Even though the University of Louisiana football team is only a few days into fall camp, this year’s squad has already received visits from a pair of Ragin’ Cajuns legends.
Louisiana Sports Hall of Famers, and record-setting quarterbacks, Brian Mitchell and Jake Delhomme addressed the team over the weekend. Mitchell spoke to the team on Saturday and Delhomme did so on Sunday.
“Jake really said some things that I thought were relevant to our team,” Napier said Monday. “He feels like any good football — championship-caliber football team — has great chemistry. I think that’s where our team is at. We have developed a certain level of chemistry, togetherness, unity and I think that’s going to affect how we play. We need to continue to build that.”
Grad Transfers Impressing
Napier had some high praise for a pair of graduate transfers — defensive back Brenndan Johnson (UT-San Antonio) and tight end Nick Ralston (Arizona State).
“We’re very pleased with both of those guys,” Napier said. “They’re both intelligent. Both mature. Brenndan, I think, was a 3.8 GPA and college graduate. Nick’s a 4.0 in the business school at Arizona State, so both are intelligent, mature kids. That’s allowed them to transition quicker maybe than most. I think they’re going to help our team.”
Napier further discussed how impressive about Ralston.
“Nick in particular stands out just watching the first few practices as a guy who is going to have a major role on our team, not only on offense but on special teams.”
Smaller Recruiting Class
Napier’s 2019 recruiting class netted the Cajuns a total of 28 prospects, including 22 ranked as three-star prospects, which helped give the program the highest ranked class in the Sun Belt Conference.
The Cajuns coaching staff has been busy locking up commitments for the 2020 signing class. Entering fall camp, UL has 14 commitments for upcoming class. Napier though says that upcoming 2020 class may be smaller.
“It’ll be a little smaller group than maybe we had last year,” Napier said. “But it’s important that we fill critical needs. That’s part of what we’re doing right now. We’re evaluating the roster that we do have. Certainly getting the chance to work with the 50 new players that we added to our team. That’s going to give us an indication of where we’re going to go.”
Ragin’ Notes
The Cajuns have five quarterbacks in fall camp. In addition to Levi Lewis, there is also transfers Jai’avi Magalei and Brayden Hawkins, true freshmen Chandler Fields and Clifton McDowell — Napier said on Monday that through the first three days of camp that no one has suffered a sever injury — The Cajuns will practice in full pads for the first time on Tuesday.
Quote of the Day
“I’m pleased with the attitude of the players so far. It’s very obvious that we had a tremendous summer. We have a core group of players who understand what it’s about. It’s very evident that the coaching staff is in its second year.” — UL head coach Billy Napier on the team’s chemistry early in camp