Cajun Offense Preview

The Cajuns featured the nation’s 11th ranked rushing attack last year, led by junior tailback Tyrell Fenroy. The 2007 season will feature a new offensive scheme, with junior Michael Desormeaux at the quarterback position. Look for the Cajun offense to be much more balanced between the running and passing game.

Quarterbacks


Michael Desormeux takes over the Cajun quarterback job with Jerry Babb gone, but he will have to prove he can throw the ball in the new offense. He has been more of a runner in the past, completing just two of nine passes last year for 15 yards. Desormeaux will be asked to spread the ball around in a no-huddle offense, but he will still run effectively as long as he doesn’t get banged up. Sophomore John Hundley and Senior Conner Morel will be the backups behind Desormeaux. If Desormeaux struggles in the new offense, look for both Hundley and Morel to get looks.

Running Backs


Tyrell Fenroy has been one of the Sun Belt's best running backs over the last two seasons with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with 23 total touchdowns. While he's not that big, he hits the hole quickly and is able to dart outside in a hurry. He is the workhorse of the Cajun backs, who only gets better as the games goes on. Fenroy will be used more in the passing game this year, catching balls in the flats and on screens. Deon Wallace is the Cajuns best backup, with great quickness and burst. He will get more carries in the new Cajun offense this year, sometimes in the same backfield with Fenroy. Senior fullback Abdule Levier and Chancellor Robinson will get the majority of work at the fullback position. Both will be asked to block for Fenroy and Wallace in the Cajun offense.

Receivers


Derrrick Smith led the Cajun receivers in 2006 with 41 catches for 551 yards and a touchdown. Smith is a decent deep threat, and he was the only consistent playmaker at the receiver position over the second half of the year. Jason Chery will be on the other side after finishing second on the team with 16 grabs for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Chery is the fastest of the receiving core, the coaches need to find a way to get him the ball in space. Sophomores’ Phillip Nevels and Louis Lee will provide speed and depth behind the two starters. The Cajuns will also have freshmen Marlin Miller, Richie Falgout and Verlin Moore in the rotation. At tight end, Senior Kevin Belton and Junior Erik Jones will be asked to do more then block this year. The Cajuns will throw to the tight ends more in the new offense for 2007.

Offensive Linemen


Senior left tackle Jessie Newman anchors the Cajun line; he earned All-Sun Belt honors last season. Next to him will be sophomore Brad Bustle, who saw time in every game last season. Sophomore Chris Fisher returns to the center position, after being named to the Freshmen All-American team. Red-shirt freshman Ian Burks will lineup next to Fisher at the other guard. The right tackle position will be manned by another impressive red-shirt freshman Jonathan Decoster. The Cajuns will have experienced depth in senior guards Junior Ramos and Will Chance; and tackles Damian Jones and Kyle Pirtle.

Special Teams


Drew Edmiston returns as kicker after an All-Sun Belt season hitting 11 of 14 field goal attempts. Drew was consistent from 40 to 49 yards, connecting on all seven field goal attempts. True freshman walk-on Spencer Ortego has won the punting job over red-shirt freshman Tyler Albrecht for the 2007 season. Jason Chery, who averaged just 17.2 yards per try, and Derrick Smith will be the main kick returner, while Phillip Nevels will take over the punt return duties from Michael Adams.