University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
In the Kneaux: The Defensive Line
6/4/2021 11:51:00 AM | Football
Defensive front eyes big year with entire line returning from 2020
LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Football's defensive line returns all of its production from the 2020 season and has its eyes set on another monster year behind returning starters Zi'Yon Hill, Andre Jones and Tayland Humphrey.
Hill led the position group and was third on the team with 49 tackles, while ranking second on the squad with 4.0 sacks. A key cog in the team's defensive scheme, he earned Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors, was named a Pro Football Focus First Team All-Sun Belt performer and a PFF Honorable Mention All-American.
Jones started in all 11 games during the 2020 season, ranking fifth on the team in total tackles with 43 and adding 3.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks, while Humphrey started in all 10 games in which he appeared, earning Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt Conference honors after totaling 32 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss and a quarterback hurry.
The unit was also bolstered by the play of key reserves, including Mason Narcisse, Ja-Quane Nelson, Dalvin Hutchinson and Kendall Wilkerson. Narcisse produced 17 tackles and three quarterback hurries during his rookie campaign, while Nelson was credited with 11 tackles on the year. Hutchinson, who saw action in the final three games after coming off injury, and Wilkerson added four tackles each.
Other returners to keep an eye on include Sonny Hazard, Dominique Ratcliff, Jordan Lawson, Malcolm Rollins, Lakeidrick George, Jr. and Andre Landry.
Behind the 2020 defensive line, Louisiana's defense ranked 31st nationally in scoring defense (22.0) and 33rd nationally in total defense (355.4).
Louisiana Football will open the 2021 season and the fourth year of the Billy Napier era. on Saturday, Sept. 4, at Texas. Kickoff in Austin is slated for 3:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast nationally on FOX. To request tickets, click here.
Fans are encouraged to secure tickets now, which includes six games at Cajun Field. More information can be obtained by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at the CAJUNDOME, (337) 265-2170, or by visiting the office in-person.
The Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Foundation is excited to announce reduced tailgating prices for the 2021 season. For more information on securing a tailgate or RV spot, call the RCAF office at (337) 851-7223 or email RCAF@louisiana.edu.
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB) to stay up-to-date on Louisiana Football.
Hill led the position group and was third on the team with 49 tackles, while ranking second on the squad with 4.0 sacks. A key cog in the team's defensive scheme, he earned Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors, was named a Pro Football Focus First Team All-Sun Belt performer and a PFF Honorable Mention All-American.
Jones started in all 11 games during the 2020 season, ranking fifth on the team in total tackles with 43 and adding 3.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks, while Humphrey started in all 10 games in which he appeared, earning Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt Conference honors after totaling 32 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss and a quarterback hurry.
The unit was also bolstered by the play of key reserves, including Mason Narcisse, Ja-Quane Nelson, Dalvin Hutchinson and Kendall Wilkerson. Narcisse produced 17 tackles and three quarterback hurries during his rookie campaign, while Nelson was credited with 11 tackles on the year. Hutchinson, who saw action in the final three games after coming off injury, and Wilkerson added four tackles each.
Other returners to keep an eye on include Sonny Hazard, Dominique Ratcliff, Jordan Lawson, Malcolm Rollins, Lakeidrick George, Jr. and Andre Landry.
Behind the 2020 defensive line, Louisiana's defense ranked 31st nationally in scoring defense (22.0) and 33rd nationally in total defense (355.4).
Louisiana Football will open the 2021 season and the fourth year of the Billy Napier era. on Saturday, Sept. 4, at Texas. Kickoff in Austin is slated for 3:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast nationally on FOX. To request tickets, click here.
Fans are encouraged to secure tickets now, which includes six games at Cajun Field. More information can be obtained by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at the CAJUNDOME, (337) 265-2170, or by visiting the office in-person.
The Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Foundation is excited to announce reduced tailgating prices for the 2021 season. For more information on securing a tailgate or RV spot, call the RCAF office at (337) 851-7223 or email RCAF@louisiana.edu.
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB) to stay up-to-date on Louisiana Football.
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