To be able to take your talent to the next level is a dream that all athletes have, especially those that are passionate about the sport that they play.
Such is the case for Villle Platte High standout gridiron warrior Jaishaun Doucet.
Doucet has inked his commitment to bring his talent to Pineville beginning in 2018, as he will now don the uniform of the Louisiana College Wildcats.
“I am very excited about having the opportunity to play at Louisiana College,” commented Doucet. “I am grateful to Coach Justin Charles for believing in me and giving me the chance to continue my career. I am going over there to work hard and hopefully contribute to the team in any way I can.”
Doucet had plenty of looks from other colleges across the state, including McNeese, Northwestern State, Louisiana Tech, UL-M and Southern. But, when it came down to it, Doucet took the offer and opportunity that Charles gave him.
“Louisiana College was the first one to offer me,” said Doucet. “(Assitant) Coach Mike Richard came and talked to me my sophomore year about possibly going over there. I was just waiting for an offer. Then, Coach Charles came and talked to me after this season, he told me that he wanted me to come play for him. So, I jumped at the chance.”
At Ville Platte High, Doucet was one of those rare athletes who could play just about any position that was asked of him. As a junior, Doucet played quarterback and running back, as well as defensive back. During that 2016 campaign, Doucet rushed for 660 yards on 113 carries and scored 10 touchdowns, proving himself enough to be named to the all-district and all-parish first team.
As a senior, Doucet was plagued with injury but gave a good enough effort on the defensive side of the ball to earn a spot as a flex player on the District 6-2A defensive first team.
“I felt my senior year was going to be my break out year,” said Doucet. “But, because of the injuries, I felt I was being held back from doing what I know I am capable of doing. It was just so disappointing to have to go through that.”
Oddly enough, football was not Doucet’s first love, despite having put on the pads since the seventh grade.
“When I was younger, I was more of a basketball player,” stated Doucet. “I really wanted to go play college basketball and ultimately play in the NBA. But, sometimes things change.”
For Doucet, playing football was just a way to carry on a family tradition, as both his father and brother participated in the sport in high school. However, playing at Ville Platte High was more of an incentive for Doucet to be as good as he could be.
“I was originally supposed to go to Pine Prairie,” said Doucet. “But, my brother was already there and people kept coming to me and telling me that my brother was better than me. So, I decided to come to Ville Platte and play against him. I guess I had something to prove to myself and everyone else.”
Even though Doucet would have traveled anywhere to continue his playing career, he is glad that he will be able to be close to home. And, Doucet knows that getting to play in college is a ticket to getting the most important thing in life, an education.
“To be honest, it did not really matter to me how far or where I would have gone to continue playing,” commented Doucet. “The football thing was secondary to me, education is my main priority. The good thing is that Louisiana College is not far, so my family will be able to come and see me play.”
Doucet plans to major in exercise science and then go on to become a physical therapist and to open up his own practice someday.
Because of his ability to play on both sides of the ball, Doucet brings with him the opportunity for the Wildcat coaching staff to utilize his talents in the best way possible. But, for now, according to Doucet, Coach Charles is wanting his athletic ability on the offensive side of the ball.
“For right now, Coach Charles is telling me that I will be playing running back and slot back mostly,” said Doucet. “They were mostly a passing team last few years, but they are wanting to go the running game more next year. They asked me if I wanted to play defense, but I really don’t like to play defense. I feel I am better on offense. But, I will play wherever they need for me to play.”
Regardless of where Doucet plays, Louisiana College knows that they have signed a tremendously talented athlete.
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TRACEY JAGNEAUX