Ready to bust through

BY: TRACEY JAGNEAUX
Sports Editor

When Cody Jones and Darius Poullard first walked onto the Northwestern State football field four years ago, they were just like newborns trying to learn how to walk.
Both Jones and Poullard came to the Demons expecting to play the positions that made them great in high school.
Jones, the magician quarterback, and Poullard the versatile two-way standout, who played corner for the Bulldogs, did not foresee the transitions they would have to make in order to become the solid college players they are today.
“When Darius came to us, we had enough cornerbacks but were looking for players to fill in at safety,” said Northwestern State assistant coach De’Von Lockett. “We put him at safety, but it was like starting from scratch. He had to develop better footwork and foot speed. He had to learn a whole new position.”
“Cody probably had an even harder transition,” continued Lockett. “It was a different world, trying to learn how to run routes and knowing how to block out in open space. It has been a process for both of them.”
Poullard did get one advantage that Jones did not; he was able to redshirt and practice his craft at a slower pace.
Jones was thrown into the fire, as he had to learn on the fly, seeing action in six games.
One thing about Jones and Poullard, if a challenge is placed in front of them, they will attack that challenge with tenacity unmatched by anyone around them.
This is how it has been their whole lives. It is how they were brought up.
The challenge that lay ahead for the pair was simple; get better and prove they belonged on the field of play.
Both Jones and Poullard took that challenge to heart.
Jones caught nine passes for 61 yards his sophomore year and played on the special teams.
Poullard played in all 12 games his redshirt freshman year, recording 49 tackles and one fumble recovery.
“Darius is our utility player,” said Lockett. “He can play safety and corner or he can come in and play the nickel back. He had worked his way into a valuable tool for us when we need.”
“In his second year, Cody started to come into his own. You could tell he was getting more and more comfortable at the receiver position.”
Last season, both players made tremendous strides in their progress and played even bigger roles on the team.
Jones had 29 receptions for 353 yards and six touchdowns. Poullard recorded 29 tackles, an interception and a sack.
Jones, the senior, and Poullard, the junior, are now looking to the 2015 campaign as a chance to make an even bigger impact on the Demons’ chances of winning a Southland Conference title.
“We want to win the conference title,” said Jones. “My job is to help our team reach that goal. I am at the point where I feel so comfortable in what I am doing; I can now take on more of a teaching role for the younger players.”
“I love being able to teach the new guys how to run the routes properly and how to better understand the offense.”
Poullard concurs with Jones on the title run.
“I feel healthy and I am ready to help lead this team to a title,” said Poullard. “I worked really hard this offseason and I am ready to play anywhere I am needed according to the defensive package we put on the field. I really believe the team is more focused this year than we were last year.”
According to Lockett, both Jones and Poullard will have a tremendous impact on the direction of the team this season.
“Darius and Cody both have tremendous work ethics and it shows on the field,” stated Lockett. “Darius will continue in his role as a multi-position player and will work on special teams.”
“Cody has finally found his game at receiver and is now more dangerous than ever at that position. We are expecting big things from both of them this season.”
The two Ville Platte natives have been hard at work since August 6, when fall camp opened up.
Every minute is planned for the players, which gives them almost no down time.
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the squad opens with a three hour practice at 8 a.m.
Lunch allows a short two hour break, but then it is back to the field house for film sessions and another one and a half hour practice at 7 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursdays do not include a second practice but rather a lengthy weight lifting session. Such is the life of a college football player.
Expectations are high, not only for Jones and Poullard, but for the entire team.
However, in order to reach the pinnacle this year and win a title they must face off against conference rival and two-time defending Southland Conference champions, Southeastern, in the very first game.
“We came to camp one week early to prepare for Southeastern,” said Poullard. “It is going to be a war. If we have any chance of winning the title, this is a must game.”
Jones echoed Poullard’s desire to take on the Lions in their initial contest.
“I am ready for that first game,” said Jones. “It is time to get things started. We are out to prove to everyone that we are a team that belongs at the top.”
As far as personal goals are concerned for this season, each are hoping to accomplish a feat slanted toward the overall team goal.
“I would love to get a (championship) ring,” said Poullard. “Also to make a deep run in the playoffs would be nice.”
Jones adds, “Getting 1,000 yards my senior year would be a great way to end my career.”