HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana has added 28 student-athletes who will continue their academic endeavors and look to help SLU win its third straight Southland Conference Championship as members of the Lion football program, head coach Ron Roberts announced on National Signing Day on Wednesday.
 
The newest group of Lions include six wide receivers, five defensive backs, five offensive lineman, four defensive lineman, three linebackers, two quarterbacks, one running back, one tight end and one punter. Combined with the eight midyear additions that joined the program between semesters and are currently enrolled at SLU, the Lions will have 36 new faces when fall camp opens in early August.
 
Roberts was happy with Wednesday's haul. The Lion head coach enters his fourth year in Hammond confident he and his staff addressed the key needs during the recruiting period.
 
"We had a great day," Roberts said. "Everyone we anticipated adding did and we didn't have any last minute surprises. We didn't feel we had one particular area that we were focused on, but we just felt we needed to get deeper across the board, which we were able to do. We brought in several junior college transfers who we expect to be immediate impact performers.
 
"We had some areas where we wanted to create competition and push some of our returners," Roberts continued. "We're pleased with the talent we're bringing in at every position. We're very excited in particular at the additions we made along both the offensive and defensive lines. We've brought in some transfers in those areas that will be in the mix for starting jobs right away."
 
Along the offensive line, SLU adds two junior college products in Reggie Harris (Killeen, Texas) and Kristian Megowan (Thousand Oaks, California). Southeastern also brings in three high school products in Jarien Barksdale (Courtland, Mississippi), Tyler Boudreaux (Mandeville) and Roderick Simon (New Orleans).
 
"We think that Reggie and Kristian will be competing for significant playing time the day they set foot on campus," Roberts said. "We also are very excited about the three high school players we're bringing in. They are all big, physical kids that we expect to be good players for us."
 
On the defensive line, Roberts expects 2014 All-American Miki Fangatua (Wailuku, Hawaii) and Solomon Parker (Stone Mountain, Georgia) to be forces from the get-go. High school products Kurrell Vaughn (Shreveport) and Louis Wings (Marrero) are two of the 16 in-state players the Lions brought in on Wednesday.
 
"Solomon and Miki are two phenomenal defensive lineman who makes us better right away," Roberts said. "We've been fortunate to find a lot of great talent in Louisiana and the two high school defensive lineman we've brought in are great examples."
 
Southeastern will have a new starting quarterback under center with the departure of two-time All-Southland performer Bryan Bennett. With junior D'Shaie Landor the only Lion signal caller with any game experience, Roberts and his staff brought in Citrus College quarterback Larry Cutbirth, who threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 45 touchdowns in his two junior college seasons. SLU also eyed the future by adding J.T. Jackson, who led Neville to a state title as a senior.
 
"We have a lot of confidence in D'Shaie heading into next season," Roberts said. "But Larry is someone who we think has the tools to help us right away and compete with D'Shaie for a starting spot. We're also excited about the addition of J.T. and the winning pedigree he brings."
 
Another position that will see plenty of turnover will be linebacker, where SLU will have to replace the veteran quartet of Isiah Corbett, Drew Misita, Kaleb Muse and Justin Church. Trinity Valley linebacker Davonte McMillan leads the trio of new linebackers that includes Covington natives George Brister (Covington High) and Gary Sampson (Northlake Christian School).
 
"We're extremely fortunate to have someone of Davonte's talents join our program," Roberts said. "He's a big-time talent. Both he and the two high school kids we brought in fit the mold of what we're looking for in linebackers – big, fast players who are athletic."
 
Roberts was also pleased with the six receivers SLU added. The strong mix of transfers (William "Snoop" French, J. Turner Jackson) and high school products (Jacob Bordelon, Kyandre Brooks, Javon Conner, Ivory Jenkins) will compliment the already veteran stable of pass catchers. Roberts described Riverside City College product Ryan Ramirez as "the prototypical tight end we've been looking for. He has all the skills to handle everything we ask our tight ends to do."
For the second straight year, SLU will be looking to replace an All-Southland kicker after Ryan Adams completed his eligibility. Wednesday addition Ivy Wall and midyear transfer Harrison Heim will look to be the answers for the present and future.
 
Two areas where Southeastern has plenty of talent returning is in the offensive and defensive backfields. With the Lions bringing back four All-Southland defensive backs and their top four running backs from a season ago, it was no surprise that the Lion staff raided the high school ranks for five new defensive backs (Jacorey Fuller, Diego Griffin, Tyler Hasson, Tre' Spann and Latrone Williams), as well as Livonia High running back Malcolm Dedrick, who rushed for over 2,100 yards and 31 touchdowns on the way to District 5-3A Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2014.
 
Southeastern will open spring practice on Feb. 24 with the Spring Game set for March 28 at 1 p.m. The Lions will open the 2015 season on Thursday, Sept. 3, facing Southland Conference foe Northwestern State in Natchitoches.
 
Southeastern Louisiana Football – 2015 Additions
*Brandon Acker – WR – 6-2 – 185 – Hattiesburg, Miss. – East Mississippi CC – Hattiesburg HS
Jarien Barksdale – OL – 6-4 – 285 – Courtland, Miss. – South Panola HS
*Justin Barksdale – OL – 6-3 – 290 – Courtland, Miss. – Northeast Mississippi CC – South Panola HS
*Antreon Bennett – LB – 6-0 – 225 – West Point, Miss. – Holmes CC – West Point HS
Jacob Bordelon – WR – 6-2 – 190 – River Ridge, La. – John Curtis HS
Tyler Boudreaux – OL – 6-6 – 296 – Mandeville, La. – Mandeville HS
George Brister – LB – 6-1 – 220 – Covington, La. – Covington HS
Kyandre Brooks – WR – 6-1 – 215 – Denham Springs, La. – Denham Springs HS
Javon Conner – WR – 5-10 – 170 – New Orleans, La. – Landry-Walker HS
Larry Cutbirth – QB – 6-5 – 215 – Fontana, Calif. – Citrus College – Etwanda HS
Malcolm Dedrick – RB – 6-0 – 185 – Lakeland, La. – Livonia HS
Miki Fangatua – DL – 6-0 – 290 – Wailuku, Hawaii – Riverside City College – H.P. Baldwin HS
William "Snoop" French – WR – 5-9 – 180 – Miami Gardens, Fla. – Dodge City CC – Carol City HS
Jacorey Fuller – DB – 6-0 – 170 – Shreveport, La. – Calvary Baptist Academy
Diego Griffin – DB – 6-3 – 180 – New Orleans, La. – Lusher HS
Reggie Harris – OL – 6-3 – 310 – Killeen, Texas – Trinity Valley JC – Killeen HS
Tyler Hasson – DB – 6-1 – 185 – Amite, La. – Oak Forest Academy
*Harrison Heim – K/P – 5-10 – 170 – Tomball, Texas – Tomball HS
*Will Hines – DB – 6-1 – 190 – Waco, Texas – Arkansas -- Waco HS
James "Turner" Jackson – WR – 5-9 - 178 – Fontana, Calif. – Pasadena City College – A.B. Miller HS
J.T. Jackson – QB – 6-4 – 205 – Monroe, La. – Neville HS
Ivory Jenkins – WR – 5-8 – 155 – Harvey, La. – West Jefferson HS
*Demareyeh Lane – DB – 5-10 – 191 – Oakland, Calif. – Laney College – Castro Valley HS
Davonte McMillan – LB – 5-10 – 225 – Port Arthur, Texas - Trinity Valley JC – Port Arthur Memorial HS
Kristian Megowan – OL – 6-4 – 280 – Thousand Oaks, Calif. – College of the Canyons – Moorpark HS
Solomon Parker – DL – 6-0 – 290 – Stone Mountain, Ga. – Georgia Military Institute – Stone Mountain HS
Ryan Ramirez – TE – 6-5 – 250 – Pomona, Calif. – Riverside City College – Bonita HS
Gary Sampson – LB – 6-2 – 240 – Covington, La. – Northlake Christian School
Roderick Simon – OL – 6-3 – 313 – New Orleans, La. – Landry-Walker HS
Tre' Spann - DB – 6-1 – 185 – Southaven, Miss. – DeSoto Central HS
*Javon Tillman – DB – 6-2 – 180 – Oakland, Calif. – Sierra College – San Leandro HS
Kurrell Vaughn – DL – 6-3 – 270 – Shreveport, La. – Calvary Baptist Academy
Ivy Wall – P – 6-0 – 155 - Amite, La. – Oak Forest Academy
Latrone Williams – DB – 5-10 – 173 – Denham Springs, La. – St. Helena Central HS
*Willard "Trent" Williams – DL – 6-2 – 290 – Riverside, Calif. – Citrus College – Jurupa Valley HS
Louis Wings – DL – 6-2 – 280 – Marrero, La. – West Jefferson HS
 
* - Midyear additions currently enrolled at Southeastern
 
Southeastern Louisiana Football 2015 Additions – Capsules
Brandon Acker – WR – 6-2 – 185 – Hattiesburg, Miss. – East Mississippi CC – Hattiesburg HS
Spent previous two seasons at East Mississippi Community College … Recorded 78 catches for 1,179 yards and 11 touchdowns in his two years at EMCC ... Played football, basketball and baseball at Hattiesburg High School … Currently enrolled at Southeastern and will participate in spring practice.
 
Jarien Barksdale – OL – 6-4 – 285 – Courtland, Miss. – South Panola HS
Competed in the Mississippi/Alabama All Star Game after senior season … Was named to the USA Today All-Mississippi team after helping South Panola to state-record 11^th state championship … Was named one of GreatAmeicanRivalry.com's Scholar-Athletes of the Year … Brother, Justin, enrolled at Southeastern for the spring semester and will compete in spring practice.
 
Justin Barksdale – OL – 6-3 – 290 – Courtland, Miss. – Northeast Mississippi CC – South Panola HS
Spent past two seasons at Northeast Mississippi Community College … Started every game at left tackle as a sophomore … First team MACJC All-State performer ... Currently enrolled at Southeastern and will participate in spring practice.
 
Antreon Bennett – LB – 6-0 – 225 – West Point, Miss. – Holmes CC – West Point HS
Spent two seasons at Holmes Community College … Tallied 51 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery … Standout performer at West Point High School … Currently enrolled at Southeastern and will participate in spring practice.
 
Jacob Bordelon – WR – 6-2 – 190 – River Ridge, La. – John Curtis HS
Led John Curtis High School with 19 catches for 288 yards and five touchdowns … Scored a 20-yard touchdown in 2014 state championship … Helped team to 34-4 record, two state championships and 2012 national championship during prep career.
 
Tyler Boudreaux – OL – 6-6 – 296 – Mandeville, La. – Mandeville HS
Standout performer at Mandeville High School … Coached by Guy Lecompte at MHS.
 
George Brister – LB – 6-1 – 220 – Covington, La. – Covington HS
Posted 55 tackles as a senior at Covington High School … Represented the East in the All-American Bowl Game Classic … Played safety at CHS, but projects as college linebacker … Also plays basketball and runs track at Covington.
 
Kyandre Brooks – WR – 6-1 – 215 – Denham Springs, La. – Denham Springs HS
Caught 34 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns as a senior at Denham Springs High School … Coached by Dru Nettles ... Played in the Red Stick Bowl all-star game following senior season.
 
Javon Conner – WR – 5-10 – 170 – New Orleans, La. – Landry-Walker HS
Split time between wide receiver and running back at Landry-Walker High School … Also stars on LWHS track team … Helped team to state quarterfinals as a senior. 
 
Larry Cutbirth – QB – 6-5 – 215 – Fontana, Calif. – Citrus College – Etwanda HS
In two years at Citrus College, amassed 4,972 passing yards, 45 touchdowns and 18 interceptions … threw for 2,479 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions as a freshman … Posted 2,513 yards passing with 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in sophomore campaign … Led National Division Central Conference in yards per game and was second in passing touchdowns in 2014 …  All-State and All-CIF selections as a senior at Etwanda High School … Earned All-Inland Empire honors and All-Baseline League honors in each of final two seasons at EHS.
 
Malcolm Dedrick – RB – 6-0 – 185 – Lakeland, La. – Livonia HS
Helped Livonia to first-ever state championship as a senior … Scored two touchdowns in 43-14 victory over Amite in title game … Played both linebacker and running back for coach Guy Mistretta at LHS … First team All-State running back as a senior … District 5-3A Offensive Player of the Year for 2014 … Carried 302 times for 2,158 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior.
 
Miki Fangatua – DL – 6-0 – 290 – Wailuku, Hawaii – Riverside City College – H.P. Baldwin HS
Led Riverside City College with nine sacks and two fumble recoveries as a sophomore … Also posted 44 tackles (24 solo) and 11.5 tackles for loss … Earned CCCAA All-America honors … Prepped at H.P. Baldwin High School, where he was also one of Hawaii's top high school performers in both the shot put and discus.
 
William "Snoop" French – WR – 5-9 – 180 – Miami Gardens, Fla. – Dodge City CC – Carol City HS
Accounted for 1,350 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore at Dodge City Community College … Led team with four touchdown receptions as a freshman at DCCC … Averaged 15 yards a catch and had seven touchdowns as a senior at Carol City High School.
 
Jacorey Fuller – DB – 6-0 – 170 – Shreveport, La. – Calvary Baptist Academy
Helped Calvary Baptist to consecutive state championships … Posted 60 tackles, four interceptions and four forced fumbles as a senior … Part of state championship 4x400 relay team.
 
Diego Griffin – DB – 6-3 – 180 – New Orleans, La. – Lusher HS
Standout wide receiver and defensive back at Lusher High School … Also a member of the LHS track and field team, competing in hurdles, long jump, high jump and relays … Cousin is Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III.
 
Reggie Harris – OL – 6-3 – 310 – Killeen, Texas – Trinity Valley JC – Killeen HS
First team NJCAA All-American as a sophomore at Trinity Valley Junior College … All-State and All-District performer at Killeen High School.
 
Tyler Hasson – DB – 6-1 – 185 – Amite, La. – Oak Forest Academy
Helped Oak Forest Academy to AAA Academy Division II state championship, starting at quarterback and defensive back … Rushed for 156 yards and three touchdowns, while also intercepting two passes in 37-12 victory over Starkville Academy in state title game … First team All-MAIS defensive back as a senior. 
 
Harrison Heim – K/P – 5-10 – 170 – Tomball, Texas – Tomball HS
Rated one of the top high school kickers in the nation out of Tomball High School … First team All-State linebacker as a senior in addition to handling kicking and punting duties … Brother Jared (Southeastern Oklahoma A&M) and father Jerome (Sam Houston State) were college kickers and punters … Currently enrolled at Southeastern and will participate in spring practice.
 
Will Hines – DB – 6-1 – 190 – Waco, Texas – Arkansas – Waco HS
Played during the 2012 and 2013 seasons at Arkansas, before redshirting in 2014 … During his time in Fayetteville, he started 15 of 19 games … Recorded 46 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery during his two seasons with the Razorbacks … Rated No. 32 and No. 43 by Rivals.com and Scout.com, respectively, nationally at his position coming out of Waco High School.
 
James "Turner" Jackson – WR – 5-9 – 178 – Fontana, Calif. – Pasadena City College – A.B. Miller HS
Led Pasadena City College with 55 catches for 973 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore ... Finished his junior college career with 71 catches (eighth in school history) for 1,101 yards (ninth in school history) in 16 games … Earned SFCA All-National Northern Conference in 2014 … Prepped at A.B. Miller High School.
 
J.T. Jackson – QB – 6-4 – 205 – Monroe, La. – Neville HS
Helped Neville High School to state title as a senior in his first season as starting quarterback … Threw for 155 yards and two touchdowns in 28-27 win over Warren Easton in state title game … Second Team All-District 2-4A selection … Coached at NHS by Mickey McCarthy.
 
Ivory Jenkins – WR – 5-8 – 155 – Harvey, La. – West Jefferson HS
Played wide receiver and quarterback as a senior at West Jefferson High School … Coached by Kevin Fox.
 
Demareyeh Lane – DB – 5-10 – 191 – Oakland, Calif. – Laney College – Castro Valley HS
Spent his freshman season at Laney College … Finished with 40 tackles, one interception, one fumble return for a touchdown and a sack … Standout running back and linebacker for Castro Valley High School … Also was a wing on the basketball team … Currently enrolled at Southeastern and will participate in spring practice.
 
Davonte McMillan – LB – 5-10 – 225 – Port Arthur, Texas – Trinity Valley JC – Port Arthur Memorial HS
Posted 101 tackles, five sacks and two fumble recovers as a sophomore at Trinity Valley Junior College … Was named one of Houston Chronicle's Top Impact Defenders after recording 120 tackles (18 for loss) and eight sacks as a senior at Port Arthur Memorial High School … Named Defensive MVP of the Southeast Texas Ford Dealers' All-Star Classic.
 
Kristian Megowan – OL – 6-4 – 280 – Thousand Oaks, Calif. – College of the Canyons – Moorpark HS
Played two seasons at College of the Canyons … Played for three years at Moorpark High School…named first-team all-league and second-team all-Ventura County.
 
Solomon Parker – DL – 6-0 – 290 – Stone Mountain, Ga. – Georgia Military Institute – Stone Mountain HS
Posted 19 tackles and a sack last season at Georgia Military Institute .. recorded a sack and a fumble recovery as a freshman … Three-year starter at Stone Mountain High School … All-Region selection as a senior.
 
Ryan Ramirez – TE – 6-5 – 250 – Pomona, Calif. – Riverside City College – Bonita HS
Caught six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown last season at Riverside City College ... Hacienda All-League defensive lineman at Bonita High School … Also an All-Area selection on the BHS basketball team.
 
Gary Sampson – LB – 6-2 – 240 – Covington, La. – Northlake Christian School
Averaged 10 tackles and two sacks per game as a junior at Northlake Christian School ... Class 2A All-State performer as a senior … 2014 District 7/8-2A Defensive MVP … Also made second team All-District as a tight end … Also was a standout thrower on the NCS track and field team.
 
Roderick Simon – OL – 6-3 – 313 – New Orleans, La. – Landry-Walker HS
Standout offensive lineman at Landry-Walker High School … Played on the Orleans Parish team for the Lake Ponchartrain All-Star Classic.
 
Tre' Spann – DB – 6-1 – 185 – Southaven, Miss. – DeSoto Central HS
Multi-sport performer at DeSoto Central High School ... Excels on the baseball diamond and basketball court in addition to the gridiron ... Played on the North in the Mississippi Association of Coaches Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game.
 
Javon Tillman – DB – 6-2 – 180 – Oakland, Calif. – Sierra College – San Leandro HS
Led conference with three interceptions as a sophomore at Sierra College … Added 56 tackles, three sacks and two interception returns for touchdowns … As a freshman, intercepted three passes to go with 47 tackles, a forced fumble and 3.5 tackles for loss … Prepped at San Leandro High School … Also was a sprinter on the SLHS track and field team … Currently enrolled at Southeastern and will compete in spring practice.
 
Kurrell Vaughn – DL – 6-3 – 270 – Shreveport, La. – Calvary Baptist Academy
Helped Calvary Baptist to consecutive Class 2A state championships … Class 2A All-State selection as a senior … First team District 1-2A selection in 2014 … Anchor of the team's defensive line.
 
Ivy Wall – P – 6-0 – 155 - Amite, La. – Oak Forest Academy
Handled kicking and punting duties for the AAA Academy Division II state champions … Second Team All-MAIS selection … Two-star recruit by 247Sports.com.
 
Latrone Williams – DB – 5-10 – 173 – Denham Springs, La. – St. Helena Central HS
Split time between wide receiver and defensive back at St. Helena Central High School … All-District performer at wide receiver … Also plays guard on the SHCHS basketball team.
 
Willard "Trent" Williams – DL – 6-2 – 290 – Riverside, Calif. – Citrus College – Jurupa Valley HS
Two-time SFCA All-Conference selection at Citrus College … Last season, finished with 42 tackles and three tackles for loss … All-River Valley selection on both the offensive and defensive lines at Jurupa Valley High School … Currently enrolled at Southeastern and will participate in spring practice.
 
Louis Wings – DL – 6-2 – 280 – Marrero, La. – West Jefferson HS
Standout defensive lineman at West Jefferson High School … Rated No. 19 senior in Louisiana by Nola.com … Three-star recruit according to Rivals.com.