was a former LSU All-American baseball player and is now playing for the Detroit Tigers. Gregory Mahtook definitely was born to play sports as two of his uncles also played at LSU while another played at ULL. A versatile defender at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, Mahtook played both linebacker and strong safety for legendary prep coach Jim Hightower. As a senior, he was credited with All-District 4-4A and All-Acadiana honors to go along with 106 tackles, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries as a senior.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Gregory Mahtook, who is a cousin of Mikie Mahtook, really came on in his senior year. He can be a great safety at the Southland Conference level."

SS Lucien Babino

5-11, 180

John Ehret High School

John Ehret senior SS and Southeastern signee Lucien Babino (Photo provided by Lucien Babino)

Bio: Lucien Babino, who was a high school teammate of fellow signee Eldridge Walker, also played an integral part on the dominant John Ehret defense by finishing with 73 tackles, five sacks, six tackles for loss, four pass breakups, and an interception as a senior. During his high school days, Babino was very active even after football season as he was also on the track and wrestling teams for the Patriots.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Lucien Babino is really talented. At 5-11, 185 pounds with 4.55/40 speed, he is a big time hitter and closes fast."

Lee's Other Key In-State Signees From This Year's Class:

WR Michael Corner

6-1, 175

Edna Karr High School

Edna Karr senior WR and Southeastern signee Michael Corner (Property of LAFM)

Bio: Michael Corner is just another great player to go through the Edna Karr High School factory. Corner had a great career with the Cougars not only statistically accounting for 16 touchdowns in two seasons, but also help leading the team to three Class 4A state championships.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Michael Corner was a wide receiver from Edna Karr that has had big time speed. He is tall and is going to fill out."

LB Dominic Lamm

6-1, 235

Holy Cross High School

Holy Cross senior DE and Southeastern signee Dominic Lamm (Property of LAFM)

Bio: Dominic Lamm was a tackling machine at Holy Cross High School in new-orleans during his prep career accounting for 176 tackles, 28 sacks, and 26 tackles for loss during his prep career. Lamm was a team first guy and would do anything for the betterment of the team including being the long snapper.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Dominic Lamm can be a really good linebacker for Southeastern. I think he will play right away."

DB Carrington McClinton

5-9, 190

Washington Marion High School

Washington Marion senior DB and Southeastern signee Carrington McClinton (Photo provided by Carrington McClinton)

Bio: Carrington McClinton was one of Washington Marion's best defenders last season. He finished his senior season with 94 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and six pass breakups. Not only did McClinton contribute on defense, but he pretty much contributed every where else most notably running back. At running back, McClinton helped carry the offensive load for the Chargin' Indians posting eye popping numbers.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Carrington McClinton was a great running back at Washington Marion as he ran for over 4,000 yards in high school, but it looks like they are going to convert him as a strong safety or a cornerback."

ATH Darrian Achane

5-9, 180

Jennings High School

Jennings senior ATH and Southeastern signee Darrian Achane (Photo provided by Darrian Achane)

Bio: After all the great players to go through Jennings High School, Darrian Achane is actually the first player from the school to sign with the Lions since when the university reinstated its football program back in 2003. For the Lions, this is a way to start as all Achane did during his four years at the prep level was make plays. The standout track athlete accounted for close to 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Darrian Achane was also another great running back. There are some positions to be determined just like a lot of other kids, but he could be a running back, a cornerback, punt returner, kick returner, etc. He can play right away because he is so versatile."

DB Jaylin Armwood

6-2, 184

Catholic High School (B.R.)

Catholic High School senior DB and Southeastern signee Jaylin Armwood (Photo provided by Jaylin Armwood)

Bio: Jaylin Armwood was one of the key players for the Catholic High Bears especially over the last two years when the team played in two state championships while winning one. Not only has he helped the Bears' football program, but its basketball program as well, which went to the Division I semifinals this season. In his last season, he tallied 52 tackles, 13 pass breakups and one interception.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Jaylin Armwood is a late bloomer. He played cornerback, but he could end up being a free safety or a strong safety when it is all said and done. He is going to be a developmental guy that has the size to be a really good player."

FS Robert Buquoi

6-2, 197

St. Paul's High School

St. Paul's senior DB and Southeastern signee Robert Buquoi (Property of LAFM)

Bio: Robert Buquoi is a football savvy player that plays hard, but at the same time, has a lot of talent as well. He has so much talent that he is also a great baseball player as well. The All-District performer had 44 tackles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and eight pass breakups as a senior.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Like Jaylin Armwood, Robert Buquoi can play many positions in the secondary for the Lions including strong safety and free safety."

RB Kendall Collins

5-7, 183

De La Salle High School

De La Salle senior RB and Southeastern signee Kendall Collins Jr. (Property of LAFM)

Bio: Do not let his height fool you. Kendall Collins plays bigger than what his height might indicate. In fact, Collins was one of the key players to help build the De La Salle Cavaliers to one of the most uprising football programs after making the state championship two seasons ago as well as the semifinals last year. Over his prep career, Collins helped carry the offensive load with over 2,600 yards rushing to go along with 39 total touchdowns.

Lee's Scouting Report: "Kendall Collins is not tall as he is only about 5-6 to 5-7, but he is a very stocky and powerful runner. He is a guy that can come to Southeastern and get some reps. There is a lot of depth at running back for Southeastern, but he can come in if there is an injury."

*(Make sure to visit our website later tonight as we recap the Southern Jaguars' 2019 recruiting class!)

Hey football fans. Like our recruiting interviews, stories, and other content on our website? Click on our website daily to view articles on recruits, coaches, and so much more at our website: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/. Also, we have exciting news that for the second straight year, we will have our North and South LA issues and both are now out! Both issues will continue to cover all the Louisiana s as well as all the high schools in state, but there will be 16 pages that will focus on North Louisiana as well as South Louisiana. For more information, please check the following link to where you can find the magazine in a store near you. Also, below are the two covers as well as where you can order both magazines on our website.

Stores Link: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/news/c48-recruiting/2018-louisiana-football-magazine-north-and-south-editions-now-available-in-stores-near-you/

North Cover: South Cover:

North Link: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/product/la-football-magazine-2018-annual-preview-north-edition/

South Link: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/product/la-football-magazine-2018-annual-preview-south-edition/