NATCHEZ — Some potential NFL draftees like to throw huge parties, with tons of people just waiting to hear their names called on ESPN.

Former Trinity Episcopal and LSU star Stevan Ridley’s family will be going much more low-key than that this weekend for the 2011 NFL draft.

The Ridleys plan to get together with their immediate family, enjoy each other’s company and watch the draft this weekend.

“It’s not so much a party, as just a family get together,” Ridley’s mother Carolyn said. “Just a small group of people (who will) get together and watch the draft.”

“We don’t want to be presumptuous by planning a party to celebrate something that hasn’t even happened yet.”

Although the festivities will be toned down, emotions are high, Carolyn said.

“I really am very excited, it’s just a mixture of emotions,” Carolyn said.

“It’s exciting, and we’re curious to see how it’s going to play out. I’m also a little bit anxious for Stevan because he’s worked very hard, really from high school, at LSU and even after (in the draft preparations).

“There’s also a peace about us too because as a family, our faith is what has carried us through life, it’s our faith that (tells us) no matter what happens we go on and we are satisfied and grateful.”

One emotion that Carolyn is not feeling is nerves, she said.

“I’m not nervous, there’s nothing to be nervous about, like any other thing that you prepare for, when you’ve done the best you know to do, (you) just learn to trust the Lord.”

Carolyn said her son is of the same mentality as she is right now.

“He is settled, wherever his name is called,” she said.

Carolyn said she is not sure where her son will go and when. The family is not expecting the first round, but anything is possible, she said.

“We try not to project into the future what might be, because then we’ll be satisfied with whatever happens,” Carolyn said.

Carolyn said her son does have one preference, if possible. He would rather play in a warm state, she said, maybe somewhere south of Tennessee.

“But if it’s New York or Boston or Maryland or anywhere and there is snow we’ll work (it out). It’s a job and we will go wherever the job calls,” Ridley said.

The draft weekend is just another excuse to get the family together, Carolyn said.

“The family always looks forward to get together and enjoy each other’s company, no matter the occasion,” Carolyn said. “It will be fun and we’ll enjoy the fun, food and fellowship.”