Franklinton kicker Alex Herbert has signed a letter of commitment with Southeastern Louisiana University.

“I just like the interest the coaches showed me,” Herbert said. “They were the ones who made the drive all of the way to Franklinton. They talked to my dad (James) and pushed us to take a tour. They were real friendly, and I like the environment over there. All of the new coaches they got last year, they were 5-2 in conference (5-6 overall) and they’re making improvements to the building and the field. The new coaches are doing a good job.”

Herbert said he’s excited.

“I’m ready. I’ve always wanted to play college at a D-I school,” Herbert said. “The program is changing for the better.”

Herbert, who handled kickoffs and place kicking this season, scored 40 points his senior year. He connected on five of six field goals and went 25-for-26 on extra points. Kicking off, he posted more than 20 touchbacks.

Herbert was selected a first-team player for District 9-4A, and he was a Class 4A all-state honorable mention.

His long field goal was a 42-yarder against Jesuit this season, and he made a 47-yard attempt in a scrimmage his junior season.

Franklinton coach Shane Smith said Herbert has always been self-motivated.

“He spent a lot of time on his own perfecting his craft and he takes pride in his mechanics and his academics. That’s why he is getting this opportunity,” Smith said. “The kid has so much upside. He is still growing and getting stronger. He is intrinsically motivated. He started playing as a sophomore, and we started noticing how strong his leg is by the middle of his junior year. Being smart also helps him because he can correct his mistakes quickly.”

Herbert is going to a team that finished 5-6 after starting 0-3 with losses to Missouri, South Dakota State and UT Martin.

The Lions finished 2012 on a two-game winning streak.

Franklinton recorded a 6-5 record this season. The Demons made the playoffs as the No. 19 seed but suffered a 33-6 loss to LaGrange.

Herbert plans on majoring in biology and wants to get into either sports medicine or physical therapy.

He is the son of James and Renee Herbert.