Local flavor permeates Bayou Classic

While the series between Grambling and Southern actually began in 1932, the first Bayou Classic took place in 1974 at Tulane Stadium.

With the opening of the Superdome in 1975, the game moved to that location.

Having played in New Orleans for over four decades, it is only fitting that Grambling and Southern have come to the New Orleans area and throughout the state of Louisiana to recruit heavily over the years.

This year is no exception.

The respective rosters of the two teams reflects the effort to bring in players from the New Orleans area and reflects the power of high school football in Louisiana.

Grambling has 46 players from Louisiana, including seven from the New Orleans area while Southern features 62 players from Louisiana, including 21 from the Greater New Orleans Area.

The Tigers have defensive back Dedcrick Shy and wide receiver Darrell Clark of Warren Easton, linebacker Najee Gordon and offensive lineman William Jefferson of McMain, offensive lineman Ronald Evans, Jr. of Carver, wide receiver Albion Ford of Holy Cross and New Orleans native Alexander Blunt.

The Jaguars have quarterback Austin Howard and wide receiver Keith Miller of West St. John, running backs Tevin Horton and Devon Benn, along with defensive back Arvin Huff of John Curtis Christian, defensive back Kaycee Ntukogu of Karr, running back Herbert Edwards and offensive lineman August Walker of St. Augustine, linebacker Danshawn Jenkins of De La Salle, defensive back Jamar Mitchell of Mandeville and safety Jakobi Jones of Archbishop Rummel.

Other area players include linebacker Keyshawn Acker of John Ehret, linebacker Calvin Lunkins and defensive end Tyran Nash of Warren Easton, defensive end Jahmal Tillman of Helen Cox, wide receiver Chuck Baker of Slidell, tight end Tedric White of Riverdale, wide receiver James Howard and offensive lineman Dallas Black of McMain, defensive lineman Dylan Walker of Brother Martin and defensive lineman Joe Davis of Clark.

Based on the relative proximity of Grambling and Southern to New Orleans, it is obvious why Southern recruits the metro area more than Grambling, which recruits more in north and central Louisiana.

Regardless, the two outstanding programs provide a great opportunity and wonderful showcase for student-athletes from throughout the state.