Landry, Coates key to SU offense

Seniors Gerard Landry and Darren Coates are key to Southern’s offensive attack. Together they have accounted for 1,648 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Both have traveled different paths en route to their final season at SU, but both are coming up big on the field.
Landry, a four year starter with a mixture of great size, strength and speed was looked upon as the season approached to lead the offense and make plays. He has done just that catching a touchdown in all nine games he’s started and keeping alive a streak of 33 straight games with at least one reception until the TSU game in Houston. The streak dates all the way back to the Prairie View game, September 17, 2004, Landry’s freshman year. In his career, the only game he has not caught a pass was against Mississippi Valley State in 2004.
“The expectations of Landry going into his senior year were great,” said SU coach Pete Richardson. “He lived up to that aspect and he’s been banged up a little bit but he’s been very productive to our football team the past three years.”
“He’s an individual that has an unusual talent,” Richardson said. “He’s got size, speed, catches the ball real well and speaks well for our program. More than anything else he’s a good individual. He’s where he’s supposed to be and just a high character person.”
Coates on the other hand has been a surprise player for Southern earning every bit of respect that’s been given to him. Coming into the season the coaches wondered if he could shoulder the load of a full-time running back and so far he has gaining 625 yards and six touchdowns on 126 carries and catching 45 passes for 520 yards and four touchdowns without missing a game. For this Richardson credits Coates as the team’s offensive MVP.
“Coates is an individual that really went through some difficult times to have an opportunity to get out on the field,” Richardson said. “Here’s and individual that made that commitment that he wanted to play and I’m proud for him because of what he’s meant for us this year, not only running the football but catching it.”
Just a year ago Coates was deep on the depth chart. His career totals of 31 carries for 119 yards and one touchdown and seven catches for 56 yards all came last year. Since then a lot has changed, though, as Coates’ workload and importance to SU’s offense have both blossomed.
“Coming into the season we didn’t know if he could shoulder the load because he had never played,” Richardson said. “He played a little on special teams the year before but that was it.”
Plus, like many of his teammates, Coates’ strength and stamina improved during off-season workouts.
“He worked hard in the weight room and got a little bigger and stronger, and enhanced his skills as far as catching the football,” Richardson said. “But when you look at him he’s not that big structure wise, so to be able to take that pounding and survive ten games for us is good.”
“I’m not really surprised because of the commitment he had to make to get out there,” Richardson said.
Lagniappe
Although Coates won’t reach the 1,000 yard plateau for the season, he has already racked up 1, 145 yards total offense.
He and Landry rank one and two in both receiving yards and touchdowns.
Also, Coates started the season off the way he has played all year taking SU’s first offensive play from scrimmage 90-yards for a touchdown. SU has done this only twice this season with Coates’ 90-yard run against Florida A&M in the season opener as the Jaguars won 33-27 in the SWAC-MEAC Challenge in Birmingham, Ala. and Bryant Lee’s 80-yard pass to Del Roberts in SU’s 56-7 victory over Texas Southern in Houston.
Plus, aside from the football related accolades Coates is scheduled to graduate.
“He has a good attitude and he’s going to graduate,” Richardson said. “I think that’s a plus.”
Running a Race
Coates and Landry rank one and two in terms of receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns for SU. Coates holds a slight edge over Landry in everything except receiving touchdowns with 45 receptions for 520 yards and four touchdowns.
Landry’s right behind him with 43 receptions for 503 yards and nine touchdowns. On the season Coates has 10 total touchdowns and Landry has nine.