Welcome everyone to the final edition of the 2018 position previews for the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns! It’s been real fun when it comes to previewing this team heading into the start of the Billy Napier era when they take on Grambling Labor Day Weekend
We wrap up these previews with a look at the secondary. There’s a lot of talent at the position, especially with one player making the jump over to the defensive side of the ball.
Without further ado, let’s get started with the preview!
Departing Players:
The re were a good chunk of departures in the secondary with the biggest one being Tracy Walker. He had a monstrous senior year, leading the program in tackles with 97, racked up two interceptions, and 3.5 tackles for loss. His leadership in the secondary will undoubtedly be a huge loss for the Cajuns.
Another key departure is Simeon Thomas. He may have only played in nine games, but he made an impact every time he stepped out onto the field with 12 pass breakups last season. While that number doesn’t seem that high, the entire team had a total of 36 PBUs.
There were also some players that weren’t necessarily putting up monster numbers, but added some depth to the position and that’s guys like a Troy McCoullum or Denarius Howard. While the secondary for the Cajuns wasn’t necessarily a strength last season, there were some real talented players that could have been an integral part of this new defense.
Returning Players:
While Tracy Walker is no longer with the program, the Cajuns still have solid senior that will be the leader for the secondary and that’s Corey Turner. He’s coming off of a solid 2017 season where he finished third on the team in total tackles with 68 and an interception to boot.
One player that sprung onto the scene last season was Acadiana High product Bralen Trahan. While the numbers aren’t necessarily going to pop off the page, but the experience he got playing in 11 games is going to pay off in his sophomore season. Another notable player to keep an eye on has to be Koa Haynes. He may have only played in five games, but much like Thomas he racked up 28 tackles and an interception in 2017. He comes close to duplicating that number, he’s going to be a key player in the secondary.
While the players I mentioned above could be starters, players like Kamar Greenhouse and Deuce Wallace will add some depth to the position group after being used largely as special teams guys.
The Other Guys:
While he has been with the program for the last two years, Michael Jacquet will be moving to the defensive side of the ball after spending the last two seasons as a wideout. While it’s not unusual to see someone like Jacquet switch positions, it’s a little unusual to see a player like him get considered as an NFL level corner, but that’s how the coaching staff has hyped him up and he has a chance to be a solid starter for this secondary while also being used as a wideout in very particular situations.
Outside of him, there’s players like Kendall Johnson and Blair Brooks that will look to bring some much added depth on the backend.
Overall Thoughts:
The secondary position still has some question marks without some of the star players like Tracy Walker no longer with the program, but Cajuns fans shouldn’t worry because of the fact that there are some absolute beasts at the position in Corey Turner and Michael Jacquet. You have that kind of natural talent at that position, they can do a lot of great things for the defense.
-Clint Domingue