HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University defense a speedy group of linebackers that has combined for 228 career tackles heading into the 2025 season.
 
"We're excited about our linebackers and what they bring to the table," SLU head football coach Frank Scelfo commented. "We've had success with guys who can run on that side of the ball and we're pleased with the quality depth we have at linebacker. We feel good about the athleticism and physicality at that position."
 
The top returning linebacker for the Lions is KK Reno. The New Iberia, Louisiana native earned All-Southland Conference honors last fall, finishing with a team-high 94 tackles and three forced fumbles.
 
Reno came to the Southeastern program after playing running back and safety at Catholic-New Iberia High School.
 
"When KK got here, he started putting on weight, so we moved him down into the box," Scelfo said. "He has great football instincts and a knack for finding the football, so he was a natural playmaker for us at the linebacker position."
 
"I actually played quarterback when I was young," Reno commented. "So, I was used to reading the field, which I think helped me transition to the linebacker, because now I'm reading the field again – just from the opposite way."
 
While Scelfo touted Reno's development as a player, he's been even more impressed with Reno's continued growth as a person, considering the veteran one of SLU's leaders.
 
"Our coaches don't just develop us as players, they develop as men," Reno said. "They spoke to me like a man and helped show me the right way to do things and helped me grow a lot.
 
"As far as being a leader, I don't see myself as an outspoken guy," Reno continued. "I just try to lead by example and play my best."
 
Reno is one of many SLU linebackers Scelfo lauded for their effort during fall camp.
 
"Jordan Okoye has had a really good camp," Scelfo stated. "His athleticism and physicality have really stood out. Justin Dumas has been steady for us throughout his career. Jirrea Johnson Jr. might be the most improved player on our defense. He's at the right place all the time and has taken his game to a different level.
 
"Kyle Cannon and Stiles Guidry just keeping getting better with experience," Scelfo added. "Another valuable thing about our linebackers is they're all big-time contributors for us on special teams."
 
Reno said the linebackers and the entire roster relish the opportunity to contribute on special teams.
 
"The best ability is availability," Reno commented. "Our entire team has the attitude that whenever we step on the field, whether it's defense or special teams, we all just play whatever role will make our team better.
 
"We have a tight brotherhood within our linebacker room," Reno concluded. "I've felt that was in place when I got here and had been established by the guys before us, so we've tried to keep that going. We're doing everything we can in our room to better each other."
 
Southeastern returns to the practice field Monday at 9 a.m. SLU opens the 2025 campaign Aug. 30 with a 6:30 p.m. contest at Louisiana Tech. The Lions open their five-game home schedule Sept. 13, hosting Mississippi Valley State at 6 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium.
 
TICKETS
For ticket information, contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net. Southeastern will continue offering mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets. All tickets will be available via e-mail or text message in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Football, follow @LionUpFootball and @Coach_Scelfo on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow lionupfootball on Instagram.
 
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 observes a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.