By ROBERT L. LEE

BATON ROUGE – Former St. James High School standout Corey Webster is currently strapping on his helmet and a full set of pads as he begins practice for his second season with the Louisiana State University Tigers.

The freshman began his college career with the Tigers as a wide receiver, but will switch to the defensive side of the ball as a defensive back next season. Webster said his position on the field does not matter to him, just as long as he can play and benefit the team.

Webster repeatedly referred to his first season with the Tigers as “very exciting” and said playing on the college level took a little time to get used to, but now he feels comfortable running onto the field in purple and gold.

“In the beginning it was a little rocky,” said Webster. “But it is just like any sport. You get used to the roaring crowd and the stadiums, plus we had a real good season.”

He admitted one of the differences about playing on the college level, compared to high school football, is that the hits are much harder. Although, he said he doesn’t mind taking or making a solid hit.

“I took a hard hit against the Florida Gators and it hurt my shoulder, I had to sit down a couple plays,” Webster continued. “I guess it was his way of saying ‘Welcome to college football.'”

When opponents’ defenses weren’t welcoming him with running hits on the field, he said all of the coaches on the Tigers’ staff have fully welcomed him to the team and made his transition easier.

Also alongside his journey into college football and the various cities the Tigers travel to, are Webster’s parents, who have attended every home and away game.

Webster said he enjoys having his parents at the games and said he looks to his parents as role models. His former Wildcat football coach, Rick Gaille, said Webster’s entire family was always involved with both him and the school.

Webster’s parents remarked that they just wanted their son to be a productive citizen and not need to rely on other people, or be in any kind of trouble.

“He is outstanding,” commented Gaille. “He is the kind of person who makes those around him better because of his dependability and conduct, both in the classroom and on the field.”

Despite his rigorous training and playing schedule as a Tiger, Webster said he still manages to find enough time to complete his work for class.

“I find time to study during the day and you have enough time to take it with you and study on the road,” he said. “The only difference is in college you have to make yourself do it. The most important thing is learning time management.”

When his studying is complete, Webster plans to have earned a degree in Sports Management and begin a career in that field.

During his high school career as a quarterback, Webster was named onto The Advocate Second Dozen, earned an Honorable Mention Class 3A All-State title, Tiger Rag Dirty Dozen and was The Times-Picayune Top 24 Blue Chip List District Offensive MVP.

The merits stem from efforts such as in his senior year, when he passed for more than 1,000 yards, rushed for an additional 500 and 10 touchdowns.

He led the Wildcats to a 32-8 overall record during his three years as quarterback.

As a junior, he averaged more than 20 points each game and was named the district MVP.