Higher Expectations: Injuries in 08 Lead to Depth in 09

[NewsCopy]

 Week after week, the injuries piled up for UL's football team at the linebacker position last season.

Six linebackers missed time during the year, including five due to injury. Two starters missed the final half of the season with knee injuries. In all, 11 players saw time at the position.

Those trials could pay off in a huge way this fall. Seven players who started at linebacker last season are back, led by senior Antwyne Zanders and juniors Grant Fleming and Daylon McCoy.

The rest of the story

Joshua Parrott ? jparrott@theadvertiser.com ? August 15, 2009

[zephyr]

I was thinking and sort of hoping we were going to redshirt Nash and Ratliffe. I'm assuming that I thought wrong. I'd like to see both redshirt if possible but if they play well enough to get them in the game, oh well.

[Parrott]

Ratliff is not on campus yet. On Friday he took his test for a summer class to substitute for one of his high school courses. He is expected to be on campus Tuesday for Freshman Orientation. If he's not clear by the start of classes the week of Aug. 24 he will grayshirt.

Nash and Hebert will not be counted on unless the linebackers are hit hard by injuries again or they simply outplay the guys ahead of them on the depth chart like Benoit, Washington, Lewis-Buchanan at linebacker and/or on special teams.

igeaux.mobi

[zephyr]

_ Ratliff is not on campus yet. On Friday he took his test for a summer class to substitute for one of his high school courses. He is expected to be on campus Tuesday for Freshman Orientation. If he's not clear by the start of classes the week of Aug. 24 he will grayshirt.

Nash and Hebert will not be counted on unless the linebackers are hit hard by injuries again or they simply outplay the guys ahead of them on the depth chart like Benoit, Washington, Lewis-Buchanan at linebacker and/or on special teams.

igeaux.mobi _

JP, any indication from the coaches as to who is leading the position battle at QB and whether any of the young RB's are knocking on Sails' door?

[Parrott]

Hudson nor Bustle said anything has changed at QB, but that was before they broke down film. Hudson wasn't thrilled with the three picks but one was tipped and the left tackle blew his protection on another. Masson made some strong throws and would have had 200 yards passing if the long ball to Hill was ruled a catch. Gautier showed progress by making the right read and keeping the ball for a two-yard gain on his option run instead of pitching for a loss to the running back.

At RB, it's still Sails at the top. The guy is better as a runner and pass blocker, which is big with the team likely throwing a bit more this year. Hudson liked Booker's versatility, Yobes' willingness to lower his head and run between the tackles and Robert Walker's speed and ability. He said that Robert is pushing the older guys for time.

igeaux.mobi

[J-Town Cajun]

_ Ratliff is not on campus yet. On Friday he took his test for a summer class to substitute for one of his high school courses. He is expected to be on campus Tuesday for Freshman Orientation. If he's not clear by the start of classes the week of Aug. 24 he will grayshirt.

Nash and Hebert will not be counted on unless the linebackers are hit hard by injuries again or they simply outplay the guys ahead of them on the depth chart like Benoit, Washington, Lewis-Buchanan at linebacker and/or on special teams.

igeaux.mobi _

I thought Andrew Hebert played really well and looks like a young Fleming out there.

[zephyr]

_ I thought Andrew Hebert played really well and looks like a young Fleming out there. _

You can bet he will bring a defensive players mindset to the game. Andrew likes, whether he's giving it or not, contact and he's pretty athletic. He's physical and aggressive and I think he'll be a very nice player for us. He has a great frame, kind of like Fleming, for putting on 20-30 pounds over his career and not losing the athleticism. In a way, I want him to redshirt this year to gain some weight but if he plays that well and provides depth, the coaches may very well want him to play.