Recruit Spotlight: WR Sa’lan Weber, Ponchatoula High School, Class of 2018

by Jace LeJeune

It was not the season that the Ponchatoula High School football team have expected. For the first time in over a decade, the Green Wave missed the playoffs. It was definitely a rough season for Hank Tierney and his squad, but if there had to be one positive from the season, it had to be the play of their senior WR Sa’lan Weber. Weber accomplished a great feat this season. In the history of a great football program like the Ponchatoula Green Wave, Weber is the first receiver in the history of the program to post a 1,000 yard receiving season. In fact, he was the only 1,000 yard receiver in the New Orleans area at the end of the regular season, This season, the 5-11, 160 pound receiver led the New Orleans metro area with 65 receptions for 1,226 yards and 11 touchdowns. Weber may not be a big time recruit, but his reliability, quickness, and ability to run great routes have helped him become a great high school receiver over his career. Louisiana Football Magazine’s recruiting expert Lee Brecheen believes that the senior Ponchatoula receiver could be a steal for a college.

“Sa’lan Weber is a three year starter for his football team,” Brecheen said. “Weber runs a 4.5/40 but he looks much faster on the field in uniform.”

Even with Weber’s impressive numbers and his electrifying speed, the star Green Wave receiver has not received any collegiate offers so far. If given the chance even at the JUCO level, Weber may take the most of it. At the conclusion of the season, we caught up with Sa’lan Weber as he talked about playing football at Ponchatoula under legendary coach Hank Tierney, his thoughts on the season as a whole, his strengths and weaknesses as a wide receiver, and so much more in today’s recruit spotlight!

LAFM: What is your name, age, position, and school you played for?

Sa’lan Weber, 17 years old, Ponchatoula High School

LAFM: What is your current height and weight?

5-11, 160

LAFM: What is your SAT score?

SAT: 840

LAFM: What are your accomplishments while at Ponchatoula?

I played four great football seasons at Ponchatoula from my freshman to senior year and I am the first player in school history with 1,000+ yards.

LAFM: What is your max bench press, max squat, and 40 yard time?

Bench max: 210; Squat: 300; 40 yard dash: 4.5

LAFM: Have you received any offers to play for any schools?

I have no offers from any schools.

LAFM: What are the biggest strengths to your game?

My biggest strengths are the ability to run great routes to make up for my lack of size.

LAFM: What are some things that you need to improve on?

I need to improve on my speed.

LAFM: Who is the college or NFL player that you model your game after and why?

I try to take a little of everything from all the greats on each level.

LAFM: Looking back at your career so far, what is the game that sticks out to you the most?

I would say this year’s game against St. Paul’s when I had 240 receiving yards.

LAFM: Do you have any pregame routines that you like to do?

Nothing really special. I just warm up with my quarterback.

LAFM: I am sure this season was a big disappointment for the team as a whole, but you had a great individual season. What do you make of this season overall?

I look at this as a step back for a major comeback.

LAFM: What do you like to do after football season?

I would work out and get ready for next season.

LAFM: You played for one of the best coaches in the state in Hank Tierney. What has he taught you the most as a football player and as a person?

He has taught me to always be on time and to remember the important things in life.

LAFM: What is your message to next years Ponchatoula team?

Bring Ponchatoula football back.

LAFM: Who are some people that you would like to thank for putting you in the position that you are in today?

I would like to thank Coach Trey Willie for teaching me the receiver position.

LAFM: Who are some of your teammates that you want to give a shout out to?

I want to give a shout out to our quarterback TJ Finley for transferring from St. Thomas Aquinas to join the Ponchatoula program.

LAFM: What is your intended major?

Businesss

LAFM: What is your favorite route to run as a receiver?

My favorite route is the go route.

LAFM: What are you going to miss most about playing high school football in Louisiana?

I am going to miss the Friday night lights.

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