Tuesdays With Mark Hudspeth - June 27, 2017

This is the second 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 six months since new offensive coordinator Will Hall joined the coaching staff. How has the offense progressed during that time span and, without giving away any secrets, what can Ragin' Cajuns fans expect this fall? – "Will has brought an entire offensive philosophy to our team. From terminology to game planning, he has developed a great rapport with the quarterbacks and they have all improved this spring. Will has always produced highly productive offenses and I know the fans are going to enjoy it."

2.) Despite losing All-Sun Belt Conference receiver Al Riles to graduation, you return a solid group of receivers in Ja'Marcus Bradley, Keenan Barnes and Michael Jacquet. With the addition of SMU transfer Rhyeem Malone to the fold in 2017, how do you see this group compared to other groups in your tenure at UL? – "We have had some great receivers here at UL in the last six years – Harry Peoples, Darryl Surgent, Javon Lawson, James Butler, Jamal Robinson, Al Riles just to name a few. Credit a big part of that to (receivers coach) Jorge Munoz. He has done a great job developing wide receivers and taking their game to the next level. This group coming up has the potential to be mentioned with those guys. We have great length, speed and ball skills. These guys took some games over last season as freshmen. We could be the deepest and most explosive this season than any other. And the best part is that we will have them all for two and three years."

3.) This past April, the NCAA Division I Council and coaches in both the Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision adopted legislation eliminating two-a-day practices, while allowing extra time for preseason camp. How has the approach changed, so far, as you head into camp next month? – "I think some of the new rules are smart. Hopefully injuries will be reduced with the elimination of two-a-days … although when I played, we had three-a-days! We get to start earlier, which actually in my opinion is too early. College football is by far the most demanding sport physically and mentally on student-athletes and the season is already long, now we are adding basically another week. They will adapt and I hope to give them a little more time off during camp since it is a five-week camp before the season starts September 2."

4.) Last week, you and head baseball coach Tony Robichaux both announced that Jam Williams would be joining the football team as a defensive back and would compete as a two-sport athlete at UL. What are some of the things that Jam can bring to the table immediately for the Ragin' Cajuns this fall? – "We recruited Jam out of high school so we know we are getting an exceptional athlete. He is physically mature and I feel that he can compete for immediate playing time. His size and speed will be an asset in the secondary. He just wants to help the team and he will definitely be given an opportunity to do just that."

5.) During the spring, you moved reserve offensive lineman Raynard Ford to tight end. What constituted the move and how do you see him contributing this season? – "Being 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, Raynard will add another dimension to Coach Hall's offense. He basically adds another gap and will allow us to be more physical at the point of attack. He also has some of the best hands on the team, while playing both tight end and quarterback in junior college."

6.) Extra Point: When you come to Ragin' Cajuns athletic events, most visitors have generally commented about the gameday atmosphere, the tailgating and passionate fan base. With football being what it is in the south, what makes the overall atmosphere at Cajun Field so special and how does it inspire you and the team? – "It all starts with the Cajun Walk! We love giving our fans the opportunity to be up close and personal with our players. They love seeing all the "little Cajun fans" and high fiving everyone as they enter the stadium. We have absolutely the best tailgating in the Sun Belt Conference and I feel one of the best in the country. With an atmosphere of great food and tailgating and being loud in Cajun Field, it is a great venue."

Week 1 - July 20

Tuesdays With Mark Hudspeth - June 27, 2017

Players Mentioned

Keenan Barnes

Ja'Marcus Bradley

Raynard Ford

Michael Jacquet III

Al Riles

Jamarius Williams

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