Keydrain Calligan has enjoyed immense success at every level of football.

The former Westgate High School multi-sport star has his next conquest in mind, and it’s a big one with a goal of making an NFL roster. 

Calligan, who also played at Louisiana-Monroe and Jackson State, is relaxing in his hometown after finishing the season at Southeastern Louisiana. He’ll remain in New Iberia until January, then head to Fort Myers, Florida, to prepare for his pro day in March and the draft, which begins on Thursday, April 24.

“Right now, I’m in peak shape,” he said. “I’m taking some weeks to let my body recuperate.”

Calligan was one of two Lions named to the 2024 All-Southland Conference first-team defense. He collected 39 tackles (29 solo), intercepted a pass in a 30-27 win over Lamar and notched a season-high seven tackles in a one-point win over Stephen F. Austin.

“The season went great,” said Calligan, who teamed up with second-team all-conference linebacker KK Reno (Catholic NI) on the defense. “I’m not going to lie – we were dangerous. We had fun helping each other out.”

SLU posted a 7-5 record (6-1 in conference). After beginning the year 1-4, the Lions won six of their last seven games with only a three-point loss to No. 10-ranked University of Incarnate Word.

“Calligan consistently drew the opposing team’s top receiver,” the SLU official athletic site wrote in an article about its all-conference players. 

Calligan has ideal measurables for a cornerback, standing at 6-foot-1 and 207 lbs. with a consistent time in the low 4.4s in the 40-yard dash. He hopes to lower that to a sub-4.4.

“My man-to-man (coverage) skill set is elite,” he said. “I have long arms, I’m athletic and physical at the point of attack. I’m always ready to make a play.”

Calligan prefers to play cornerback but can play every position in the secondary. He spent the 2023 season at Jackson State (22 tackles, 16 solo, three pass break-ups, interception). His first three college years were at ULM where Calligan appeared in all 24 games from 2021-22.

“I met a lot of people at Jackson State who connected me and helped put me in situations,” he said. “I believe I have a high chance of making an NFL roster. I have the prototype size. My skill set is needed. A lot of teams play man-to-man.”

At Westgate, he led the Tigers to the state quarterfinals with 14 PBU and four interceptions in his senior season, was a two-time honorable mention all-state in basketball and won the triple jump at the 2021 state track and field meet. He was ranked as a three-star football prospect by 247Sports. 

“It’s not just my skills,” he said. “I’m coachable. I’m a leader on the field and in the community. The kids love me. I’m humbled for all my blessings that I’m receiving. I’d be grateful for any opportunity given.”