February 5, 2005

Four Tigers, Wildcat sign on Signing Day

By Eric LeBlanc
Sports Editor
(Photos by ERIC LEBLANC & CLAUDE ADAMS / Design by KEVIN ORGERON)

While in neighboring St. John Parish, the national news media was focused on the revealing of the destination of East St. John quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, there was little suspense in St. Charles Parish because four of the five signees had already made verbal commitments to their chosen schools.

All that was left was to confirm those commitments in writing. But that did not make the day any less special for those five young men.

The only surprise of the day was that Hahnville linebacker Brandon Sam, who was ineligible this season because he turned 19 before the cut-off date, signed with Grambling State University.

Hahnville defensive lineman Rashad Roussel signed with the University of West Virginia. Destrehan running back Chris Bullock signed with Bowling Green State University. Tiger defensive end Chris Lanaux signed with the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. And Tiger quarterback Bryant Lee signed with Southern University.

Destrehan basketball player Amber Eugene was also honored in the ceremony. She had already signed with the University of Southern Mississippi during the early signing period.

Roussel chose West Virginia because he loved it after his official visit. “The coach did a great job of recruiting me, plus my best friend Darius [Reynaud] is up there,” said Roussel.

Bullock picked Bowling Green because he said that they wanted him the most. “They have the same kind of offense and I’ll get a good education there,” he said. Bullock plans to major in architecture.

Lanaux chose Louisiana-Lafayette because he wanted to go somewhere that really wanted him. “When the head coach came to my house, that sealed it for me,” he said.

Southern was the choice for Lee because he says he felt at home there. “I have family there and the coaches were great,” he said. Lee plans to major in sports medicine.

Sam picked Grambling because of its family atmosphere. He was also very grateful that he was able to get a scholarship after having to sit out his senior year. “It feels great,” he said. “It doesn’t happen to many that have to sit out their last year. But I’m glad that I’m going to get an education and get to play at the next level.” Sam plans to major in sports medicine.

Eugene cited closeness to home as one of the main reasons she chose Southern Miss. “My older brother Jaszmine goes to college in Mississippi and I’ll be close to everyone,” she said. Eugene also plans to major in sports medicine.

At the beginning of the event, the students were congratulated by School Board Member Alfred Green and Superintendent Dr. Rodney Lafon.

“You guys have hit the lottery today. And some people who hit the lottery blow it and end up in the same situation before they won,” said Lafon. “But you need to take advantage of it. This is a wonderful opportunity for you.”

Eric LeBlanc can be reached at EricL@heraldguide.com or at (985) 758-2795, ext. 219.