Former Southeastern Louisiana standout Joe Graves is in his second season with the Lions’ football coaching staff as an assistant coach. Graves oversees the team’s running backs.
Graves’ top charge in his debut season was sophomore running back Julius Maracalin. Under his guidance, Maracalin earned second team All-Southland Conference honors. The Plaquemine, Louisiana native rushed for 747 yards and eight touchdowns to lead the Lions in 2016.
Graves is one of the most decorated student-athletes from head coach Ron Roberts’ Southeastern tenure. The Covington, Louisiana native was a three-year starter on the offensive line for the Lions and earned All-Southland Conference honors each of his final three seasons, helping SLU to Southland Conference championships in 2013 and 2014.
In addition to his production on the field, Graves was also lauded for his academic performance. He was twice named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team and was a three-time Southland Conference All-Academic selection. As a junior, Graves earned a spot of the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team.
Graves graduated from SLU with a bachelor’s degree in history in May 2016.
