A look at the schools that are overlooked by the ESPNs of the world.


Thursday, June 21, 2012

Fall Preview: Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

Fall Preview for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns:

ULL
QB
#17 Gautier, Blaine Quarterback 6-0 Sr. Paulina, La. / Lutcher--13 games played, 11 starts. 118 carries for 486 yards and 3 TD. 216-344 passing for 2958 yards and 23 TD.  1 tackle.
#13 Thomas, Brady Quarterback 6-3 Sr. Aledo, TX / Aledo--13 games played. 2-2 passing for 30 yards. 
#08 Broadway, Terrance Quarterback 6-2 Jr. Baton Rouge, La. / Capitol--No stats in 2011.
#19 Saunders, Riley Quarterback 6-0 Jr. Oxford, MS / Oxford Mississippi State--Transfer.
#16 Haack, Brooks Quarterback 6-1 Fr. Katy, Texas / Katy--Incoming freshman.
#??Landor, D'Shaie Quarterback 6-0 Fr. Lafayette, La. / Tuerlings Catholic--Incoming freshman.

Senior Blaine Gautier is back for another season after passing for nearly 3000 yards and rushing for nearly 500 yards. While those numbers are very good, much more is expected out of Gautier this fall. Backing up Gautier is senior Brady Thomas who saw action in all 13 games and attempting and completing both passes in 2011. Broadway, Saunders, and incoming freshmen Haack and Landor round out the quarterbacks that will be less likely to make an impact for the Ragin Cajuns.

RB
#46 Harris, Alonzo Running Back 6-1 So. Gadsden, AL / Gadsden City--12 games played, 9 starts. 163 carries for 700 yards and 8 TD. 0-1 passing. 15 catches for 146 yards and 1 TD. 2 tackles.
#26 Walker, Yobes Running Back 5-11 Sr. Houston, TX / Brazoswood--7 games played. 7 carries for 16 yards.
#28 Jackson, Marcus Running Back 5-11 So. Goshen, AL / Goshen--12 games played. 3 tackles, 1 for loss. 1 kickoff return for 14 yards.
#03 Carter, Montrel Running Back 5-11 Fr. Cecilia, La. / Cecilia--Incoming freshman.
#31 Reed, Effrem Running Back 5-8 Fr. Geismar, La. / Dutchtown--Incoming freshman.
#41 Pierce, Torrey Running Back 5-9 Fr. River Ridge, La. / John Curtis--Incoming freshman.
#?? Chapman, Joey Running Back 6-1 Fr. Katy, Tx. / Katy--Incoming freshman.

Sophomore Alonzo Harris is the projected starter got Louisiana this fall after a freshman campaign that saw him rush for 700 yards and make 15 catches accounting for 9 touchdowns. Harris was also named the Sun Belt freshman of the year in 2011. Backing up Harris are senior Yobes Walker and sophomore Marcus Jackson who both saw very limited action on offense in 2011. The Ragin Cajuns have a quartet of incoming freshmen that will be most likely to make special teams impacts in 2012.

TE
#85 Thompson, Ian Tight End 6-3 Jr. Kernersville, NC / East Forsyth--13 games played, 1 start. 10 catches for 99 yards.
#10 Pettis, Larry Tight End 6-4 So. Oxford, MS / Oxford--10 games played. 2 catches for 14 yards and 1 TD. 
#86 Maxwell, Jacob Tight End 6-4 Jr. Pearl River, La. / Pearl River--13 games played. 3 catches for 36 yards. 11 tackles. 1 fumble recovery.
#88 Hebert, Andrew Tight End 6-2 Jr. Lafayette, La. / Teurlings Catholic--7 games played, 1 start. 7 tackles, 1.5 for loss. 1 sack.
#?? Johnson, Jared Tight End 6-7 Fr. Minden, La. / Minden--Incoming freshman.

Losing all conference tight end Ladarius Green to the NFL finally gives junior Ian Thompson the chance to show off his skills after limited backup action in 2011. Thompson made 10 catches in 2011 and could get closer to 25-30 catches this fall. Juniors Jacob Maxwell and Larry Pettis will push Thompson for playing time and may end up sharing the backup role for the Ragin Cajuns. Reserve incoming  freshman Jared Johnson should be redshirted in 2012.

WR
#04 Lawson, Javone Wide Receiver 6-1 Sr. Harvey, La. / Helen Cox--13 games played, 13 starts. 3 carries for 3 yards. 63 catches for 1092 yards and 8 TD. 13 kickoff returns for 20.3 yard average. 1 tackle.
#09 Peoples, Harry Wide Receiver 5-10 Sr. Winona, MS / Winona Secondary School Holmes CC--12 games played, 4 starts. 1 tackle. 4 carries for 8 yards and 1 TD. 0-1 passing. 58 catches for 697 yards and 1 TD. 5 punt returns for 1.8 yard average. 7 kickoff returns for 16.7 yard average.
#87 Surgent, Darryl Wide Receiver 6-0 Jr. Alexandria, La. / Alexandria--13 games played, 11 starts. 3 carries for 26 yards and 1 TD. 28 catches for 518 yards and 6 TD. 27 punt returns for 12 yard average and 1 TD. 37 kickoff returns for 20.9 yard average.
#15 Robinson, Jamal Wide Receiver 6-4 So. Slidell, La. / Salmen--10 games played. 7 catches for 77 yards.
#81 Brown, Bradley Wide Receiver 5-10 Jr. Baton Rouge, La. / Captiol Northwestern State--No stats in 2011.
#11 Butler, James Wide Receiver 6-1 So. Luling, La. / Hahnville--No stats in 2011.
#84 Figaro, Devin Wide Receiver 6-3 So. Lafayette, La. / Lafayette Tulane--No stats in 2011.
#?? Bourque, Zach Wide Receiver 6-0 So. Abbeville, La. / North Vermilion--No stats in 2011.
#27 Worthy, T.J. Wide Receiver 6-2 Fr. Gasden, Ala. / Gasden (Mississippi) --Incoming freshman.
#80 Savoie, Adam Wide Receiver 5-7 Fr. Lafayette, La. / Lafayette--Incoming freshman.
#?? Allen, LaMarcus Wide Receiver 6-2 Fr. New Iberia, La. / NISH--Incoming freshman.
#?? Calhoun, Brandon Wide Receiver 6-0 Fr. Monroe, La. / Neville--Incoming freshman.
#?? Carter, Trey Wide Receiver 5-10 Fr. New Orleans, La. / McDonough 35 Prep--Incoming freshman.
#?? Morvant, Tyler Wide Receiver 5-11 Fr. Sugar Land, Texas Stephen F. Aust--Incoming freshman.

The Ragin Cajuns have three experienced wide receivers in seniors Javonne Lawson and Harry Peoples and will be flanked by junior Darryl Surgent. That trio combined for a staggering 149 catches with the other remaining receivers only making 7 catches in 2011. Sophomore Jamal Robinson is the most likely candidate to make some big catches this fall after making 7 catches in 10 games as a true freshman. With 6 incoming freshmen and 4 players that saw no playing time in 2011, the backup spots on the receiving corps are wide open.

OL
#72 Bates, Leonardo LT 6-5 Sr. New Orleans, La. / L.W. Higgins--13 games played, 13 starts. 2 tackles. 2nd team all Sun Belt.
#67 Quave, Daniel RG 6-3 So. Gautier, MS / Gautier--13 games played, 13 starts.
#71 Huval, Andre C 6-1 Jr. Scott, La. / St. Thomas More--13 games played, 13 starts.
#62 Martin, Jarad LG 6-5 So. Harvey, La. / West Jefferson--9 games played.         
#70 Quave, Mykhael Offensive Lineman 6-5 Fr. Gautier, MS / Gautier--Redshirted in 2011.
#75 Johnson, Terry Offensive Lineman 6-2 So. Oxford, Miss. Northwest Mississippi CC--JUCO transfer.
#78 Lemelle, Daniel Offensive Lineman 6-2 Jr. Beaumont, TX / Ozen--Reserve lineman.
#79 Perry, Evyn Offensive Lineman 6-2 Jr. Grapevine, TX / Grapevine Cisco JC--Redshirted in 2011.
#68 Anderson, Octravian Offensive Lineman 6-4 Fr. Shreveport, La. / Evangel Christian Academy--Redshirted in 2011.
#69 Siener, Greg Offensive Lineman 6-4 Fr. Mandeville, La. / Mandeville--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Brunson, Joseph Offensive Lineman 6-4 Fr. Ruston, La. / Ruston--Incoming freshman.
#?? Sparks, Jeremy Offensive Lineman 6-5 Fr. Daphne, Ala. / Daphne--Incoming freshman.
#?? Tarver, Zach Offensive Lineman 6-4 Fr. Monroe, la. / Quachita Christian--Incoming freshman.

The Ragin Cajun offensive line is fairly experienced going into 2012 with 3 starters all making every start for Louisiana's offense. Senior Leonardo Bates is a returning 2nd team all Sun Belt member and is a legitimate NFL prospect at left tackle. Sophomore Daniel Quave started all 13 games in 2011 at right guard and will be good for year to come. Junior center Andre Huvall also started every game in 2011 having a very solid fall. Left guard Jarad Martin played in 9 games in 2011 and should slide into the starting left guard position this fall. The right tackle job is up for grabs in 2012 with 5 redshirt freshmen and a juco transfer as well as three incoming freshmen who will all compete for the positions as well as backup spots.

DL
#93 Hagans, Cordian Defensive Lineman 6-5 Sr. Snellville, Ga. / Northview Louisiana State--13 games played, 2 starts. 18 tackles, 2 for loss. 1 blocked kick.
#45 Onyenekwu, Emeka Defensive End 6-3 Sr. New Orleans, La. / McKinley--11 games played, 1 start. 7 tackles, 2.5 for loss. 1 sack, 1 pbu, 1 pd, 1 forced fumble.
#76 Odom, Jaron Defensive End 6-6 Sr. Carver Ranches, FL / Boyd Anderson--13 games played, 13 starts. 1 tackle.
#74 Hamilton, Justin Defensive Lineman 6-3 So. Natchez, MS / Natchez--13 games played. 8 tackles, 2 for loss. 2 sacks.
#96 McCray, Brandon Defensive Lineman 6-5 Jr. Merritt Island, FL / Merritt Island--9 games played, 2 starts. 6 tackles. 
#92 Ringo, Christian Defensive Lineman 6-1 So. Jackson, MS / Forest Hill--8 games played. 19 tackles, 2.5 for loss. 1.5 sacks.               
#47 Comminie, Blake Defensive End 6-1 Sr. Edgard, La. / West St. John Mississippi Delta CC--No stats in 2011.
#64 Duhon, Ben Defensive Lineman 5-11 Sr. Slidell, LA / Salmen--No stats in 2011.
#66 Martin, Marvin Defensive Lineman 6-3 So. Sorrento, La. / St. Amant--No stats in 2011.
#97 Fields, Jalen Defensive Lineman 6-5 Jr. Dalton, Ga. / Georgia Military Institute--No stats in 2011.
#98 Green, Darrell Defensive Lineman 6-2 So. Austin, TX / Austin--No stats in 2011.
#?? Batiste, Darrien Defensive Lineman 6-2 Fr. Geismar, La. / Dutchtown--Incoming freshman.
#?? Douglas, Remaine Defensive Lineman 6-2 Fr. Parkman, Fla. / Stoneman Douglas--Incoming freshman.
#?? Dunbar, Karmichael Defensive Lineman 6-2 Fr. Prior Lake, Minn. / Prior Lake--Incoming freshman.
#?? Winston, Blain Defensive Lineman 6-4 Fr. Monroe, La. / Richwood--Incoming freshman.
#57 Prater, Chris Defensive End 6-5 Fr. Starkville, MS / Starkville--Incoming freshman.
#54 Foster, Kevon Defensive Lineman 6-4 Fr. New Orleans, La. / Warren Easton Senior--Incoming freshman.

The Ragin Cajun defensive line returns a group of linemen that are led by a trio of seniors. Hagans, Onyenekwu, and Odom made a combined 16 starts in 2011 but only making 26 combined tackles. Hamilton (8 tackles), McCray (6 tackles), and Ringo (19 tackles) lead a group that includes 6 true freshmen that may work themselves into the rotation this fall.

LB
#59 Molbert, Jake Linebacker 6-1 So. Rayne, La. / Notre Dame HS--12 games played, 8 starts. 65 tackles, 5 for loss. 1 sack.
#34 Anderson, Justin Line Backer 6-2 Jr. Foley, Al. / Foley--9 games played, 2 starts. 13 tackles, 1 for loss. 2 kickoff returns for 11.5 yard average.
#30 Gibson, Le'Marcus Linebacker 6-0 Sr. Starkville, MS / Harrison Central Hawaii/Miss. Gulf Coast CC--11 games played, 11 starts. 45 tackles, 1.5 for loss. 2 pbu, 2 pd, 1 blocked kick.
#35 Anyama, Boris Line Backer 6-2 So. Stafford, Tx. / Stafford--11 games played. 16 tackles. 1 forced fumble. 
#58 Barnfield, Nick Line Backer 6-3 Jr. Destrehan, La. / Destrehan--2 games played. 2 tackles.
#55 Nash, Brandon Linebacker 5-11 Jr. Baton Rouge, La. / Redemptorist--2 games played. 1 tackle, 0.5 for loss.
#06 Griffin, Qyendarius Linebacker 5-11 So. Batesville, MS / South Panola--12 games played, 1 start. 69 carries for 210 yards and 3 TD. 2 catches for 23 yards. 11 tackles.
#07 Jones, Delvin Linebacker 6-2 Jr. Miami, Fla. Coffeyville CC--JUCO transfer.
#36 Mosby, Ryan Linebacker 6-1 Jr. heath, Texas Arizona Western--JUCO transfer.
#38 Johnson, Trae Linebacker 6-1 So. Mendenhall, Miss. / Mendenhall--No stats in 2011.
#56 Sager, Christian Linebacker 6-0 So. Monroe, La. / St. Frederick--No stats in 2011.
#29 Alexander, Tyson Linebacker 6-1 Fr. Breaux Bridge, La. / Breaux Bridge--Incoming freshman.
#44 Fouquier, Kevin Linebacker 6-4 Fr. Lafayette, La. / Comeaux--Incoming freshman.
#52 Tovell, Dominique Linebacker 6-3 Fr. Columbia, MS / Columbia--Incoming freshman.
#?? Lightfoot, Tremaine Linebacker 6-1 Fr. Patterson, La. / Patterson--Incoming freshman.
#?? Smith, Jr. , Rodney Linebacker 6-4 Fr. Hallandale beach, Fla. / Hallandale--Incoming freshman.

In the Ragin Cajun defense, the linebackers are the most important group of players on the field. Sophomore Jake Molbert is returning for his second year in the program after making 65 tackles as a freshman and flanked by senior Le'Marcus Gibson (45 tackles) and junior Justin Anderson (13 tackles). The fourth linebacker spot is up for grabs and could either be a linebacker or defensive back as the final linebacker. Anyama, Barnfield, Nash, and Griffin lead a group of reserves that include 2 JUCO transfers and 5 freshman.

DB
#02 Moten, Jemarlous Cornerback 5-11 Sr. Leland, MS / Leland Mississippi Delta CC--13 games played, 13 starts. 80 tackles, 1 for loss. 3 interceptions, 7 pbu, 10 pd, 1 fumble recovery. 2 defensive touchdowns.
#22 White, Melvin Cornerback 6-3 Sr. Freeport, TX / Brazosport--13 games played, 13 starts. 64 tackles, 8.5 for loss. 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 pbu, 9 pd, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick. 2 defensive touchdowns.
#24 Thomas, Sean Cornerback 5-10 So. New Orleans, La. / St. Augustine--9 games played. 13 tackles.  1 pbu, 1 pd.
#21 Gillis, Rodney Safety 5-11 Sr. Fort Lauderdale, FL / St. Thomas Aquinas--11 games played. 9 tackles.
#33 Patt, Trevence Cornerback 6-0 So. Lafayette, La. / Breaux Bridge--6 games played. 3 tackles.
#37 Thibodaux, Hunter Safety 5-8 Jr. Lafayette, La. / Acadiana--5 games played. 1 tackle.             
#?? Ferguson, Eric Cornerback 5-11 Sr. Arlington, TX / Sam Houston Oklahoma Panhandle State--Transfer.
#05 Barksdale, Darius Safety 6-0 So. Batesville, Miss. Mississippi--No stats in 2011.
#20 Burrowes, Will Safety 6-0 Jr. Perkinston, Miss. Mississippi Gulf Coast--No stats in 2011.
#?? Christian, Billy Safety 5-10 So. St. Louis Catholic--No stats in 2011.
#?? Faber, Chris Safety 6-3 So. Lafayette, LA / Teurlings Catholic--No stats in 2011.
#?? Parker, O' Neil Free Safety 5-11 Fr. Carencro, La. / Carencro--Incoming freshman.
#18 Watson, Jevante Cornerback 5-10 Fr. Bastrop, La. / Bastrop--Incoming freshman.
#23 Aucoin, Dexter Cornerback 5-9 Fr. Patterson, La. / Patterson--Incoming freshman.
#?? Jones, Dominick Cornerback 5-11 Fr. New Orleans, la. / St. Augustine--Incoming freshman.
#?? DeGrange, Zachary Safety 5-10 Fr. New Orleans, LA. / St. Augustine--Incoming freshman.
#?? Hill, Chris Safety 5-11 Fr. Homestead, Fla. / South Dade Senior--Incoming freshman.
#?? Rainey, Jamal Safety 5-11 Fr. Opelousas, la. / Opelousas--Incoming freshman.

For a secondary that made so many big plays in 2011, Lousiana's backfield only returns starting cornerbacks Jemarlous Moten and Melvin White who combined for 144 tackles, 5 interceptions and 4 defensive touchdowns last fall. Thomas, Gillis, Patt, and Thibodaux lead a group of defensive backs that have a combined 26 tackles in 2011 but will be battling with 7 freshman and JUCO transfer Eric Ferguson.

LS
#49 Rosenbalm, Matt Deep Snapper 6-2 Sr. Cumming, GA / Forsyth Central--No stats in 2011.
#82 Broussard, John Deep Snapper 6-1 So. Lafayette, La. / Lafayette--No stats in 2011.
#50 Guidry, Jacob Deep Snapper 5-10 Fr. Carencro, La. / Carencro--Incoming freshman.

A group of three long snappers in senior Matt Rosenbalm, sophomore John Broussard, and freshman Jacob Guidry will all battle for the long snapping duties in 2011.

K
40           Baer, Brett Place Kicker 5-11 Sr. Brandon, Ms. / Brandon--13 games played. 1 tackle. 18-20 field goals, 12-13 from inside the 40 yard line. 6-7 from 40+ yards. 46-50 extra point attempts. 79 punts for a 40.3 yard average and 27 inside the 20 yard line and 12 over 50 yards. 16 kickoffs with 0 touchbacks. 1-1 passing for 13 yards.
91           Alvarez, Carlos Place Kicker 5-9 So. Baldwin, La. / West St. Mary--15 kickoffs with 1 touchback.
95           Stover, Hunter Place Kicker 6-1 So. Abbeville, La. / Notre Dame--8 games played. 4 tackles. 47 kickoffs with 1 touchback.
??           Shinn, Travis Place Kicker 5-9 Fr. Rockwall, TX / Rockwall--Incoming freshman.

Senior Brett Baer returns for his senior season after making 18-20 field goals and 46-50 extra point attempts including 12 of 13 attempts inside the 40 yard line. Baer also punted 79 times for a 40.3 yard average with 27 punts inside the 20 yard line and 12 over 50 yards.

P
40           Baer, Brett Place Kicker 5-11 Sr. Brandon, Ms. / Brandon--13 games played. 1 tackle. 18-20 field goals, 12-13 from inside the 40 yard line. 6-7 from 40+ yards. 46-50 extra point attempts. 79 punts for a 40.3 yard average and 27 inside the 20 yard line and 12 over 50 yards. 16 kickoffs with 0 touchbacks. 1-1 passing for 13 yards.

Senior Brett Baer returns for his senior season after making 18-20 field goals and 46-50 extra point attempts including 12 of 13 attempts inside the 40 yard line. Baer also punted 79 times for a 40.3 yard average with 27 punts inside the 20 yard line and 12 over 50 yards.

ATH
??           Nixon, Jalen Athlete 6-2 Fr. Lafayette, La. / Carencro--Incoming freshman.

2011 saw the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns win 6 of their first 7 games last fall before losing 2 of their final three games of the season to finish at 9-4. Last fall was a complete turnaround of the previous seasons and a 6 win improvement over 2010. The biggest question for Louisiana in 2012 is whether they can continue to come up with so many big defensive plays after the ball seemingly bouncing their way on many occasions in 2011 (8 defensive touchdowns, 1 special teams touchdown). The Ragin Cajuns return quarterback Blaine Gautier as well as running back Alonzo Harris on offense and the cornerback pair that combined for 4 defensive touchdowns in 2011. With a 2012 schedule that involves trips to Troy, Oklahoma State, North Texas, ULM, Florida, and FAU in addition to home games versus Lamar, FIU, Tulane, Arkansas State, WKU, and South Alabama, it will be difficult for the Ragin Cajuns to get back to 9-4. 7-5 and a trip to a bowl game will be a great return season for Louisiana.  

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