Erath’s Hebert signs with Louisiana Christian University

Mason Hebert has always dreamed of playing football on the collegiate level. On Feb. 5, National Signing Day, his dream came true.
On Wednesday, Hebert signed a letter of intent to play for the Louisiana  Christian University Wildcats in Pineville, La. Enrollment is just under 900 students. Hebert has started for the Erath Bobcats for four years, where he played running back and linebacker.
He is one of two Vermilion Parish athletes to sign a letter of intent on Feb. 5. VC’s Jonathan Dartez signed with Nicholls State in Thibodaux.
On Wednesday, Hebert took photos with family, friends, coaches and the Erath football team.
“The process has been long and tiring,” said Hebert. “Playing at the next level is something I have wanted to do since I was a kid. I am very excited to continue my dream of playing college football at the next level.”
Louisiana Christian University (LCU), a Baptist college, signed a handful of players from the Acadiana area. The school is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Sooner Athletic Conference, which is Division III of the NCAA. 
They play in Wildcat Field, which can hold 7,000 spectators.
Last year’s team went 4-7 overall. The Wildcats will play teams from Florida, Texas, and Arkansas.
Last week, Mason and his father, Waylon, visited LCU and were impressed with the school’s academics and athletic facilities. One major benefit of signing with the school is that it is less than two hours from Erath.
“I am big on family. Knowing my family can drive to each home game means a lot. I looked into schools in Arkansas and drove and visited one. That was a long drive.”
Hebert played four years at Erath, with his senior year being both his best and the Bobcats’ best year. The team finished the regular season with an impressive record of 8-1 and advanced to the Class 3A playoffs. Hebert was voted the district’s MVP. Throughout the season, he recorded 71 solo tackles, 42 assisted tackles, two sacks, five quarterback hurries, and one interception.
He rushed for more than 550 yards as a running back this year. 
EHS head football coach Eric LeBlanc, a successful walk-on football player at McNeese State, said Hebert has put in the time and effort to earn a scholarship to LCU.
“To see a kid’s effort that he put in four years and having the opportunity to continue to play football is awesome,” said LeBlanc. “Mason is a great kid, and you look at what he has been able to do in four years; it is amazing.  He loves football and can continue to play it. That is something we want to see as a coach.”
Hebert, a 4.0 student, plans to major in biology to work in medicine. When college begins, Hebert has already accumulated 17 college credit hours at Erath High School.