The Saints have signed first round pick, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. The Georgia native had 18 sacks during his career at Louisville. New Orleans also agreed to contract terms with second round draft pick, wide receiver Michael Thomas and seventh round pick, running back Daniel Lasco. All three draftees received four-year contracts. New Orleans also announced the release of former Mississippi State running back Vick Ballard.

LSU has announced that Austin Thomas has returned to the football staff as an assistant athletic director and director of player personnel. Thomas was hired by USC in February after spending the last three years as LSU’s Director of Player Personnel. Coach Les Miles says they are excited to have Thomas back on the staff.

And Northwestern State head men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy is excited to have Jalen West for another season. The NCAA has granted West a sixth year of eligibility after tearing his ACL in the season opener.

LSU shortstop Kramer Robertson left with the team today for its series at Notre Dame, despite a badly swollen upper lip and braces on his top teeth after getting hit with a baseball during the series against Arkansas. Coach Paul Mainieri admires the toughness of his starting shortstop…
cut 18 (17) “….the team”
The Tigers begin a two-game series against the Fighting Irish tomorrow night.

In other college baseball action tomorrow, McNeese state is Baylor for the start of a two-game series, while Louisiana Tech visits Northwestern State.

And Northwestern State will introduce a new women’s basketball coach tomorrow. His name is Jordan Dupuy and he’s served as the associate head coach at Southern Miss. Dupuy is also a Baton Rouge native.