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Ian Thompson got almost all of the starts last season at tight end for UL.
Thompson also started the 0-2 Ragin’ Cajuns season-opening loss this year at Arkansas, but Jacob Maxwell got the start in last Saturday’s loss at Kansas State.
In the mind of UL head coach Mark Hudspeth, however, it’s a lot like six to one, half-dozen to the other.
He isn’t sure who will open Saturday night vs. Nicholls State – and would be perfectly comfortable with either one.
“It doesn’t really matter to us who starts or who is even on the field,” Hudspeth said. “It’s a pretty unique situation when you don’t have a preference.”
The two are both that dependable – and almost that indiscernible.
While it’s Thompson with more starts, in fact, it’s Maxwell with the better receiving numbers.
He had 19 catches and four touchdowns to Thompson’s 16 and none last season, and he has six catches and one TD to Thompson’s two and none this season.
Even that, though, doesn’t prompt Hudspeth to favor one over the other.
“Maxwell probably has had a little more success just because the ball has come his way a few more times,” the Cajun coach said. “But they’re both very good.”
The situation has fostered a relationship embraced both fifth-year seniors – one, Maxwell, from Pearl River High, and the other, Thompson, from Kernersville, N.C.
“It’s been great,” Thompson said. “We’ve been roommates ever since we came in four, five years ago.
“But it’s been a good, friendly competition, and I think … it’s understood every time we step on the field we push ourselves to get better.
“I don’t think I’d be the player I am today without him,” Thompson added, “and I don’t think he’d be the player without me.”
Thompson and Maxwell, meanwhile, aren’t the only tight ends on whom Hudspeth is keen.
“Larry Pettis has played very well too,” the Cajun coach said his No. 3 at the position, “and he’ll get a few reps (this week).”
DOWN TO SCOUT TEAM
He started at cornerback in UL’s opener at Arkansas.
But after getting beat for two touchdowns against the Razorbacks, and playing sparingly last Saturday at KSU, Holmes (Miss.) Community College transfer Cedrick Tillman has a hole to climb out of.
He’s spent this week working with UL’s scout team, having lost his starting job to former starting strong safety Trevence Patt and having been surpassed on the Cajuns’ two-deep chart by Dominick Jones, who has an interception at Kansas State.
“I let him (Tillman) know it takes a lot longer to earn trust than to lose it,” Hudspeth said. “He’s gonna have to work his way back, and it could take a while – because some other guys have really stepped up, given the opportunity, and performed.”
Tillman has paid quite a twice for the two touchdowns at Arkansas.
“Basically all we wanted from the corners early in the season was to not give up the big play,” Hudspeth said. “We understand it’s early in the year, and new coverages, and new people, and new spots.
“(But) … ‘Let’s just keep ’em front, tackle and make them (opponents) have to protect. Make them throw it, make them catch it, make them be perfect.”
“So right now he’s helping his team in another way, running with the scout team,” Hudspeth added. “That’s helping his game, because every day he’s getting a lot of practice.”
SAVOIE TO DRESS
Among those dressing out for the first time Saturday will be sophomore receiver Adam Savoie, the son of UL president Joseph Savoie and his wife Gail.
The Lafayette High product joined the team as a walk-on and redshirted in 2011, then missed all of last season due to shoulder surgery.
LAGNIAPPE
With Boris Anyama (hamstring) out Saturday, the Cajuns said fellow starting outside linebacker Dominique Tovell will move into Anyama’s spot and sophomore backup Chris Prater will start where Tovell usually does. … Linebacker Tig Barksdale (turf toe) will play, Hudspeth said Thursday. … After the Cajuns were penalized 5 yards at Kansas State because both Tillman and reserve quarterback Jalen Nixon took the field both wearing No. 6 on the same kickoff-return play, Tillman’s jersey number has been changed to 13. … Roy Philpott (play-by-play) and Stan Lewter (analyst) have the call for ESPN3’s online coverage of Saturday’s game against Nicholls State.
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