University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Tuesdays With Mark Hudspeth - June 20, 2017
6/20/2017 11:11:00 AM | Football
Ragin' Cajuns head coach answers questions heading into fall camp
This is the first of a weekly feature with Louisiana head football coach Mark Hudspeth as the Ragin' Cajuns prepare for fall camp, which starts on July 30.
1.) It's been awhile since spring practice wrapped up, but what did you enjoy the most about it? – "Seeing young players develop and compete for positions and playing time. Also, seeing seasoned vets take their game to the next level. There is a reason that our offensive line and defensive line has been rated as the best in the Sun Belt Conference going into the season."
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2.) A key position in your offense, of course, is quarterback. You had guys competing this spring to take over the spot that Anthony Jennings left. In what areas did the quarterbacks improve? – "We've always known Jordan Davis has always had the physical skills to be the best quarterback in the Sun Belt. Now through another year of maturity and work, his leadership, knowledge of the offense and command of the offense team has really stood out. I'm excited for him and how he can lead our team this fall. Andre Nunez has also had a great spring and demonstrated that he is talented enough to be our starter also. Dion Ray gives us a "change up" and will be utilized each game. Jake Arceneaux improved also, demonstrated by putting his team in the end zone in the Red-White Spring game. I'm really excited to see how our new signees – Kadon Harrison and Levi Lewis – do in the fall."
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3.) One of the biggest areas to replace will be at running back, where record-setting back Elijah McGuire is now with the New York Jets. How do you replace a player of his caliber? – "It's hard to replace an Elijah McGuire. But we thought the same thing two years ago about Alonzo Harris. We have veterans like Darius Hoggins and Jordan Wright as well as some very talented young players like Raymond Calais, Trey Ragas and Elijah Mitchell. It'll be exciting to see who the next great back for Ragin' Cajuns football will be."
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4.) The defensive side of the ball returns a lot of experience. Where do you think they made the biggest strides forward this spring? – "The defensive line has been tabbed as best in the Sun Belt. Taboris Lee, LaDarrius Kidd, Jarvis Jeffries and freshman All-American Joe Dillon all return and I expect them to lead the defense. We have a lot of newcomers, like Bennie Higgins, who will contribute and other veterans like Roderick Stephens and David Lemoto will make a big difference in our overall depth."Â
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5.) After losing your top two tacklers (Otha Peters, Tre'maine Lightfoot) at linebacker, how comfortable do you feel at the position with a key veteran like T.J. Posey, along with some young, talented players like Jacques Boudreaux and Alonzo Brown returning? – "Anytime you lose 200 tackles that's a lot of productivity. T.J. Posey returns and has emerged as a leader of a young and talented group that includes Jacques Boudreaux, Alonzo Brown and Tanner Holmes. Junior college signee Brayden Bailey will definitely add to the depth and compete for playing time. This group will have depth."
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6.) Extra point: As you head into your seventh season as head coach at UL, you're the elder statesman among head coaches in the Sun Belt Conference. How has the league grown during your time at UL and how excited are you about the future of the league with the upcoming SBC Championship Game beginning in 2018? – "This league is deep. This past year, five teams were bowl eligible and there are six bowl games that the SBC is eligible for in 2017. There are at least six teams that can compete for the championship, which is way more than other conferences. There are a lot of good head coaches and a lot of programs have made big commitments in regards to facilities and staffs. The addition of a championship game will only add to the excitement of the post season."
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