Defense bounces back

[NewsCopy]

  UL defensive coordinator Kevin Fouquier issues the challenge from time to time, asking which of his players will make the first big play or force the tide-turning takeaway.

On Saturday, Dwight Bentley answered that call in the second scrimmage of the spring for the Ragin' Cajuns. The junior cornerback intercepted a Chris Masson pass on the fourth play, setting the tone as UL's defense recorded two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and eight sacks at Cajun Field.

That was a drastic improvement over the team's first spring scrimmage last Saturday in which the defense failed to make any picks or recover any fumbles and lost its nickname "Tackles N' Turnovers." The Cajuns turned things around in Wednesday's mini-scrimmage to regain their moniker before a strong performance on Saturday.

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Joshua Parrott
jparrott@theadvertiser.com

[zephyr]

It was great to see Nate Douglas back in there after it looked like his career could be over for medical reasons. His return couldn't have come at a better time and he is going to be relied upon heavily after losing Justin Anderson for a length of time with the broken leg. If/When Houston Bates arrives, we will have some good talent at the rush end position and if Gaddies returns, an area of concern now becomes a strength on the D-Line

Before the defense can start banging their chests too much, they need to do this against the talented backs we have coming in rather than a walk-on fullback from Lafayette High and others. Not to disrespect Jackson but they are going to have to come out and run with Rob Walker, Spikes and Streeter before they can start believing their hype.

The secondary should look really good this year though. The Juco guys along with the development of Kelley and Rolle is going to make them a lot better this year and we should have the best cover corners in the league.

[ULtimateCajun]

I went to a scrimmage last season and noticed how well our D was coming along, then we got injury after injury. If this team could go without significant injuries for a season we would be bowlin'm


igeaux.mobi

[zephyr]

_ I went to a scrimmage last season and noticed how well our D was coming along, then we got injury after injury. If this team could go without significant injuries for a season we would be bowlin'm


igeaux.mobi _

Yes, that is a major concern. Last year it was the safety position and the year before, it was the linebacker spot. Linebacker does concern me because we have less depth there but we have a lot of quality depth at the DB and Safety spots. The question is whether the DL will improve as that is our biggest need.

[Civil Cajun]

McGuire moved to runningback? I guess I am a little out of the loop in not picking up on this. Does this sound strange to anyone else?

We've got Robert Walker breaking weight room records, we also have the spikes kid coming in this year who is highly thought of. I doubt McGuire can beat these kids out. Weird move, I hope it was a typo in the article.

[CrazyCajun]

_ McGuire moved to runningback? I guess I am a little out of the loop in not picking up on this. Does this sound strange to anyone else?

We've got Robert Walker breaking weight room records, we also have the spikes kid coming in this year who is highly thought of. I doubt McGuire can beat these kids out. Weird move, I hope it was a typo in the article. _

spikes and streeter are not here yet,all other rb's are hurt.

[CajunConnection]

Mcguire knows the off. and I like the idea of times he can behind center or in the Tailback position. We need to get our best athletes on the field and not holding clipboards. Include Gauthier also. Maybe we can have Masson at QB, and Gauthier and Mcguire in the backfield. Give the def fits.

CC

[HoustonCajun]

_ Mcguire knows the off. and I like the idea of times he can behind center or in the Tailback position. We need to get our best athletes on the field and not holding clipboards. Include Gauthier also. Maybe we can have Masson at QB, and Gauthier and Mcguire in the backfield. Give the def fits.

CC _

I would still prefer to see McGuire at QB instead of Masson or Gauthier. With our running backs this year, we could return to the formidable rushing team that we were just a year ago. And, McGuire is as good a passer as Masson, but he is a bigger threat with the run.

[wcd35]

And, McGuire is as good a passer as Masson, but he is a bigger threat with the run. _

I dont know about that, but I understand where you are coming from. Masson won the job because he is a better passer and Gautier was too young.

Right now, I think we are in a much better place than last year. Gautier is looking better than last year, but I'm sure we'll keep hearing the "he still has a lot to learn" line for a while to come. I think most agree that Gautier has the most potential and I'm sure he will get more playing time this year to try to develop. I'm sure it has helped that he is getting second team reps since Brad is at RB now.

[ManAboutTown]

_ I dont know about that, but I understand where you are coming from. Masson won the job because he is a better passer and Gautier was too young.

Right now, I think we are in a much better place than last year. Gautier is looking better than last year, but I'm sure we'll keep hearing the "he still has a lot to learn" line for a while to come. I think most agree that Gautier has the most potential and I'm sure he will get more playing time this year to try to develop. I'm sure it has helped that he is getting second team reps since Brad is at RB now. _

Just my opinion, Gautier has the job by week 5.

[Gbbaseball7]

_ I dont know about that, but I understand where you are coming from. Masson won the job because he is a better passer and Gautier was too young.

Right now, I think we are in a much better place than last year. Gautier is looking better than last year, but I'm sure we'll keep hearing the "he still has a lot to learn" line for a while to come. I think most agree that Gautier has the most potential and I'm sure he will get more playing time this year to try to develop. I'm sure it has helped that he is getting second team reps since Brad is at RB now. _

Brad volunteered to work at RB 2 saturadys ago when all the RB's were hurt and not playing. He volunteered to help the team. I still see Brad back at QB this fall and competing strongly for that starting QB slot.

[wcd35]

_ Brad volunteered to work at RB 2 saturadys ago when all the RB's were hurt and not playing. He volunteered to help the team. I still see Brad back at QB this fall and competing strongly for that starting QB slot. _

No doubt on that. He's definitely showing some serious leadership in volunteering to lose his QB reps to fill in at RB. To me, as long as all of these guys continue to grow as QB's, I dont have too much problem with whoever is the "starter." I'm sure we will see all 3 of them on the field this year in various roles.