BJ on 103.7

[Hudsheen#Fired]

Just a heads up
BJ is scheduled to be on 103.7 at 4:35

[SlappyCajun]

Recap if you got it.

[CajunT]

Recap if you got it.

What were my overall impressions of the UL Media Day?

*I thought it was a typical media day, coaches were positive, talked about the work that needs to be done and previewed players on each side of the football.

*Although is was a typical media day, I thought Coach Hudspeth gave some insight on how he is approaching this season, as compared to others in the past.

"I'm more of a veteran coach now, so I've learned not to get to excited or upset over the first few days of practice now."

*Note the Coach Hudspeth was a bit hoarse from the morning practice session, which tells you he did a lot of screaming.

What were my concerns with this years team going into fall practice?

*I thought it was pretty obvious, defense and special teams.

Coach Willis talked about the number of young athletes in the depth chart and his expectations. The problem is not going to be talent; I think the Cajuns are more talented then last season, but the lack of game experience in the depth chart is a concern.

Young athletes like Kevin Fouquier, Blain Winston, Javonte Watson, Chris Hill, Al-Damon Riles, Remaine Douglas and Dominque Jones has very little to no game experience.

Three JC transfers, Cedric Tillman, Corey Trim and Marquis White have no FBS game experince either.

Some fans my be disappointed because I expect the defense to to struggle against Arkansas, Kansas State and Western Kentucky in early games on the schedule. I do expect the defense to perform a lot better once the Cajuns get into the Sun Belt Conference schedule.

The positives on defense is the Cajuns will be strong up the middle with Hamilton, McCray, Anderson and Gillis. There is a lot of game experience in that group and Anderson will call the defenses up front while Gillis calls the coverage on the back end.

*Mistakes will be made earlier, especially when you play young athletes, but I do expect one major improvement on defense to be obvious early on, TACKLING. Coach Willis said they have put a lot of emphasis on improving talking and have incorporated drills in practice every day.

*I expect the Cajuns to play a lot of zone early, keeping plays in front of them and using zone blitzes at times to get after the offense. They will focus on stopping the run between the tackles, and have built the defense from the inside out with McCray 340 and Hamilton at 320 controlling the gaps, allowing Anderson/Fouquier others to make plays.

*Cordona and Bruachle are concerns because neither are proven. Cordona is still learning the game and the speed at which it is played. He still has work to do on timing and getting the ball off.

*Brauchle has to prove he can hit key FG's at crucial times at the FBS level. Baer was ICE during his career at UL, Brauchle has yet to prove he can handle the game time pressure.

The Cajuns offense was less of a concern because Quaves moving out to tackle makes the line more athletic, but Anderson is my only concern. They will give him some help with the TE's and RB's while he matures.

My main concern on the offensive side of the football is/and was last season, third down conversion rate. Coach Johnson stated that he was not satisfied with it and they are focusing on getting the ball to the TE's more to sustain drives, rather then trying to always make the big plays down field. Translation, become more consistant at throwing the ball to the TE's and RB's, moving the chains.

*Thoughts on Sun Belt Commissioner Benson and his statements.

He has a lot of exerience at building a conference and I'm sure that is some comfort to the member presidents or chancellors. But, he is not a very impressive personality in person and projects as more or less a blue collar type. His presentation of his vision of the future Sun Belt is not exciting. He doesn't have the type of persona that captures a room and helps him sell his vision.

Those are just a few notes from the interview.

[SlappyCajun]

Thanks for the response. That was thorough.

[Cajunjeb]

Great recap! Honest. I can say I have been been living in the excitement of what this team can be and I still do. Your realistic analysis is good because it reminds me that there are holes. How will the young guys step up on defense? I think the Cajuns will be successful if they follow the Saints plan for this year. The offense will carry the defense as long as the defense pulls their weight. The D doesn't have to be great. Just tackle, keep plays in front of them and force turnovers when possible.

[Turbine]

Cajun T, above and beyond.

Thanks

[scotto_25]

Can the public ("RCAF-Type") members watch practice or no?

[CajunT]

Can the public ("RCAF-Type") members watch practice or no?

If they have someone at the gate checking RCAF members, then you should have no problem. But if the gates is closed and no one is checking at the gate, then practice is closed to RCAF, Media and Public.

[scotto_25]

Thanks

[moorecajun]

Fellas (and ladies):

It is time the Cajun Nation hits tailgating boot camp ... it is not easy to do what we do and I hope everyone does not think they will be able to go out there on 9-14 COLD TURKEY and be able to go all day and all night!

Start slowly with some 10 oz curls, 8 oz if you weren't able to tailgate last year ... maybe put a few burgers on the fire to practice ... you don't want to burn the meat ... just ask J1M what happened to him when he tried a strapless thong on for a day game two years ago ... spray on the Solarcaine!

Just kidding, but we all expect this to be a great year for the team ... let's also make it a great year for Cajun Nation ... the veterans and the rookies!

GEAUX CAJUNS!

[CajunDreDog]

Fellas (and ladies):

It is time the Cajun Nation hits tailgating boot camp ... it is not easy to do what we do and I hope everyone does not think they will be able to go out there on 9-14 COLD TURKEY and be able to go all day and all night!

Start slowly with some 10 oz curls, 8 oz if you weren't able to tailgate last year ... maybe put a few burgers on the fire to practice ... you don't want to burn the meat ... just ask J1M what happened to him when he tried a strapless thong on for a day game two years ago ... spray on the Solarcaine!

Just kidding, but we all expect this to be a great year for the team ... let's also make it a great year for Cajun Nation ... the veterans and the rookies!

GEAUX CAJUNS!

GREAT POST! Love it!!!!

[Doyle]

Does anyone know what the practice schedule is? I would like to attend a couple of practices.