Welcome everyone to the latest Ragin Cajuns position preview! This week, we break down the linebacker position.
Who Left After Last Season?
The Ragin Cajuns lost a few players that left an impact last season. Guys like Dominique Tovell, who had a stellar senior season and that alone will leave a big hole in this position. There is also Darzil Washington and Tyren Alexander, who had a solid role throughout their careers in the vermillion and white will also be sorely missed. The linebacker position will have a lot to make up for losing these three players at the end of last season
Who’s Returning?
While there are pretty big shoes to fill with the departure of Tovell and Washington, the Cajuns will have a few players that will continue to make waves as seniors. Otha Peters, a transfer from Arkansas transitioned nicely into co-defensive coordinator Melvin Smith’s system in 2015, starting all 12 games and accumulated 67 tackles. With another year under the system, expect him to continue to perform well in 2016. You’ve also got Trey Granier, whose role has increased with every year he has been under the program. But you can’t forget about Tre’maine Lightfoot, who has been consistent the last two seasons. This trio of seniors will undoubtedly be the starters, but players like T.J. Posey and Zach Jones could be used in rotation to keep players fresh.
The Other Guys
There’s quite a few freshmen that are coming aboard in 2016 that will be able to learn the system under the established seniors and help out in the near future. Guys like Breaux Bridge native Korey Louis and Tanner Holmes out of Texas could be seeing some time in 2016 if they show a lot of potential as fall camp progresses and the game against Boise State draws near.
Conclusion
The Ragin Cajuns may have lost some big leaders in Tovell and Washington, but have three more seniors that could lead the way to improving in 2016.
-Clint Domingue
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