2006 Football Previews

[ISUCajunfan]

Collegefootballnews came out with their Sun Belt preview, and they're sticking to their prediction that the Cajuns will win the league.


http://www.collegefootballnews.com

[lxa656]

Sweet!

[Cajun1997]

Ohio Spring practice starts March 27, Spring Game April 22
The big spring question is ... Will Frank Solich and his coaching staff be able to make the offense more effective in year two? Solich was going to run the ball from the get-go, but the attack only average 174 rushing yards per game and was horrific throwing it averaging a MAC worst 118 yards per outing. Kalvin McRae is an excellent back to work an offense around and Austen Everson is an experienced quarterback, but there has to be a bit more balance, or else there has to be far more from the ground game.
The most important position to watch is ... Quarterback. With 27 games of experience, Everson has to improve on his accuracy. The Bobcats won't ever wing it all over the field with Solich at the helm, but the passing game needs to at least be efficient. After finishing last year 118th in the nation in passing efficiency, Ohio has to start to complete more passes meaning Everson has to be better after completing 105 of 220 for 1151 yards with four touchdown passes and 11 interceptions.
Spring attitude... This could be the East's biggest sleeper. With eight starters returning on each side of the ball, and the offense sure to be a little better only because of experience, Ohio has as good a chance as anyone else in the light MAC East to win the conference title. There's a lot of work to be done with major improvements needed, but the potential is there for a great year.

Eastern Michigan
The big spring question is ... Can EMU make another positive step on defense? The Eagles, after years of being a doormat for any offense that showed up, got much tighter last season. The run defense wasn't a prize, but it was still better than it was over previous seasons. If they have any hope of coming up with a winning season and not getting lost in the West shuffle, the defense has to be even better.
The most important position to watch is ... Quarterback. Matt Bohnet didn't have quite the season expected of him, but he was a good leader who had an efficient year throwing for 14 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Tyler Jones played well in Bohnet's place against Miami University completing 19 of 25 passes for 135 yards and two scores, and he's a better runner. The faster Jones can shine, the better the chance EMU has of being relevant.
Spring attitude... Learn how to win the close ones. The Eagles lost three games last year by a total of five points and lost to Western Michigan by eight in a shootout. Had they pulled out three of those four, they would've been 7-4. General improvement on both sides of the ball is needed, but most importantly, the team needs to figure out how to do one thing really, really well when games get tight.

Houston Spring practice starts March 8, Spring Game April 8
The big spring question is ... After three years under Art Briles, is Houston finally in a position to challenge for the Conference USA title? Thanks to the return of QB Kevin Kolb, the offense should still be explosive. The defense wasn't a prize last year, but just about everyone comes back meaning there's hope the experience turns into production. Briles has done a great job making the program relevant, and now it's time to take the next step.
The most important position to watch is ... Receiver. Vincent Marshall's 71 catches, 939 yards and six touchdowns makes for a big return, but the Cougars lose dependable target Kendal Briles and his 45 grabs, 369 yards and a score. Donnie Avery is a solid deep threat who has to become a top number two target, and Anthony Alridge has to play more of a role. If they can all come through, Kolb should have a monster year.
Spring attitude... Every close game has to belong to Houston. Five Cougar games were decided by a touchdown or less with Houston winning two of them. There can't be any home losses like the ones to Memphis and SMU with the Cougars needing to own Robertson Stadium with UTEP, UCF and Tulsa coming to town during a pivotal three-game stretch. Everything is in place to win, so the attitude has to be Conference USA title or bust.

Texas A&M Spring practice starts March 3, Spring Game April 8
The big spring question is ... Is this the last chance for Coach Fran? A 16-19 record isn't exactly what Aggie fans were hoping for when they got Dennis Franchione away from Alabama, and there might not be a year five if there isn't a solid turnaround and a bowl season in 2006. Fortunately, the Aggies have a tremendous stable of running backs, a promising young offensive line, and a highly ranked recruiting class to get excited about. The potential is there for a good season.
The most important position to watch is ... Defensive back. All eyes will be on the quarterback situation, but that should turn out to be just fine with both Ty Branyon and Stephen McGee more than competent. The bigger question mark is in the secondary where the nation's worst pass defense loses coaches Melvin Smith to Mississippi State and Chris Thurmond to Houston along with heart-and-soul safety Jaxson Appel. In case you were wondering, the Aggies get Texas Tech in the Big 12 opener on September 30th.
Spring attitude... Do everything with an eye on starting fast. Barring a total disaster, the Aggies will be 4-0 (The Citadel, Louisiana, Army and Louisiana Tech) before facing Texas Tech. If they can go unbeaten at home, that would mean wins over Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Nebraska before the season finale at Texas. Considering the road games are at Kansas, Oklahoma State and Baylor, anything less than an eight-win season will be considered a disappointment. An early home might be devastating.

LSU Spring practice starts March 4, Spring Game April 1
The big spring question is ... Will LSU fans accept an average year? How can an 11-2 season be a disappointment? Give away one game at home in overtime to an inferior Tennessee team, and lose the SEC title game. While it might be a little harsh to not heap the love on Les Miles and his staff for a terrific first season in the midst of a disaster like Katrina, the bar has been raised on the Bayou. Never mind that Miles' surpassed most expectations, LSU might be asked to do even more with its ridiculously talented team. That might be impossible with road games at Auburn, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas.
The most important position to watch is ... Tackle, on both sides of the ball. LSU has to replace All-Americans Claude Wroten and Kyle Williams on the defensive side and mammoth left tackle Andrew Whitworth on the left side. The main focus all spring will be on the quarterback situation, but the Tigers can't think about getting back to the SEC title game unless Peter Dyakowski, or another top prospect, can step in for Whitworth and Glen Dorsey can grow into a rock in the middle of the defensive line.
Spring attitude... If LSU can overcome the adversity of last year, it can handle a tough four-game road slate. The program overcame a hurricane to get to the SEC title game, and the loss of starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell to blow up Miami in the Peach Bowl. This might be the fastest, most athletic team in America with a boatload of talented skill players.

[Clutch0364]

http://collegefootballnews.com/Confe...on_preview.htm

[Clutch0364]

http://collegefootballnews.com/Confe...on_preview.htm

I didn't say this before but they sound very similar to us, as for as experience goes. This will be a fun game to watch, I am already planning on being there. Maybe we can get just as many to Houston as Monroe last year.

[AstroCajun]

I didn't say this before but they sound very similar to us, as for as experience goes. This will be a fun game to watch, I am already planning on being there. Maybe we can get just as many to Houston as Monroe last year.

Of all the games scheduled this year, this game will tell us the most about where our program is heading. It is a winnable game, and a true out of conference road test.

[Clutch0364]

2006 Season Preview:
Clutch PART 1a (recruiting class),   Clutch PART 1b (O depth chart), Clutch Part II (Defense),  
FOX, ESPN

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A look at the recruiting class…

Frantz ACCIME, CB, 5-11, 180, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Boyd Anderson HS) – Unfortunately he was injured running track and at this point will not be attending UL. Hopefully he will take a grey-shirt and join the team for the 2007 season. He held offers from Boston College, Louisville, and Pittsburgh so this kid does have a lot of talent.

Tyler ALBRECHT, K, 6-0, 170, Destrehan, La. (St. Thomas More HS) – One of the best kickers in LA last year and should give an immediate impact. He was 3 of 4 from beyond 50 yards last season.
Ian BURKS, OL, 6-2, 265, Denham Springs, La. (Denham Springs HS) – I don’t think his impact will be felt immediately and will most likely be red-shirted.

Fred DAVIS, LB, 6-2, 240, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Ely HS) – He was a guy I hadn’t heard about until right around signing day and I was very excited when I finally seen info on him. He only played 1 year of high school football so he is a raw talent but is big and athletic. I think a red-shirt might be good for him and his development.

Johnathan DECOSTER, OL, 6-4, 300, Miramar, Fla. (Everglades HS) – another young offensive linemen that will be able to red-shirt and learn our system. He was second team all state in Florida which says a lot about his talent level.

Matt DESORMEAUX, FB, 6-1, 210, New Iberia, La. (Catholic High-New Iberia) – A very athletic guy who is the brother of our backup QB Michael Desormeaux. Played linebacker and fullback but most likely will play fullback here. I would like to see what he can do on defense though because it would be nice to have his athletic ability on that side of the ball.

Richie FALGOUT, WR, 5-11, 175, Lafayette, La. (Lafayette HS) – A smaller WR but he put up good numbers every year at Lafayette High. A nice pipeline is starting up between UL and Lafayette High and with the talent that has been coming from there that is a great thing.

Clarence FULTZ, LB, 6-2, 215, Harvey, La. (West Jefferson HS) – He is a guy I heard the least about out of this class but what I do know is before a knee injury put him out for the year he was being recruited by SEC schools so it looks like we have got a steal.

Greg HATHORN, DE, 6-3, 245, Louisville, Miss. (East Central (Miss.) College) – He had offers from Troy and Southern Miss. And both schools have a solid eye for defensive players. In high school he was an all-state pick at LB so maybe he will be able to add to out depth on the line and at LB.

Chris JOHNSON, DT, 6-2, 250, Mandeville, La. (Fontainebleau HS) – A little undersized to play DT but DE looks like a good fit for him. He was also a power lifter in high school so he should be a strong kid and be able to adapt well to the college game.

Damian JONES, OL, 6-6, 300, Utica, Miss. (Copiah-Lincoln JC) – In 2005 he was ranked at the #2 JUCO offensive tackle and he should add much needed depth to our line. I think he should be a candidate to red-shirt because we are set at tackle and if we can get an extra year out of him that would be nice.

Louis LEE, WR, 5-11, 175, Reserve, La. (East St. John HS) – He fits the mold of Derek Smith or Jason Cherry type of guy because of his athletic ability. I look for him to red-shirt unless he has a great fall.

Daylon McCOY, S, 5-11, 180, Henderson, Texas (Tatum HS) – I was very excited by this signing because he is a beast. He is the type of safety who will come up to the line and hit a RB in the mouth and I love that. He played linebacker last year in high school but will be a safety at UL.

Sharrick MOORE, DT, 6-3, 250, Tampa, Fla. (Freedom HS) – Another guy similar to Chris Johnson that I feel will be better suited at DE. His film that I was able to dig up online was impressive and should be a force in a few years for the Cajuns.

Verlin MOORE, WR, 5-10, 160, Pompano Beach, Fla. (Pompano HS) – Florida has been good to the Cajuns as far as WR go with the success of Derek Smith and Jason Cherry. He is a guy that from the film I saw should be able to be utilized in the running game as well like Derek Smith last year.

Hildebrando RAMOS, OL, 6-3, 295, Compton, Calif. (Compton CC) – During the Spring game I watched Ramos closely because I feel the center position is vital to an O-line success and he didn’t disappoint. He will open up things in our running game and with him I don’t think the loss of Greg Hodges at center.

Blake RAMSEY, DT, 6-2, 295, Covington, La. (Covington HS) – Ramsey was ranked in the top 25 of LA high school players in 2005 and he should become a force in the middle for the Cajuns.

Korey RAYMOND, DT, 6-4, 290, LaPlace, La. (East Mississippi CC) – The key member of the 2006 recruiting class. He signed with Ole Miss before deciding to come to UL and was ranked in the JUCO top 60. He is an animal and if you seen him in the Spring game he is the force in the middle that all of us have been waiting for.

Maurice ROLLE, S, 6-1, 180, Lauderhill, Fla. (South Plantation HS) – He averaged for 10 tackles a game in his Jr and Sr years. He looks to be yet another talented DB to sign with the Cajuns

Lamar WAITERS, DT, 6-3, 284, Wellington, Fla. (Pierce College) – I couldn’t find much quality info on Waiters but he should provide quality depth to our D-line which will make his signing a good one.

Colin WINDSOR, DE, 6-4, 255, Alvin, Texas (Alvin HS) – He played DE and a little TE in high school. With him, Chris Johnson, and Sharrick Moore the future looks bright

Nassar Jamal, OL 6’5 255 – Well I couldn’t find much but he is from Canada and hopefully he will develop to be a solid player like our other Canadian O-lineman

- My thoughts on this recruiting class is good. We filled our needs on the Offensive and defensive fronts and still was able to sign quality players at the skill positions. I feel most of this class should be red-shirted because with the guys we have coming back it would be better for the future of the program and I believe coach Bustle will look at the guys closely in the fall and decide from there who can benefit us the most by playing and which guys should spend a year learning the system.

Let me know what you guys think.

[Clutch0364]

A look at the depth chart…

Offense

I’m not going to make up my own depth chart I’m only going to comment about the depth chart that the website has up from the spring.

WR
1. Derek Smith – Last year Smith established himself as a play maker for our offense. He made some plays from the receiver position but also made a lot of solid plays in the running game. Should become an even bigger player in our offense with a year of experience in the Cajun system.
2. Jason Cherry – Along with Derek Smith and Tyrell Fenroy became a huge part of our offense as a true freshman. He was also an important part of our special teams unit and like Smith with a year of experience under his belt he should be ready to make some big plays in our passing game next year.
3. Cory Frederick – Was a Jr. College transfer who came in and became a very dependable receiver for the Cajuns. Was not a guy who was going to make the flashy play but he had very sure hands and didn’t drop balls. He like Smith made a few plays out of the running game but he is more a possession receiver who we will be able to depend on to get a first down when we need it.
4. Jordan Jackson – What can I say about Jordan except it is time for him to step up and make some big plays. He came to UL with a lot of hype and has not lived up to any of it. At 6’6 he could be a very good deep threat for our offense but he has to live up to the potential that he came here with.
5. Phillip Nevels – Played great in the spring game and I am looking forward to seeing him in action next year. He red-shirted last year and was given time to learn the system. Like Jason Cherry and Derek Smith, he is an athletic guy who will make things happen with his athleticism and if the spring game was a sign of things to come we will have another weapon to add to what is already the best offense in the Sunbelt.
Position Grade – B- They have a lot of speed and should be effective in the running game as well as in the passing game.

TE
1. Erik Jones – Made a few plays last year that showed what he is capable of. The play that really sticks out was his 16 yard reception against Middle Tennessee that set up Booker Jenkins run that won us the game. I love the use of the TE in any offense and I think if he is used correctly we will be that much better on offense.
2. Kevin Belton – I don’t see Kevin being a huge part of our offense but he is a Sr. who has a lot of experience in the system and he should get a lot of playing time.
3. Matt Ulm – I was excited with his signing in 2005 after I had seen his game film. He is an athletic TE who can make some big plays for the Cajuns. I do not know how good of a blocker he is but with his receiving skill I believe he can be a weapon in the passing game. He will only be a red-shirt freshmen so he probably will not be used as much as Jones or Belton but I am excited to see him on the field.
Position Grade – C- This grade could improve if they are used more effectively than last year.

LT
1. Jesse Newman – He was 2nd team all conference last year and I can only see an improvement on that. Our o-line developed almost overnight last year with the system going to a more run oriented offense and he might have made more strides than anyone. If he continues his improvement we might be looking at a future NFL draft prospect.
2. Kyle Pirtle – He red-shirted last year and made the move from TE to tackle. I’m not sure if only 1 year at the tackle position if he is ready to add quality depth at the position but give him another year with his size and feet, he’ll be ready to make a move to battle for playing time somewhere along the line.

LG
1. Tim Falter – As a freshman last year we didn’t expect much from him but after injuries ravaged the line he quickly solidified himself as the starter. He is only a sophomore and with another year of experience under his belt he should be ready to open up some massive holes for Fenroy and Wallace.
2. Brad Bustle - Another red-shirt freshman in a main backup role which is kind of scary but it only means good things for the future of our line. I have not heard much about him but being a coaches son he probably has a lot of knowledge of the game.

C
1. Junior Ramos – When I watched him in the spring game I was excited because just from that little time of watching you can tell he has a lot talent. We shouldn’t lose a beat with the loss of Greg Hodges with Ramos taking over. The center is the QB of the offense line and with him there I think we will be alright.
2. Brad Bryant – Yet another red-shirt freshman in a key backup role. He was recruited from a prep school so he can be looked at as a red-shirt sophomore because of his extra year of football. He is a little light at 255 but he should develop nicely as he spends more time in the weight room.
RG
1. Will Chance – If I remember right he was penciled in to be the starter at guard last year but when he went down with an injury Falter took over. This year he takes over the slot vacated by Justin Ernest and as good as Justin Ernest was it will be hard to replace him but I think Chance knows the system well enough to be a solid performer this year.
2. Lanier Coleman – He is a huge man but has little game experience but I think he should be a quality backup.

RT
1. Brandon Cox – He is a 4 year starter who it seems has been here longer than that. Last year was voted all conference and I don’t see that changing this year. He is probably the best o-lineman in the Sunbelt and should get a good look by the NFL. Just like Jerry Babb I think he was one of the keys to turning this program back in the right direction.
2. Zach Leger – I have not seen Zach enough to judge him but from what I have heard he needs to become more aggressive in his blocking. Aggression is the key to being a good offensive linemen but I think with our new run first philosophy our whole o-line has become more aggressive.

Also in our depth chart it didn’t mention anything about Damien Jones and I feel he could be a strong backup for us. He could also be a candidate to red-shirt if we don’t have anyone a long the line go down with an injury. I think he would add more quality depth than the red-shirt freshman simply because he has game experience even though it was at the JUCO level.
Position Grade – C+ this grade would be much higher if we had more depth but they are a dependable group who will get better as the season moves on.

QB
1. Jerry Babb – This is his 5th year in the Cajun system and if you watched him play last year you can tell that he was ready to become the man. He should be the best offensive player in the Sunbelt next year and with his leadership our offense should once again be the best offense in the league. Last year he became much more aggressive running the ball because we had the depth to allow him to be and with the way his passing has improved the sky is the limit for our offense.
2. Michael Desormeaux – He might be the most athletic guy on the team and his running ability in the open field is unbelievable. If his passing ability improves he can be even more dangerous than he already is. I would love to see him put on the field every down but the risk of injury is not worth it in my opinion. He has one more year to develop behind the best QB in the Sunbelt and that will make him that much better when he steps into the starting role in 2007.
3. John Hundley/Conner Morel – After watching the spring game I don’t think these guys are ready but they should improve even more in the fall. Hundley might be the best passer on the team and it is nice that he will have a few years to learn before getting put into a more important role. Conner was a important part of Northwestern before transferring here and I feel that although he didn’t look great in the spring once he has another year under his belt he should provide quality depth.
Position Grade – A- The best QB situation in the Sunbelt without a doubt. Their passing needs to improve but their running ability and leadership are unquestionable.

FB
1. Chester Johnson – Was the starter at HB for the Texas game before an injury ended his season. This year he switches to FB, just like Dwight Lindon did last year. I believe he will have a strong year for us just like Dwight did last year after the switch.
2. Abdule Leveir – I would have rather seen him stay at HB but he adds a lot of quality depth to the FB position. He was a strong runner last year but suffered some fumble problems that caused his playing time to decrease a little. Abdule should have a nice year as a FB but if his problem with fumbling continues he will get lost in the depth we have at this position
3. Chancellor Roberson – I believe Roberson is our best option at the FB position. He is a big strong guy in the mold of Booker Jenkins and everyone seen the success he had for us near the goal line last year. He is the best blocker out of the backfield and I think that once fall starts he will move up to the #1 spot pretty quick.
Position Grade – C- Chancellor Roberson is the only true FB in this group so because of that this grade is lower but as Chester and Abdule get better this groups grade should improve.

HB
1. Tyrell Fenroy – Last year had the best season a running back has ever had at UL and with the weapons in place around him for next year his numbers should only get better. He has great balance and explosion through the hole that I have never seen from a Cajun back. Hopefully his 1,000 yard season last year is one of 4 in his career.
2. Deon Wallace – Well we finally get to see him on the field. After a year of anticipation we get what might be the best weapon in our entire arsenal. During the spring game he showed great balance and the top end speed to be do great things in a Cajun uniform. Are we ready to name Tyrell Thunder and Deon Lightening yet?
3. Josh Harrison should become a very good leader for this young HB group. He has a good head on his shoulders and should be a solid motivator when in the game. He had a few good runs last year and with Chester and Abdule moving to FB he should get even more chance to carry the ball.
Position Grade – A- they are young but very talented. Other than Jamario Thomas I can’t think of any other running backs in the Sunbelt who compare to our top 2 guys.

The breakdown of the defensive depth chart and schedule coming soon.

Let me know what you guys think.

[troyfan]

Let me know what you guys think.

Sounds a little biased to me! LOL!

[Clutch0364]

Sounds a little biased to me! LOL!

Hey I will give Troy a lot of respect in the schedule breakdown just give it time.

[Turbine]

2006 Season Preview

A look at the depth chart…

Let me know what you guys think.

Fantastic post

I am really anxious to see play at Center. Hodges is a big hole to fill.

I also hope to see Fenroy and Wallace used like USC used Williams and Bush.

[Cajun1997]

Good post Clutch, I did not get to see any of the spring practices or the game so it is nice to hear a breakdown. I think we have a nice blend of youth and experience on offense and FINALLY have some QUALITY depth at all positions. What the ragincajuns.com depth chart does not show is that at many positions we are actually 3 deep not just 2. As far as Brad Bryant weighing only 255, I find that hard to believe. When he signed with us in February 2005 he was listed as weighing 255 then, so either that was not true then or his weight listed now is not correct. After almost 18 months in the weight training program he should at least be 270-275 which is still light but better than 255.