From 2016 to 2019, Nicholls improved from 5-6 to 8-4 to 9-4 to 9-5. Leading the way at quarterback was four-year starter Chase Fourcade, who earned honors like 2016 HERO Sports Freshman All-American, 2018 Southland Conference Player of the Year, and 2019 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
While the Colonels had key All-Conference First Team guys coming back on offense this season like RB Julien Gums, WR Dai’Jean Dixon, and OL PJ Burkhalter, the question was what this team looks like without its longtime starting QB.
Lindsey Scott Jr. has answered those questions in a hurry.
Yes, while the first two opponents are two of the weaker ones on the schedule — D2 Lincoln University of Missouri and Lamar, who went 2-7 in the Southland in 2019 — the offense looks like it will be more explosive than recent years with Scott making plays with his arm and legs.
Nicholls won its season-opener 87-3 and then beat Lamar 55-0. Scott has gone a combined 28-of-35 passing for 385 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The 5-foot-11, 220-pounder has also rushed 16 times for 148 yards (9.25 YPC) and four touchdowns.
Not convinced because of the opponents? Scott’s background will show just how much potential he has to be a top QB in the FCS.
The path to get to Nicholls was a winding one. Named the 2015 Gatorade Louisiana Football Player of the Year and ranked a three-star recruit out of high school, Scott signed with LSU and redshirted in 2016. He then transferred to East Mississippi Community College of Last Chance U fame and led EMCC to an 11-1 record and the 2017 NJCAA national championship.
Ranked by 247 as the second-best QB prospect from the junior college level, Scott signed with Missouri in 2018 and served as the scout team QB that season. In 2019, he transferred to Nicholls and sat out due to transfer rules while learning under Fourcade.
The journey was worth it, as Scott looks to be the guy to continue Nicholls’ ascension in the FCS national picture. The Colonels are currently ranked No. 7 in the Stats Perform Top 25.
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