UL-Lafayette Rajun Cajuns

Head Coach

Rickey Bustle	7th year
07-08	3-9
Sun Belt	3-4
FCR	106

Previous Season Wins

Sun Belt Previews –by Tom Farrelly

Head Coach - Expectations were high at Lafayette last season as the Rajun Cajuns were coming off a six win season, but they struggled to a 3-9 record for head coach Rickey Bustle and were an also ran in the conference race. They return sixteen starters and might be able to fly under the radar this season and with Tyrrell Fenroy returning for his senior season Lafayette will have one of the better rushing attacks in America they could surprise.

Quarterback - At quarterback will be senior Michael Desormeax, he’ll never be mistaken for a passer but his running skills are outstanding and should keep defenses honest. He ran for 1,141 yards and 7 TD’s but passed for only 1,405 yards and 10 interceptions to go with his 10 TD’s. If he can improve his efficiency this could be a dangerous attack, redshirt freshman Brad McGuire will be the number two guy and he’s a pure passer who adds a different dimension to the attack.

Running Backs - Senior Tyrell Fenroy is poised to become the All-time leading rusher in the Sun Belt and will be seeking his 4th 1,000 yard season this fall. He has great quickness and is also a threat out of the backfield; he hauled in 36 passes for 326 yards and is a threat to go all the way when he touches the ball. In junior Deon Wallace the Rajun Cajuns have a dependable backup who gained 433 yards on the ground and is similar in style to Fenroy, supplying the blocking for much of the running attack is senior fullback Chancellor Roberson.

Receivers.- Lafayette returns three senior starters in wide receivers Derrick Smith and Jason Chery and at tight end Eric Jones. Smith and Chery combined for 71 catches and 1,025 yards with 5 scores, they’re dependable when involved but go missing at times in the run dominated offense.

Offensive Line - This is a young unit that’s experienced and have proven to be excellent run blockers but coming out of the spring health could be an issue. Returning starters include a pair of juniors in left guard Brad Bustle and center Chris Fisher and a pair of sophomore s on the right side in Jonathan Decoster at tackle and at guard Ian Burks, the new starter will be at left tackle where junior Kyle Pirtle gets the call. If there healthy it’s one of the better units in the Sun Belt.

Defensive Line - Defensively the concerns are many and start upfront with a unit that ranked 113th against the run and return only one starter. Junior LaQuincy Williams who’ll be on the inside at one of defensive tackle spots and claiming the other spot will be senior Sam Adams; they both have the size to be better against the run but to date haven’t shown it. Outside at defensive end will be junior Hall Davis and sophomore Terrell Richardson, they’re both undersized so nit much help against the run but if they can put pressure on the quarterbacks it’ll be a plus.

Linebackers - The linebacker returns intact with senior Brenton Burkhalter in the middle and on the outside sophomore Grant Fleming and senior Antwyne Zanders. The leader of the unit is Zanders as he led the team in tackles last season with 93, but Fleming is a rising star and Burkhalter is a solid veteran. The lack size and that hurts against the run but have excellent quickness and need to force more turnovers as the Rajun Cajuns were -5 last year.

Defensive Backs - They ranked 43rd against the pass but some of that can be contributed to the run defense, they must replace two starters so there are concerns. Returning at one corner is sophomore Orkeys Auriene and he’ll be joined by senior Justin Branden, Auriene is small but breaks well on the ball. Junior Gerren Blount returns at free safety but needs to get his grades in order and coming out of spring junior Phillip Nevels will start and at strong safety will be senior Derik Keyes.

Special Teams - At placekicker junior Drew Edmiston is solid, he’s was All-Sun Belt after hitting on 10 of 13 and has excellent range. Spencer Ortego returns to handle the punting but the sophomore averaged less than 39 yards on his punts and will be challenged through fall camp. The returns were poor last season for the Rajun Cajuns and they’ll look for improvement from junior Deon Wallace and senior Jason Cherry in kick returns and on punt returns sophomore Orkeys Auriene and senior Caleb Rubin.

Schedule - Just another tough slate for a Sun Belt team, games at So Miss, Illinios and Kansas St and we still haven’t gotten to October. The middle section is manageable but they have only five home dates and must go on the road in late November to FAU and Troy. They won't be able to improve on last seasons three wins as the Rajun Cajuns win only 2 games in 08’.