Westlake Rams' senior linebacker Ricky Irvin signed his letter of intent to play for the Southeastern Louisiana Lions on Wednesday as a part of National Signing Day.

"I went on a visit over there and I really liked the campus a lot and the facilities, but most of all the coaches," said Irving. "They made me feel comfortable."

Irvin had 120 tackles during the regular season last year with four tackles for loss, a sack, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery.

The Lions are looking to continue to improve with the addition of Irvin. Southeastern finished fourth in the Southland Conference with a record of 6-5 (4-3 in SLC). Last year was the best season for the Lions since 2004 when they went 7-4.

"They have a good recruiting class this year," stated Irvin. "I think they are a program on the rise and I wanted to be a part of it. They are improving a lot and Coach (Mike) Lucas is a great coach and I'm glad to have a chance to play for him."

Irving was offered scholarships from McNeese and Army, but the Cowboys offer didn't work out and Irvin felt that the Lions were the best fit for him.

"I just felt that Southeastern was the place for me to be," Irving said. "I want to go over there and win some games and compete for a championship."

During one of his visits, former Sulphur Tor linebacker Ryan Godare served as one of his hosts and Irving said that Godare helped him make his decision.

"I talked with Ryan Godare a lot," said Irvin. "I got to know him and he loved it over there and he said it was the best decision he's ever made."

When asked how it's going to feel to come back to Lake Charles and play the hometown team with several former members of the Westlake Rams Irving said that its going to be weird.

"It’s going to be weird but I look forward to playing those guys," added Irvin. "They are all happy for me though."

The Southeastern signee said that the experience he gained at Westlake with a run to the state championship game his sophomore year and a perfect season his junior year will help him at the next level.

"Our team over the past couple of years have been so good, it's almost like playing with a bunch of college guys," Irvin said. "It's prepared me a lot and the coaches at Westlake have helped me more than anything."

For those wanting to play at the college level, Irvin offers the following advice: "Work hard, keep your grades up, and listen to your coaches. Our coaches over here at Westlake know what they are talking about."