University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana Boasts Strong Showing on Phil Steele’s Preseason All-Sun Belt Teams
7/17/2020 3:22:00 PM | Football
Five Ragin’ Cajuns earn First Team recognition from the national publication
LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Football had another large contingent of student-athletes earn preseason recognition with 18 total selections on Phil Steele's Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Teams.
The team's 18 selections is the most in the Sun Belt Conference's West Division and the second most overall. Representing Louisiana on the First Team is Elijah Mitchell, Max Mitchell, Joe Dillon, Rhys Byrns and Eric Garror (punt returner).
Elijah Mitchell was a huge part in the group's success a year ago after he galloped for 1,147 yards and 16 touchdowns to earn Second Team All-Conference honors in 2019. His yardage total made him just the sixth player in program history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark, while his touchdown total ranked 11th nationally.
Junior Max Mitchell started in all 14 games in 2019 on an offensive line that helped pave the way for a Louisiana ground attack which finished the year ranked third nationally in yards per carry (6.28), fourth nationally in rushing touchdowns (42), sixth nationally in rushing yards per game (257.4) and seventh nationally in total rushing yards (3,604).
Dillon was stellar in 2019, leading the team with 8.0 sacks, 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 45 tackles before earning Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. Byrns also earned Second Team All-Sun Belt honors after setting the program record for punt average in a single season (44.2), while Garror was a stellar punt returner, returning 25 punts for 161 yards and ranking 30th in the FBS for punt yards per game (6.7).
In total, the Ragin' Cajuns had eight offensive players, seven defensive players and two special teamers recognized by Phil Steele.
Louisiana Football opens the 2020 campaign on Saturday, September 5, when it welcomes in-state foe McNeese State to Cajun Field.
Should disruptions or modifications to the 2020 season occur due to the coronavirus, the Department of Athletics will quickly communicate plans to fans and season ticket holders regarding accommodations for pre-purchased tickets.
More information can be obtained by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at the Cajundome, (337) 265-2170. For information on parking passes, contact RCAF by phone at (337) 851-2903.
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB) to stay up-to-date on Louisiana Football.
The team's 18 selections is the most in the Sun Belt Conference's West Division and the second most overall. Representing Louisiana on the First Team is Elijah Mitchell, Max Mitchell, Joe Dillon, Rhys Byrns and Eric Garror (punt returner).
Elijah Mitchell was a huge part in the group's success a year ago after he galloped for 1,147 yards and 16 touchdowns to earn Second Team All-Conference honors in 2019. His yardage total made him just the sixth player in program history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark, while his touchdown total ranked 11th nationally.
Junior Max Mitchell started in all 14 games in 2019 on an offensive line that helped pave the way for a Louisiana ground attack which finished the year ranked third nationally in yards per carry (6.28), fourth nationally in rushing touchdowns (42), sixth nationally in rushing yards per game (257.4) and seventh nationally in total rushing yards (3,604).
Dillon was stellar in 2019, leading the team with 8.0 sacks, 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 45 tackles before earning Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. Byrns also earned Second Team All-Sun Belt honors after setting the program record for punt average in a single season (44.2), while Garror was a stellar punt returner, returning 25 punts for 161 yards and ranking 30th in the FBS for punt yards per game (6.7).
In total, the Ragin' Cajuns had eight offensive players, seven defensive players and two special teamers recognized by Phil Steele.
Louisiana Football opens the 2020 campaign on Saturday, September 5, when it welcomes in-state foe McNeese State to Cajun Field.
Should disruptions or modifications to the 2020 season occur due to the coronavirus, the Department of Athletics will quickly communicate plans to fans and season ticket holders regarding accommodations for pre-purchased tickets.
More information can be obtained by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at the Cajundome, (337) 265-2170. For information on parking passes, contact RCAF by phone at (337) 851-2903.
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB) to stay up-to-date on Louisiana Football.
Players Mentioned
P
/ Football
LB
/ Football
DB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
OL
/ FootballMichael Desormeaux Media Availability (Oct 6, 2025)
Monday, October 06
Michael Desormeaux Media Availability (Sep 29, 2025)
Monday, September 29
Collin Jacob Media Availability (Sep 27, 2025)
Sunday, September 28
Lunch Winfield Media Availability (Sep 27, 2025)
Sunday, September 28
