Junior college transfers Matt Blanchard and Mike McLendon signed a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period to play for the Colonels football squad for the 2006 season, announced head coach Jay Thomas Thursday afternoon.

"We are happy to get both of these young men," said Thomas. "They are both quality individuals, and they will be great football players for us in the future."

Blanchard, a 6-0, 265-pound center from Saltillo, Miss., comes to Nicholls from Northeast Mississippi Junior College. A second team all-state selection last season, Blanchard was selected to play for the Mississippi JUCO North All-Star team.

In high school, Blanchard was a three-time all-conference selection, en route to being voted the best offensive lineman, as well as a lifetime captain.

McLendon, a 5-10, 190-pound running back out of Quitman, Miss., transfers to the Colonels squad after leading Pearl River Community College to the 2004 JUCO National Championship, as well as the state championship this past year. One of the top junior college running backs in the country, McLendon participated in the Mississippi JUCO All-Star game where he received MVP honors after rushing for over 250 yards.

McLendon finished his two-year stint at the junior college level with 11-100 yard rushing games, while also leading Pearl River to a 23-1 record.

As a senior in high school, McLendon lead the state of Mississippi rushing for over 1900 yards and 23 touchdowns. In addition to his football talent, McLendon was also a track star, as he won the state 4A 100 meter run.