Patterson High receiver Kyler "K.J." Paul, wearing the bowtie, signed a letter of intent on Wednesday to attend Nicholls State with a football scholarship. Shown with him are family members Chasity Paul, Kiera Paul, Samarick Paul, Carmichael Paul, Tranden Hawkins, Kionda Antoine, Ciana Hawkins, Stacy Antoine, Courtney Williams and Latrina Benjamin.
Patterson High linebacker Lonnie Kinchen, seated in the black shirt, signed a letter of commitment on Wednesday to attend Nicholls State. Also shown are Lonnie Kinchen Sr., Shantell Kinchen, Geraldine Morris, Madison Jones, Destiny Jones, Howard Kinchen, Sharee Jones, Corey Morris and Joe Jones.
UPDATED: Nicholls State stocks up on Lumberjacks
When Patterson High football standouts Lonnie Kinchen and Kyler “K.J.” Paul picked a college, family was part of the decision — their families in St. Mary, and the football family they hope to join.
Receiver Paul and linebacker Kinchen signed letters Wednesday to declare their intent to play football for Nicholls State.
Paul signed a letter of intent and will attend Nicholls with a full scholarship. He hopes to study sports medicine.
Kinchen signed a letter of commitment to attend Nicholls and walk on. He’s interested in physical therapy and engineering.
Why Nicholls?
“It was a family atmosphere,” Paul said.
“I wanted to be near the family and I wanted to be part of my brothers,” Kinchen said.
Kinchen also likes the way the Nicholls staff interacts with the players.
“They’ve got a great bond,” Kinchen said.
The staff talked about putting the 6-foot, 200-pound Kinchen at linebacker or strong safety.
Kinchen was a leader on defense for 7-4 Patterson, said head coach Zach Lochard, who worked with members of the current Nicholls coaching staff at UL Lafayette.
Joining Lochard on the Patterson staff are offensive coordinator Garrett Kreamer and defensive coordinator Tremaine Lightfoot.
Kinchen led the team in tackles for two years and averaged 10 a game last fall, when he called the plays for the Patterson defense.
“He’s a hard worker with great character and great focus,” Lochard said. “He was like a coach on the football field. He was never late for a workout or missed a workout.”
Paul has 4.47 speed, Lochard said, and Paul said the Nicholls staff talked about starting him on special teams, “getting me in the open field, getting the ball in my hands and letting me be an athlete.”
During his senior season at Patterson High, Paul caught 43 passes for 801 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. He piled up 189 kick-off return yards and three return TDs.
“He’s the best athlete in the parish in my opinion,” Lochard said. “On the football field and on the basketball court, he’s just a dynamic playmaker.”
Under head coach Tim Rebowe, Nicholls won four of its last five games in 2021 to finish 6-5 and third in the Southland Conference.
“I’m happy,” Kinchen said. “It’s a blessing — D-1 football. I’m just glad God put me in a position to play D-1 football.”