Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns spent a little more than two hours on the practice field on Wednesday under cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-70’s.

The 12-period work in full pads was a physical session, setting the stage for Saturday’s scrimmage. The Cajuns will tune-up for the scrimmage on Friday at 3pm before hitting Cajun Field at 9:45am on Saturday.

Wednesday’s practice featured three full-contact team periods, including the always physical middle drill. There was also a pair of varsity periods that included first and third down drills.

“We moved around well (during middle drill),” said new Cajuns defensive coordinator Kevin Fouquier. “We have to keep our eyes up and tackle better.

“I thought we were pretty good on first down, but it didn’t carry over.

“The offense got after us on third down and that’s the down that we need to get off the field. We gave up too many conversions and we are still allowing too many big plays.”

The offense was able to grab seven conversions on 12 attempts, including 4-of-6 on third-and-seven or longer. Kyle Ward did end the third down drill with an interception on third-and-nine.

“We are implementing a scheme of movement and pressure,” added Fouquier. “It makes our blitzing so important and puts pressure on the secondary.

“There are a lot of players hurt in the secondary, but it gives those others a chance to compete and get tougher mentally and physically.”

Not to be lost in the shuffle is the fact that the Cajuns have spent only about 20 hours on the field over nine practices this spring. With four new coaches, including a pair of new coordinators, there is large playbook fairly unfamiliar to the players.

“We are still putting-in a lot of stuff,” explained Fouquier. “The kids are still learning, but they are picking-up the schemes pretty well.

“The spring is 100 percent learning.”

Only five more practice dates remain before the spring game to be held on Saturday, March 31 at noon.

The Cajuns remaining spring practice schedule:

  • Friday, March 23 – 3:00pm
  • Saturday, March 24 – 9:45am
  • Monday, March 26 – 3:30pm
  • Wednesday, March 28 – 3:30pm
  • Friday, March 30 – 3:00pm practice, 7:00pm banquet
  • Saturday, March 31 – Spring Game @ Noon

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