University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Tuesdays With Mark Hudspeth - July 18, 2017
7/18/2017 4:20:00 PM | Football
Weekly question and answer session with head coach Mark Hudspeth heading into next month's fall camp
This is the fifth 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.) The big news that came out on Monday was the upgrading of the turf at Cajun Field for the 2017 season. What does that mean both on and off the field for the Ragin' Cajuns? - "This is a much needed upgrade and I'm excited for our team to get to play on a first-class surface. I feel this will also go a long ways in reducing injuries and creating a better surface for games, as well as when we practice there. It will also enhance Cajun Field and certainly help in recruiting."
2.) As you get closer to the start of fall camp, what are some of the things that you and coaching staff do to prepare during the summer? - The summer is always a very busy time for the coaching staff especially the first part of June and the second part of July. A lot of work goes into preparing for a season. Mapping out five weeks of practice time, meeting time, lift times, meal times, shuttle times, treatment times and rest is an ardent undertaking. Also, the coordinators have five weeks of practice schedules, practice scripts and drills to prepare for. We also have to make some tough decisions on our 105-man roster, that is the total number of players that we can bring into fall camp."
3.) When the Sun Belt Conference schedule came out in March, the Ragin' Cajuns found themselves with a pair of midweek games on ESPNU, including a home date against Texas State. What are your thoughts on midweek games in terms of exposure and how do you and your staff prepare for a short week? - "Two, three-hour commercials on ESPN showcasing our university and community are too good to pass up. It's great exposure that will also help in recruiting. It is also a challenge because it gets you off of your normal routine. The secret to a short turnaround is "less is more." There's a fine line between preparation and making sure your team is not a tired team during that short week game."
4.) Last season, there were over 30 players who saw their first action as a Ragin' Cajun. When you look at the newcomers who are coming in this season, who do you expect to have Cajun fans notice in 2017? - "This is a talented class coming in. Without naming anyone in particular because there are a lot of guys that I believe will contribute in large or small roles. We definitely will be counting on some of the junior college transfers right away especially at linebacker. You hope to redshirt as many freshmen as possible, but sometimes they are mature enough to help you if there is a need."
5.) A new rule that will go into effect this season is an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct penalty if a coach enters the field to object to an officiating decision. What are your thoughts on the new rule and what is the normal protocol in making sure everyone stays within the boundaries? - "I do think it is a good rule and change. It definitely will be a challenge and you will have to stay aware of it as the game goes along and be sure not to get caught up in the game and get penalized for stepping onto the field when you're concerned about a call."
6.) Extra point: Just about everybody has a pre-game ritual. Did you have any pre-game rituals as a player in high school and college and do you have any as a coach? - "On game day, I love to work out in the mornings and then relax and get my thoughts together. I always work out to 80's rock! (The) right shoe always goes on first and I usually chew Big Red Gum."
1.) The big news that came out on Monday was the upgrading of the turf at Cajun Field for the 2017 season. What does that mean both on and off the field for the Ragin' Cajuns? - "This is a much needed upgrade and I'm excited for our team to get to play on a first-class surface. I feel this will also go a long ways in reducing injuries and creating a better surface for games, as well as when we practice there. It will also enhance Cajun Field and certainly help in recruiting."
2.) As you get closer to the start of fall camp, what are some of the things that you and coaching staff do to prepare during the summer? - The summer is always a very busy time for the coaching staff especially the first part of June and the second part of July. A lot of work goes into preparing for a season. Mapping out five weeks of practice time, meeting time, lift times, meal times, shuttle times, treatment times and rest is an ardent undertaking. Also, the coordinators have five weeks of practice schedules, practice scripts and drills to prepare for. We also have to make some tough decisions on our 105-man roster, that is the total number of players that we can bring into fall camp."
3.) When the Sun Belt Conference schedule came out in March, the Ragin' Cajuns found themselves with a pair of midweek games on ESPNU, including a home date against Texas State. What are your thoughts on midweek games in terms of exposure and how do you and your staff prepare for a short week? - "Two, three-hour commercials on ESPN showcasing our university and community are too good to pass up. It's great exposure that will also help in recruiting. It is also a challenge because it gets you off of your normal routine. The secret to a short turnaround is "less is more." There's a fine line between preparation and making sure your team is not a tired team during that short week game."
4.) Last season, there were over 30 players who saw their first action as a Ragin' Cajun. When you look at the newcomers who are coming in this season, who do you expect to have Cajun fans notice in 2017? - "This is a talented class coming in. Without naming anyone in particular because there are a lot of guys that I believe will contribute in large or small roles. We definitely will be counting on some of the junior college transfers right away especially at linebacker. You hope to redshirt as many freshmen as possible, but sometimes they are mature enough to help you if there is a need."
5.) A new rule that will go into effect this season is an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct penalty if a coach enters the field to object to an officiating decision. What are your thoughts on the new rule and what is the normal protocol in making sure everyone stays within the boundaries? - "I do think it is a good rule and change. It definitely will be a challenge and you will have to stay aware of it as the game goes along and be sure not to get caught up in the game and get penalized for stepping onto the field when you're concerned about a call."
6.) Extra point: Just about everybody has a pre-game ritual. Did you have any pre-game rituals as a player in high school and college and do you have any as a coach? - "On game day, I love to work out in the mornings and then relax and get my thoughts together. I always work out to 80's rock! (The) right shoe always goes on first and I usually chew Big Red Gum."
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