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Mark Risher probably started having flashbacks Friday morning.
The junior St. Thomas More product was watching his University of Louisiana linebacker mates drop like flies during the Cajuns' full-contact morning workout, and it had to bring back memories of the pivotal game of last season. But at least they were good memories.
At one point during the 2005 game at Middle Tennessee, the Cajuns were down to three healthy linebackers, and still held the host Blue Raiders to 263 offensive yards in a 13-10 UL victory. That win snapped a three-game loss streak and started a run of five straight wins.
Friday looked very similar. In the second period of practice, starting Mike linebacker Brent Burkhalter took a hit and was having vision problems that required exams and a CAT scan, and backup Jantz Theriot went out with a shoulder injury.
<CENTER><P><A HREF="http://www.acadiananow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060819/SPORTS/608190311/1006" TARGET="_BLANK">The rest of the story</A>
Dan McDonald
dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com
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Joseph Hadnot, the primary backup at Mike linebacker, suffered an ankle injury later in practice, reinjuring the left ankle that sidelined him almost the entire 2005 season. Both of UL's top Will linebackers, Wes Simon and Tre' Green, were already wearing green jerseys with a sore calf and a stinger respectively and were limited in their roles.
"Coach (Brent) Pry says that every guy has to prepare like they're going to start every day," Risher said. "You never know when the person in front of you's going to go down."
The practice injuries left the Cajuns with only two of their top six linebackers - Risher and Mack Fair - for the rest of practice. Fortunately, Burkhalter was cleared and able to return for the afternoon practice, and Simon and Green may both play in today's second scrimmage.
"It felt like Middle Tennessee all over again," Pry said. "The other guys just have to step up, and it helps that they all know more than one position."
Risher started all 11 games last year and has played in 20 straight UL games, but he also had to shift from his normal Sam linebacker spot and play the Mike at times. The three spots have vastly different assignments in the Cajuns' defensive system.
"It's a difficult process to learn all three positions," Risher said. "But in the end it really does help because you're prepared for any circumstance and it can help us as a team. You have to make a lot of adjustments."
Risher was second on the Cajun squad in tackles last season with 59 including five for losses, which ranked third on the team. The former All-Acadiana, All-Parish and All-District selection had 23 tackles in nine games in 2004, tied for the most among the freshman class as part of the depth that Pry strives for in the group.
"Sometimes you have to juggle guys around," Pry said. "Those things happen. We're fortunate that we've got a lot of guys like Mark that are ready to play a couple of spots."
"It's hard if you have to do it in the middle of a game," Risher said. "But once you get a couple of snaps you get that sense of comfort and it comes a lot easier. That's why we work so hard on being ready when things like that happen."
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