UL-Lafayette
will prepare for the 2012 Football season beginning on Wednesday morning. Second
year head coach Mark Hudspeth will welcome 105 players to campus on Wednesday.
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| UL-Lafayette |
The
2012 football season will officially get underway on Wednesday (Aug. 1) when
second year UL head coach Mark Hudspeth welcomes 105 student-athletes back to
campus for the start of preseason practice.
After checking into the dormitories in the morning, the annual team photo will be taken in the afternoon at Cajun Field and the group will meet as a team in the evening. The first preseason practice is slated to begin at 8:55 a.m. on Wednesday.
After checking into the dormitories in the morning, the annual team photo will be taken in the afternoon at Cajun Field and the group will meet as a team in the evening. The first preseason practice is slated to begin at 8:55 a.m. on Wednesday.
“It
will be good to get back out on the grass and continue the process of getting
ready for Lamar on Sept. 1,” Hudspeth said. “Our players have worked hard
all summer to get ready for this season and they understand what we are
expecting from them this year.
The
Cajuns return 15 starters and 39 lettermen from the 2011 that went 9-4 to tie a
school record for wins. UL made its first bowl appearance since 1970,
defeating San Diego State, 32-30, in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.
Add to the mix the return to the field of 19 players who redshirted last season and the addition of another strong recruiting class, and the 2012 Ragin’ Cajuns should feature a deeper and more talented playing rotation.
Add to the mix the return to the field of 19 players who redshirted last season and the addition of another strong recruiting class, and the 2012 Ragin’ Cajuns should feature a deeper and more talented playing rotation.
Dept
for the Ragin Cajuns don’t seem to be a problem as they held into preseason practice
and drill, to prepare for the regular season that is only about 30 days away.
The
strength of the Cajuns will come on offense where nine starters from the squad
that compiled more than 5,000 yards of total offense. The returners
include 2011 Louisiana Offensive Player of the Year quarterback Blaine Gautier,
running back Alonzo Harris, the reigning Sun Belt Freshman of the Year.
In addition, four offensive line starters return along with seven
receivers who combined to catch almost 200 passes for 2,600 yards, including
first team All-Sun Belt choice Javone Lawson (63 catches, 1,092 yards).
Although
the defense will feature seven new starters this fall, the overall depth and
athleticism of the unit has improved, leaving the coaching staff confident
coming out of spring drills.
Cornerbacks Melvin White (64 tackles) and Jemarlous Moten (80 tackles) and linebackers Le'Marcus Gibson (45 tackles) and Jake Molbert (65 tackles) return as starters to form the nucleus of the defense.
Cornerbacks Melvin White (64 tackles) and Jemarlous Moten (80 tackles) and linebackers Le'Marcus Gibson (45 tackles) and Jake Molbert (65 tackles) return as starters to form the nucleus of the defense.
The
Ragin’ Cajuns open the 2012 season at home against Lamar at 6:00 p.m. on
Saturday, Sept. 1.
