HAMMOND, La.  – With nearly every team on its 2019 schedule featuring a returning starting quarterback, the Southeastern Louisiana Lions head into the coming season knowing it needs a large contribution from its secondary in order to be successful.
 
No position on the SLU roster has seen as many additions during the offseason than the defensive backs. The new additions combine with a solid returning nucleus to raise expectations for the back end of the Lion defense.
 
The Lions' top returner in the secondary is Xavier Lewis, who earned honorable mention All-Southland Conference accolades in his debut season in Hammond after transferring from LSU. Lewis is one of three senior returners in the secondary, along with Tre' Spann and Dejion Lynch, that provide leadership for the Southeastern defensive backs.
 
"Xavier's someone whose understanding of our scheme has really improved since he's been here," Southeastern secondary coach Tarence Calais commented. "We can use X in a variety of ways, because of his ability on the ball, defending the run and as a blitzer. Tre' and Dejion are doing a good job of bringing our young guys along. We can count on them to do the right things and know their roles within our defense."
 
A pair of sophomores – Donniel Ward-Magee and Ferlando Jordan – have consistently earned praise through fall camp from head coach Frank Scelfo and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry for their improvements.
 
"Donniel has matured on and off the field for us," Calais said. "He's helping us get lined up correctly, taking pride in what he's doing and has really taken well to Coach Guidry's scheme. Ferlando has tightened up his technique and we expect him to be a dynamic player for us as a sophomore."
 
Both Matt Wright and Marcell Selmon Jr. return after injury-marred 2018 to give Southeastern more options. Calais also cited Justin Douglas, Shawntrez Spates, Derek Turner II, Patrick Johnson and Dontrell Smith, among others, as expected contributors to an improved secondary unit.
 
"We believe we're up to the task this year," Calais said. "I'm really pleased with the excitement and energy we're playing with right now. We're not flinching and attacking whatever's thrown at us. It's been enjoyable to watch our guys grow and I'm looking forward to watching this group compete week-in and week-out."
 
The opening game of the 2019 season is a week away, as No. 6 Jacksonville State visits Strawberry Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m. Next Thursday's game against the Gamecocks will also be Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day at Strawberry Stadium. All SLU faculty and staff can receive two complimentary tickets by presenting their Southeastern faculty/staff ID.
 
To avoid ticket lines, faculty and staff are encouraged to pick up their tickets prior to game day at the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office, which is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Friday. On game day, tickets may be picked up at the ticket booths in Friendship Circle or Strawberry Stadium. 
 
SEASON TICKETS
For season ticket information, please contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net/tickets. The Lions open their home schedule versus No. 6 Jacksonville State on Aug. 29, before welcoming Southland Conference foes Lamar (Sept. 21), UIW (Oct. 12), Stephen F. Austin (Nov. 2) and Nicholls (Nov. 21).
 
2019 PROMOTIONS
For full details on promotions surrounding the Southeastern Louisiana football team's 2019 home schedule visit www.LionSports.net/FootballPromos.
 
INSIDE SOUTHEASTERN FOOTBALL WITH FRANK SCELFO
Inside Southeastern Football With Frank Scelfo will debut on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at Tope La Catering in downtown Hammond. Hosted by Scelfo, the Lions' second-year head coach, and Allen Waddell, the hour-long show will air weekly from Tope La Catering, located at 113 East Thomas Street. The season's first show will air on Tuesday due to Labor Day. The season's remaining shows will be held each Monday through Nov. 18 with a 7 p.m. start for each. The show will air on the Southeastern Sports Radio Network (KSLU-FM (90.9), Kajun 107.1 FM, The Highway 104.7 FM and The Boss 103.7 FM/1400 AM). Fans can also listen live at www.LionSports.net/listenlive and via the Radio FX and TuneIn Radio apps. A live video stream of the show will be available at www.youtube.com/sluathletics.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Football, follow @SLUFootball and @Coach_Scelfo on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.
 
TOUCHDOWN CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the football program are encouraged to join the Touchdown Club. Lion football alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Touchdown Club and S Club (football) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern football program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics instituted a clear bag policy for all ticketed events, effective with the start of the 2018 football season. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.