Archbishop Rummel already figured to be one of the top teams in the state this season with a great returning core, but became as hot a topic as any team in the state this month with the addition of senior quarterback Colton Nussmeier.
The Georgia-committed senior, son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and younger brother of former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is one of the nation’s highest-ranked and highest-profile passers in the 2027 class.
And his debut with the Raiders on Wednesday in their annual preseason scrimmage against Ponchatoula provided a glimpse of why his arrival sparked so much conversation and anticipation.
The younger Nussmeier’s performance leading a pair of efficient touchdown drives was among the most significant takeaways from the teams’ dressed rehearsal.
NUSS BUS OFF AND ROLLING
Rummel’s first-team offense appeared to have some anxious energy to work out as it finally took the field for the first highly anticipated look at the group with its new highly touted quarterback. But after a couple initial false starts, the Raiders were quickly clicking their way down the field in a fashion that was certainly intriguing for the season ahead.
Nussmeier completed passes on the first four clean snaps on his way for 5-for-5 on the Raiders’ first set of eight plays and 6-for-8 in his two drives of work, including a touchdown and the two interceptions coming on well-placed throws that were simply well-covered. He also popped a long run up the sideline that showcased his notable athleticism with the ball in his hands, an area of his game in which he’s always taken pride — and joked with his older brother about having a clear edge.
The addition of the 6-foot-3, 200-pound, SEC-committed southpaw potentially unlocks some dimensions the Raiders’ offense hasn’t typically had through the years. And while there are certainly some challenge to working in a new quarterback in a matter of weeks, the early indications are all positive. Nussmeier has been around the game at a high level his entire life and cited his father and brother as helpful resources in helping expedite his grasp of a new offense. He showed confidence and leadership in his demeanor and voice, and his teammates have appeared to embrace him enthusiastically.
LOADED ARSENAL
Nussmeier takes the reins of an offense with a slew of weapons at his disposal. Running back Coryan Hawkins and speedy, versatile back/receiver Jaden Terrance (Tulane) are the best-known returners, and both had big plays in the scrimmage, including Hawkins popping the night’s first end-zone trip.
A pair of juniors in receiver Kirby Cade Jr. and tight end Ja’Marcus Jones, both in the top 100 of Louisiana vs. All Y’all’s class rankings entering the season, helped headline the downfield passing attack with multiple big gains and a touchdown each. Cade had as active a night as anyone from his ability to take quick screens, make defenders miss and take off for yards after catch to his separation and hands down the field. And Jones hauled in one pass and out-ran the defense for the longest play of the night and then later made another nice catch on which he adjusted and corralled a potentially tough throw for a big gain down the middle of the field.
Nussmeier’s arrival also allows senior Nathaniel “Boo” Singleton Jr. to play more of his natural position in the slot, giving the Raiders more top speed on the perimeter, while also being able to still take some wildcat snaps and throw a change-of-pace wrinkle at opposing defenses.
STOUT DEFENSE ONCE AGAIN
The Raiders’ stout defense is a calling card year in and year out, and this year’s group looks likely to be among the state’s best again this fall — as expected with its talented and experienced returners at every level such as defensive lineman Russ Lewis (Nicholls State), linebacker Kingsley Barconey Jr., safety Gavin Cooper Jr. (Ragin’ Cajuns) and cornerbacks Mitchell Harris Jr. (Nicholls State)and Tiras Franklin. The unit generated some pressure up front, flew around the field, tackled well in space, kept almost everything in front of the defense and forced a takeaway or two along the way.
Sophomore linebacker Mason Aguillard was among the younger players who stood out with an interception and solid tackling.
GREEN WAVE’S WALKER a 2028 WR TO WATCH
Ponchatoula’s night was highlighted by a pair of touchdowns among several catches by junior wide receiver Will Walker, who debuted this summer at No. 39 in Louisiana vs. All Y’all’s 2028 class rankings. UNLV, Houston and South Alabama extended offers earlier this year, and those program’s should only be the beginning of the recruiting process with more to follow this school year. He’s every bit of his 6-foot-1, 200-pound listed measurables with a solid build, good speed down the field, the ability to go up over defenders and make tough catches in tight coverage and the body control and strong hand to adjust in the air and make potentially tough catches out away from his body look routine.
PONCHATOULA’S BIG DEFENSIVE FRONT
The Green Wave’s big defensive front was another eye-catching position group on the night with a handful for players 6-feet or taller — in a couple cases, such as William Walker, more in the 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4 range — with strong builds. He, fellow seniors Otis Bennett and Jaylen Westbrook and juniors Dallas Lowe, Zacharia Keith and Christopher Zeno should give Ponchatoula as much size in the trenches as just about anyone, and the group had moments Wednesday in which it was able to generate some push against what figures to be a good Rummel offensive line.
