Nebraska transfer Quentin Castille joins Demons - NSUDemons.com

NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State has added Nebraska transfer Quentin Castille, a junior tailback, to the Demons' football team, first-year NSU coach Bradley Dale Peveto said Friday.

Castille, a 6-1, 235-pound native of La Porte, Texas, ran for 810 yards and 10 touchdowns in two seasons at Nebraska while in a three-man rotation at I-back. While an assistant at LSU, Peveto recruited Castille and worked on the Tigers' defensive staff under then-defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, who is beginning his second season as the head coach at Nebraska.

Castille ran for a career-best 125 yards on 18 carries against Clemson in the Gator Bowl ending the 2008 season. His performance included second-half runs of 58 and 40 yards, and a 20-yard pass reception that helped Nebraska rally for the victory.

The Demons needed a boost at tailback after junior Sterling Endsley fractured an ankle Aug. 18. Senior William Griffin and true freshman Sidney Riley are the only two varsity tailbacks, with fullback Dante Austin and receivers Jeremy Jefferson and Ridge Turner getting into the mix at times over the past week.

Castille, who was battling Roy Helu Jr. for the starting job at I-back in the Nebraska offense, was removed from the team last weekend by Pelini for violating team rules. Pelini recommended Castille to Peveto.

"I believe so much in Bo Pelini," said Peveto. "I know Bo and have complete respect for him. I worked with him at LSU. Bo gave Quentin a strong endorsement and thought he would be a great fit for our program here at Northwestern State, and that this was an ideal opportunity for Quentin. That's all I needed to hear. If Bo says it's Easter, I say dye your eggs.

"I told Quentin that Coach Pelini put the stamp of approval on him and said he would make the most of a second chance in our program. He gets a fresh start here, and everything he's dreamed of doing can be done here. He can graduate, he can have a great football experience, he can win championships and he can get to the National Football League. We've had many young men through the years do exactly that.

"The timing was very good for us with our depth at tailback not being what we need," said Peveto. "Quentin is a big, physical, talented back who can catch the ball, block, and play on special teams. It's exciting to consider the impact he can have for us."

Castille said he had offers from Oregon, Memphis, Purdue, South Florida and Texas Southern before settling on NSU. He signed a scholarship, went through a physical exam and enrolled in school before going to meetings and his first practice with the Demons Friday afternoon.

"I thank God for putting me in the best situation for right now," said Castille. "I know what Coach Peveto expects from me. When I came to visit earlier this week, I was bonding with the guys on the team. There were a couple who I knew from my All-American game after my senior year in high school, so it was good to get reconnected.

"I'm a better man for the experience I had at Nebraska. I want to thank Coach Pelini for everything. He encouraged me to look at Coach Peveto and Northwestern State and I'm confident I am in the right place. I want to tell all the Nebraska fans 'thank you,' and I would say, 'once a Husker, always a Husker.' I'm now going to have another football family and I am happy to be a Demon."

Castille is hopeful that he can be ready to play next Saturday near his hometown as NSU opens its season against the Houston Cougars.

"I have a pretty good football IQ so I am ready to learn as much as I can quickly so I can get on the field and help our team win a Southland Conference championship," said Castille, who will major in business at NSU.

The Demons graduated their second all-time leading rusher, Byron Lawrence, last season.

NSU has produced two NFL Rookie of the Year running backs, Joe Delaney with Kansas City in 1981 and John Stephens with New England in 1988. They are two of eight former Demons to win All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors, joined by Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Jackie Smith, quarterback Bobby Hebert, running back Charlie Tolar, receivers Charlie Hennigan and Mark Duper, and current Buffalo Bills cornerback and kick returner Terrence McGee.