Defense seeks solutions
Coordinator Brent Pry hopes scheme change pay huge dividends.
LOUISIANA la. — University of Louisiana was in a mix-and-match mode last year on defense.
The Ragin’ Cajuns could tune in on Sundays and watch ex-teammates Charles Tillman of the Chicago Bears and Ike Taylor of the Pittsburgh Steelers shine as rookie defensive backs in the NFL, but that didn’t help much while the Cajuns were playing teams like Houston, Minnesota, North Texas and Oklahoma State.
On the way to a 4-8 finish, UL allowed 439 yards per game (215.8 rushing, 223.2 passing) and endured six games in which it yielded over 40 points.
Two things point to better days to come for the Cajuns, though.
First of all, there is the scheme, which was changed in the spring to a multiple 4-3 set that will better enable the UL coaching staff to utilize the talent level on the roster while putting less pressure on the free safety to be Superman.
It worked with Tillman on the scene in 2002, but he’s gone.
Secondly, several key Cajun defenders will have spring drills in the program after playing as newcomers in 2003.
“We had so many freshmen and junior college players who were playing their first ball for us last fall,” said defensive coordinator Brent Pry. “They had no offseason preparation with us. They didn’t have that winter, spring and summer conditioning that are so critical.
“(Defensive tackle) Ken Haynes, (defensive end) Travis Bass, (cornerback) Antowain Spann and (safety) C.C. Brown all signed from junior college, then came right in and played. Now they’ve all got a year in the program — a year of learning and growing.
“We won’t be relying so much on so many new faces as we were last year.”
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Bruce Brown
bbrown@theadvertiser.com