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Fresh Off Falcons Win, Rob Ryan Does College Football Saturday “Louisiana Style”

By Gene Higginbotham

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It was a pleasant night in Hammond, LA. for Southeastern Louisiana University’s homecoming game against Stephen F. Austin on Saturday night, although the outcome wasn’t with a heartbreaking 28-27 loss for the Lions.

Amongst the crowd a familiar face was spotted by Allen Wadell of local radio station WWL 870 AM’s Allstate Sugar Bowl Prep Football Roundup, New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

Now whether Ryan was simply there to take in the festivities (he has been known to party from time to time), couldn’t get a ticket to the LSU-Florida game right up the road in Baton Rouge, or was just doing a bit of scouting; is merely speculating — since his position with the Saints has been shaky at the very least with rumors of him possibly even being let go before the season was finished.

Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan against the New England Patriots during the second quarter of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints have not drafted a player from SLU in it’s history or have signed one as an undrafted free agent although they have invited some in seasons past to their rookie tryout camps.

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One player that might be on the radar for not just the Saints but other teams in the NFL from SLU is cornerback Harlan Miller who in the past three seasons has accumulated 10 interceptions with three of those in just six games so far.

The only knock scouts might have with him is his size which at 6-1, 180 pounds is something teams are trying to get away from with bigger corners to match the bigger receivers of other teams but regardless he’s getting some buzz.

Still it would be a great situation for Miller who is a local native of Kentwood to continue his football career with the Saints possibly.

Another cornerback for the Lions that could be getting a look is Denzel Thompson(6-3, 200) who has seven interceptions since 2012 with a career high of four last year although he has yet to snag one this season.

Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

A former Lion that got away from the Saints was Robert Alford who was heavily scouted by teams like the New England Patriots and was ultimately taken in the second round in the 2013 NFL Draft with the 60th overall pick by division rival, the Atlanta Falcons.

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Of course in fairness to the Saints they could have possibly chosen Alford but had their second round pick forfeited as part of the punishment for Bountygate.

Ironically in the first game of his NFL career, Alford picked off quarterback Drew Brees on a pass intended for receiver Marques Colston that was heavily covered by Alford.

He has seven total interceptions for his career so far including a game winner in overtime against the Washington Redskins this past Sunday.

Alford was also in attendance at the homecoming game last night and was recognized during the game with the highlight of his interception played on the video scoreboard.

Former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was at the game as well to take in the sights but mainly to visit with family.

Williams’ son, Blake, is the defensive coordinator for SLU and as many remember was also on the defensive coaching staff with his father in New Orleans from 2009-2011….

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