Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns are fighting the temptation to get Michael Desormeaux on the field in a number of ways this season.

The redshirt freshman from Catholic High-New Iberia started preseason drills on Monday as UL's backup quarterback behind established starter Jerry Babb, but his versatility remains tempting for the Cajun staff.

They're not likely to give in to that temptation any time soon, though.

"I don't think we can afford to have our backup quarterback playing at another position," offensive coordinator Rob Christophel said. "Right now the people we have behind him are John Cutrera, who's a redshirt, and John Hundley, a true freshman.

"There is some merit to having two athletes like Jerry and Michael on the field at the same time, and possibly there's a little bit of thought there. But we also don't want to put ourselves in a bad position at that spot."

"Michael's role is open," head coach Rickey Bustle said. "I want him to learn how to play quarterback first. Then as we get into it, we might expand it some."

What the Cajuns mainly want is for Desormeaux to continue the signs of development he showed last fall and spring, and to be ready to step in for Babb if needed.

"I want him to be able to operate the football team, just like I want Jerry to be able to operate the team," Christophel said. "I like the idea of feeling comfortable with either one on the field. Michael made progress in the spring, but he's got to get into game situations."

"He had a good spring," Bustle agreed. "And I think he'll be a lot better this fall. When you're young and you press, mistakes last a couple of days. Then you look back on them and say, 'Why'd I make it so hard on myself?' "

While it's clear he remains the team's leader, Babb welcomes the company at his position.

"Michael and John are both intelligent guys," Babb said. "They can analyze what's going on. When I come off the field after a series, I can ask them what they see going on in the game and they can give me feedback. It gives you a different perspective."

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Bruce Brown
bbrown@theadvertiser.com