HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana football team opened its third week of spring with a spirited practice Tuesday afternoon at Strawberry Stadium, which was followed by a special visit from one of their own.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford, a Hammond native who starred for the Lions from 2009-12, spoke to the team following the team’s seventh practice of the spring.
Alford discussed with the team the importance of believing in themselves and not allowing doubters to tell them that they can’t achieve their goals. Alford, who finished his degree at SLU in December 2012 before being selected in the second round by the Falcons in the 2013 NFL Draft, also stressed to the Lions the importance of finishing their college education.
Southeastern first-year head coach Frank Scelfo said Alford provides a great role model for his current student-athletes.
“Robert is a shining example of a young man from right here in Hammond, who made the most of his opportunity as a student-athlete at Southeastern,” Scelfo said. “We’re so thankful that Robert is willing to give back and he’s one of so many of our student-athletes who have left SLU to go on to do great things. We encourage all of our alumni to be a part of this program and provide our young men examples of what they can become.”
Scelfo has been pleased by the steady growth he’s seen from his team through the first seven practices.
“The understanding of what we’re doing and the tempo we expect to practice has improved greatly,” Scelfo said. “Now guys aren’t having to think as much and that’s helped our energy. We’re seeing guys playing instinctively and just flying around and making plays.”
During the team portion of drills, the defensive effort was highlighted by interceptions by Matthew Wright and Keith Benjamin. Long receptions by Nih-jer Jackson, C.J. Turner and Darren Johnson, along with a hard-nosed run by Delmonte Hall that saw the sophomore pancake several would-be tacklers were among the offensive standout plays.
“We’re seeing really good give-and-take between the offense and defense,” Scelfo commented. “The defensive will make a good play and the offense will respond, then the defense comes right back at them. We’re not seeing one side dominate, which is good and we’ve also been pleased to see how both sides have responded when the other side makes a big play.”
Southeastern will close out week three of spring practice with a 4 p.m. workout on Thursday at Strawberry Stadium. Following Thursday’s practice, SLU will take off for Spring Break before returning to the field on April 10 at 4 p.m. The annual Spring Game is set for 2 p.m. on April 21 as part of Super Lion Saturday.
2018 Southeastern Louisiana Football Spring Schedule
All practices at Strawberry Stadium
Thursday, March 29 – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 10 – 4 p.m.
Thursday, April 12 – 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 14 – 10 a.m.
Tuesday, April 17 – 4 p.m.
Thursday, April 19 – 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 21 – 2 p.m. (Spring Game)
