It was assumed by most University of Louisiana baseball fans and followers, but Justin Robichaux said it wasn't always a slam dunk that he'd sign with the Ragin' Cajun program even though his dad was the coach.

"Some other schools called, and once they found out they backed off totally," the younger Robichaux said. "But a lot of other coaches called, and they very respectfully called my dad and asked if it was okay to talk to me.

"He said yeah, that they were treating me like a recruit and all my options were open."

But Robichaux made the decision over the summer that he would bring his talents from Notre Dame High to the UL program, and he made it official Thursday in becoming part of a Cajun signing class that now numbers four.

Also signing with head coach Tony Robichaux on Thursday, the second day of the NCAA's early-signing period, were standout catcher Dillon Guillory of Teurlings Catholic and outfielder/first baseman Travis Whipple of Morgan City-Central Catholic. Pitcher Randall Bulliard of Opelousas-Westminster Academy signed with the Cajuns on Wednesday.

"I really like this group," Robichaux said. "We're continuing to bring in young players and young arms. We had a lot of success last year bring in young guys early and letting them mature in the program. If you sign a really good junior college player, he may only be here one year, so with these guys we're confident they will be a part of the program for a long time."

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Dan McDonald
dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com