Hurricane Katrina forced many New Orleanians westward to Texas, taking their talents and culture across the Sabine River.
Few probably know that, this year, we’ve experienced an exodus of football talent—much to the delight of a small Historically Black College in Northeast Texas.
Founded in 1864, Texas College, with a current enrollment of 600, has had its share of gridiron success. It was a founding member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in 1920, years before Southern or Grambling joined the conference.
However, recent years haven’t been kind to the Steers from Tyler, Texas. The 2023 season ended with a disappointing 1 win and 9 losses.
Enter Texas College assistant coach Nathaniel Jones, a New Orleans native and football veteran with deep knowledge of local talent. He went to work to turn things around.
The 2024 edition of the Texas College Steers has quickly flipped the script, thanks in part to the addition of 11 freshmen from 10 New Orleans high schools and one from Tangipahoa Parish.
After last Saturday’s 28-7 victory over Sooner Athletic Conference rival Nelson (TX), the NAIA school finished the season with an impressive 8-3 record. The infusion of Crescent City talent is one reason why.
“Everyone that came in wanted to change the culture and turn this thing around,” said Terrill “TJ” Franklin, a defensive back from St. Augustine High School. “We are a different breed; we are hungry, and we like to work.”
Franklin, a psychology major, had 3 interceptions this season, including a 75-yard pick-six in the regular season finale against Nelson.
Coach Jones, who previously served as head football coach at both his alma mater, Edna Karr High School, and St. Augustine High School, knows the area well. He also knows how to sell the small-school experience to a generation that often values large schools and constant media coverage.
“I tell them we’re in the transfer portal era,” Jones explained. “You can come here, make plays, and if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll help you. I’ll be honest—if I think you should move on, I’ll support you. But some kids get lost in the portal. It’s like Neverland.”
Greg Donaldson, a former quarterback at Warren Easton High School in New Orleans, admits he’d never heard of Texas College until Coach Jones approached him. He wasn’t happy when he arrived and was told he’d be playing wide receiver.
But Donaldson has successfully made the switch. In 11 games, he has caught 18 passes for 343 yards and 8 touchdowns—averaging a remarkable 19 yards per reception.
“Quarterback was what I loved to do, but I had to do what was best to help the team,” Donaldson said. “I already knew the plays, so the switch was easy. I just had to transfer my quarterback skills to receiver. I worked on a few additional skill sets to be successful.”
Donaldson is joined by three fellow Easton Eagles: Quarterback Kendrick Connelly, who has completed 90 of 173 passes for 1,374 yards and 13 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions; and special teams contributors Logan Evans and Christopher Isidore.
There are also two former Livingston Collegiate Wolves, Walander Craig and Leonard Bermudez, along with Charon Burton, a defensive end from Booker T. Washington; linebacker Troy Williams from De La Salle; defensive back Joshua Amacker from John F. Kennedy; and wide receiver Kevante Carter from Kentwood, Louisiana.
Coach Jones says the contributions of the New Orleanians go beyond their on-field talent.
“Because of the competition level in New Orleans, these kids are accustomed to competing at a high level, and that helps them when they reach the next level. They’re tough, confident, and hardworking.”
Jones continued, “They’ve come in with the mentality that they are here, and they’re supposed to be here to change the mentality—not just in games but in practice. Their teammates see it and feel it.”
An infusion of New Orleans football talent is nothing new. Former Tulane head coach and New Orleans Saints receivers coach Curtis Johnson often recruited from the Crescent City during his time as an assistant coach at the collegiate level.
When Johnson recruited Marshall Faulk to San Diego State, the Pro Football Hall of Famer was joined by a host of other New Orleanians. Johnson repeated the feat at the University of Miami, where he recruited the likes of Ed Reed, Reggie Wayne, and others.
“You’ve got to give credit to the New Orleans high school coaches,” Johnson said. “Jerry Phillips (Easton), Brice Brown (Karr), Lynaris Elpheage (Kennedy)—I rely on what they tell me about kids, and they’re always honest.”
Perhaps the reason for all this talent lies in the environment.
“There’s just something in that bayou water,” Jones concludes.
