In the Kneaux: The Specialists

LAFAYETTE – Aside from adding Nate Snyder to the kicking pool, Louisiana's special team's lineup should already be in place for its first game against Iowa State on Sept. 12.

Synder, who spent the last four years as a kickoff specialist at Indiana, looks to step in and compete for the right to replace Stevie Artigue, who finished his career as the second highest scorer in program history. The Greenwood, Ind., native was named a Kohl's All-American in 2005 and hit 14-of-20 field goals during his high school career before joining the Hoosiers.

The Louisiana specialists group welcomes back a slew of familiar faces in Rhys Byrns, Kenneth Almendares and Paul Boudreaux.

Byrns has been racking up the preseason accolades, being named to the Ray Guy Award Watch List, Phil Steele's Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team and Athlon Sports' Preseason All-Sun Belt Firs Team to start the year.

The Melbourne, Australia native broke the school record for the best punter average in a single season, averaging 44.2 yards per punt, before earning First Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors at the conclusion of his sophomore campaign.

Almendares served as the primary kickoff specialist for Louisiana, kicking 88 times for 5,319 yards and finishing the year with 41 touchbacks, while Boudreaux started every game as the long snapper and even recorded a fumble recovery against Mississippi State in the season opener last year.

The Cajuns also welcome kickers Thomas Leo, an FIU transfer, and Cohen Parent, as well as long snapper Alexander Morrison to their roster.

The Ragin' Cajuns are set to open the 2020 campaign on Saturday, September 12, when head coach Billy Napier's squad make its first-ever trip to Ames, Iowa, to take on Iowa State.

Season ticket holders, fans and the general public will learn more about the entry and attendance processes at Cajun Field in the coming weeks.

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 season ticket 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.

Players Mentioned

Kenneth Almendares

Stevie Artigue

Paul Boudreaux

Rhys Byrns

Thomas Leo

Alexander Morrison

Cohen Parent

Nate Snyder

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