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Grambling
quarterback Isaiah Thomas

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Northwestern State receiver Cody Jones

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Tulane University tight end Kendall Ardoin

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Northwestern State safety Darius Poullard

Former Bulldogs complete spring training

BY: TRACEY
JAGNEAUX
Sports Editor

Another spring training has come and gone for the university football programs around the country. For four former Ville Platte High gridiron greats, Cody Jones, Darius Poullard, Kendall Ardoin and Isaiah Thomas, this means an opportunity to relax for a short time before the hard work of the regular season begins. The Gazette caught up with the four college players to talk about spring practice, academics and what their expectations are for the 2015 season.
Jones and Poullard are veterans of the college football scene, as both have three years of hard work and dedication invested at Northwestern State University. Jones will be a senior this year, while Poullard will be a junior, after having red-shirted his freshman season. The duo played a very important role in the Demon’s season last year.
Jones gathered in 29 receptions for 353 yards and six touchdowns, in the role of slot receiver, as well as being on several special teams. He also rushed the ball seven times for 68 yards. Poullard a starter at safety this past season, recorded 21 tackles, two for loss of yards and intercepted one pass for 24 yards. He also recorded a half of a sack.
Jones, going into his last season, remembers what it has been like the four years he has spent at Northwestern. “My college experience has been tremendous,” recalled Jones. “It has made me grow up and become a man. I know that I am prepared for the rest of my life because of my involvement with college athletics.” Both Jones and Poullard come back each summer and have become mentors to those young players that are looking to attempt to play on the next level.
They both say the same thing when it comes to giving advice to those athletes making the jump to the college ranks: stay level headed. “As a student athlete, you have to be able to manage your time,” Poullard said assertively.
“There will be good times and bad times. How you handle those ups and downs will determine if you can ride it out and finish the job. Professors are not going to hold your hand, you need to learn how not to slack off at the beginning of the semester and get yourself in a bind toward the end.”
Having a number of minutes of field time has given both Demon players a different perspective going into next season. “I feel I know the game a whole lot more,” stated Jones. “When I get on the field I feel comfortable in my helmet. I had a really good spring and the coaches are expecting big things from me and I am expecting big things for myself.”
Poullard repeated Jones’ feelings. “I feel really comfortable out there,” said Poullard. “Even though we have a new defensive coordinator, my time on the field allows me to understand his concepts. He just tells us to play fast and if you free your mind it will free your feet. I am looking forward to this coming season.”
Academically, the duo has excelled in the classroom, both earning 3.6 averages this semester. “It’s a matter of balancing sports and academics,” noted Jones. “You have to find a balance with the on the field and off the field commitments. It will get challenging, but learning how to handle those challenges is the key.”
With Jones leaving after this year, Poullard will be without his long time friend and teammate after the 2015 season. “We’ve played football together since peewee football. It has been so great to have my friend and brother with me on this journey. We will always be together in mind and spirit.”
Ardoin, who will be a red-shirt freshman tight end at Tulane this season, had to make some adjustments from high school to college. “Academically, the major difference is the time you have to yourself,” said Ardoin. “You have to be responsible and police yourself to do the right things as far as the school work and the grades are concerned.”
Thomas, a red-shirt freshman at Grambling reiterated Ardoin’s sentiments. “It’s real different from high school,” stated Thomas. “You have to be dedicated because it is a lot of hard work. You have to be motivated. Your mom and dad are not there to tell you when to go to class. If you don’t get the grades, you won’t be there for very long.” Ardoin finished this semester with a 3.1 average and Thomas completed this spring with a 3.6 average.
When asked about the transition from high school football to college football, both Ardoin and Thomas were awed by the difference in the competition on the college level. “Everybody that is there was the man in their respective high school and that means you have to be on top of your game to compete with those guys for playing time,” commented Ardoin. “I came in and had to get stronger and work on a few things like getting the playbook completely down. It was good to be red-shirted for those reasons.”
“It’s kind of like you’re a freshman in high school again,” observed Thomas. “College is a totally different level, learning the playbook and learning the routine. As a quarterback, being red-shirted gave me the ability to see how things run on offense a lot better.”
Both young men are optimistic about their roles this upcoming season, after having that year of experience under their belts. “I think I did really well this spring in every facet of my game,” explained an optimistic Ardoin. “I know there are some things I need to work on, but I’m looking forward to hopefully getting some playing time next season.”
Thomas was also pleased with his spring performance. “I got a lot of reps this spring and I am just trying to continue to develop,” stated Thomas. “We have some experienced quarterbacks ahead of me right now, but I will work to be ready in case I am ever called upon to get into game situations.”

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