In the Kneaux: The Outside Linebackers

LAFAYETTE – One of the more experienced rooms returning for Louisiana Football this season is the outside linebackers, which features veterans Joe Dillon, Chauncey Manac, Andre Jones and Kris Moncrief.

After missing all of 2018 with an injury, Dillon had a great comeback season in 2019, tallying 8.0 sacks, 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 45 tackles to claim Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. Dillon, who has 19.5 career sacks, will likely break the all-time Ragin' Cajuns sacks record this fall, which is currently held by Jeff Mitchell and Christian Ringo (21.0).

Manac appeared in 12 games over the course of the season while making six starts on the outside. Even though Manac missed some time during the year, he finished the campaign with 31 total tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 sacks and a fumble recovery.

Jones, who stepped up while Manac was out, had a breakout redshirt sophomore campaign, playing in all 14 games and earning nine starts. Jones finished eighth on the team in tackles with 41 and tallied 7.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, five quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.

Moncrief was a mainstay at the JACK position for the Ragin' Cajuns, starting in all 14 games. The Raleigh, Miss., native is slated to follow up his impressive 2019 season after finishing ninth on the team in total tackles (40), second on the team in tackles-for-loss (9.0) and second on the team in sacks (5.5).

Tyler Guidry also has the chance to crack into the rotation again after ending his true-freshman season with 14 tackles and 2.0 tackles-for-loss. Redshirt senior Terrence Jones and Alex Self, along with newcomers Lakeidrick George, Jr. and Brontre' Griffin, could be in the mix to compete for playing time.

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.

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Players Mentioned

Joe Dillon

Lakeidrick George, Jr.

Brontre' Griffin

Tyler Guidry

Andre Jones

Terrence Jones

Chauncey Manac

Kris Moncrief

Christian Ringo

Alex Self

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