Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis

This is where to post any NFL or NCAA football franchises.
User avatar

Topic author
djp73
Posts: 5347
Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42

Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis

Post by djp73 » 24 Jun 2019, 14:31

Image
Cajuns Senior Class Leaves Huge Shoes to Fill
By Bill Connelly

DEFENSIVE END DOMINIQUE TOVELL RECORDED A SCHOOL RECORD 37 SACKS DURING HIS CAREER
Louisiana has had 16 players move on from their time with the program following their incredible 2015 season and all of them made significant contributions to the team last year. If the Cajuns hope to mirror that success they will have to find players to fill the large shoes left behind. They will also be tasked with the challenge of replacing their two coordinators.

Here's a look at the players that have moved on along with their 2015 contributions and who we feel is the most likely to step up in 2016.

RUNNINGBACKS

TORREY PIERCE IS ONE OF THREE RUNNINGBACKS MOVING ON FROM THE CAJUNS
Montrell Carter - RB/WR
Displaced by transfer Kyle Hicks as the primary runningback Carter was asked to contribute in multiple ways in 2015, acting as a reserve runningback as well as playing as a slot receiver frequently. He totalled 520 yards and six scores, five of them on the ground.

2015 stats: 68Car 348Yds 5TD, 11Rec 172Yds 1TD

Torrey Pierce - RB
Pierce found himself in the third or fourth runningback spot on the depth chart most of the time but he did make the most of the opportunities he got, averaging nearly eight yards per carry. He was also a leader in the locker room according to a number of teammates.

2015 stats: 34Car, 271Yds, 2TD

Effrem Reed - RB/RET
Reed was the primary second runningback behind Kyle Hicks. He was second on the team with 403 rushing yards. Reed was also the team's primary kick and pint returner. He was voted All Sun Belt as a return specialist.

2015 stats: 65Car 403Yds 3TD, 7Rec 68Yds 1TD

POSITION OUTLOOK
The runningback room loses all their substantial contributors behind Hicks, who ran for over 1,000 yards in 2015. The coaching staff is hopeful that he will improve on that campaign in 2016. They will need to fill in depth behind him as he did show signs of fatigue despite only 201 touches. Bryan Jones and Donatello Franz Jr both redshirted in 2015 and will be expected to contribute but they will have to hold off incoming recruits Cristian Bradley (4* #17) and Joeseph Hollins III (5* #5) as well as Jalen Nixon who is expected to work at a number of positions in 2016.

RECEIVERS

ADAM SAVOIE LED THE TEAM IN TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS IN 2015
Adam Savoie - WR
Adam Savoie is the lone player leaving the wide receiver group but he was a big contributor in 2015, finishing third on the team in receptions, second in yards and first in receptions. He was also a leader of the position group.

2015 Stats: 23Rec, 505Yds, 7TD

POSITION OUTLOOK
Louisiana has a somewhat deep wide receiver group and should have the talent to make up for the loss of Savoie. Mikey Porter Sr is expected to move into the second receiver role and according to most is a more talented player than Savoie was. The Cajuns recruiting class at the position is also quite deep.

Larry Pettis - TE
The tight end position for Louisiana only had three players listed there in 2015 and Pettis was second on the depth chart for the bulk of the season. He contributed more as a blocker than a receiver but was capable in either role. James Moody and Nick Byrne each called Pettis a great teacher.

2015 Stats: 11Rec 129Yds 2TD

POSITION OUTLOOK
James Moody was the leading receiver at tight end last season and will retain that role. Nick Byrne should be capable of filling Pettis role in 2016. The team has added Bryan Benson II (3* #56) who will be asked to be the third tight end barring any additions at the position.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Mykhael Quave - LT
Octravian Anderson - LG
Greg Siener - RG


The entire offensive line started all 13 games for the Cajuns in 2015, an incredible feat for the group as a whole. All five starters were named first team all Sun Belt following the season. The team worked extremely well as a group in both pass protection and run blocking.

POSITION OUTLOOK
The offensive line group takes a big hit with three starters all leaving. Behemoth Derek Edinburgh Jr (6'8" 340+ lbs) will almost certainly be moved over to left tackle, meaning that the coaching staff will be working with new starters at four of the five positions. Edinburgh and center Ryan Hoefeld will be asked to anchor the line.

Jeremy Sparks, who was used as a sixth linesman throughout the season, is the most likely replacement for Edinburgh at right tackle. Dominick Bilich will probably win one of the starting guard jobs and the other will be between Michael Taylor and the incoming recruits. Dion Ross (1* #176) is the only offensive linesman the Cajuns have received a commitment from so far. Kane Adams-Davison and Clifton Schmidt are both listed at center but could be asked to move over if needed.

The progress of the offensive line group will be a big factor in determining the Cajuns level of success in 2016. Head Coach Porter Davis is expected to pursue a top offensive line coach aggressively in the coming weeks to help smooth the transition.
Last edited by djp73 on 14 Feb 2020, 15:00, edited 2 times in total.
User avatar

Topic author
djp73
Posts: 5347
Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42

Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis

Post by djp73 » 24 Jun 2019, 15:22

DEFENSIVE ENDS

DEFENSIVE END DOMINIQUE TOVELL RECORDED A SCHOOL RECORD 37 SACKS DURING HIS CAREER
Dominique Tovell - LE
Tovell led the nation with 20 sacks in 2015 and that production will probably be amongst the hardest to replace in 2016. Tovell was the best defender on the field in the bulk of Louisiana's games. "Just an incredible talent." Head Coach Porter Davis said of Tovell. "Certainly one of the most talented and driven players I have had the privilege of coaching.

2015 stats: 42TKL, 20SCK, 29TFL, 3DEF

Chris Prater - RE
Had Tovell not been around Prater may have led the nation in sacks. Frequently he was closing in on the quarterback as Tovell brought him down. The coaching staff in Lafayette certainly wish Prater and Tovell weren't leaving at the same time as a Tovell to Prater transition would have been much easier.

2015 stats: 30TKL, 7SCK, 12TFL

POSITION OUTLOOK
Louisiana has signed a whopping four players that are listed as defensive ends, including a pair of four stars in Perry Paulsen and Chandler Ridgeway. They also bring back Batiste, Bolden, Miggins and Reid. Batiste and Miggins saw some playing time in both 2014 and 2015 and the staff is hopeful that they will be ready to lead the group. Davis will surely need to scheme some things up to create pressure with less talented players on the edges.
Last edited by djp73 on 24 Jun 2019, 15:26, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar

Topic author
djp73
Posts: 5347
Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42

Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis

Post by djp73 » 24 Jun 2019, 15:23

LINEBACKERS

CHRIS HILL WAS SECOND ON THE TEAM IN TOTAL TACKLES WITH 41
Chris Hill - ILB/OLB
Linebacker was an interesting position for Louisiana in 2015. They shuffled anywhere between one on the field and four at a time. Hill was almost always in the mix and was tied for second on the team in tackles. He also scored one of the team's defensive touchdowns. Hill was able to play any of the Cajuns multiple linebacker positions and was equally skilled in coverage and against the run.

2015 stats: 41TKL, 7TFL, 1DEF, 1INT, 1TD

Trae Johnson - ILB
Johnson was typically only on the field in four linebacker sets but he provided solid, experienced depth at the position.

2015 stats: 9TKL, 1TFL

POSITION OUTLOOK
Chad Polk and George Williams played well in 2015 primarily in the OLB positions. They're both back and will be counted on the lead and be versatile.

Sammy Douglas, Derek Jackson, Chad Adams, Tre'Maine Lightfoot and redshirt freshmen Jeremy Bailey and Christian Dawson will all look to earn playing time along with recruits Drew Laurent (3* #70 MLB), Raymond Meyers (3* #55 OLB) and Antoine Lambreaux (2* #159 OLB). LB/S hybrid Brandon Wilson may also factor in here, depending on the situation at safety in 2016.
Last edited by djp73 on 24 Jun 2019, 15:26, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar

Topic author
djp73
Posts: 5347
Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42

Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis

Post by djp73 » 24 Jun 2019, 15:24

CORNERBACKS

JAMAL RAINEY PICKED OFF FOUR PASSES IN 2015 AS THE TEAM'S SECOND CORNERBACK
Jevante Watson - CB1
Watson picked off nine passes in 2014 and QBs smartened up in 2015, limiting him to four picks as he faced less than half the pass attempts last season. Watson typically mirrored opponents best receiver and that will be difficult to replace.

2015 stats: 31TKL, 1TFL, 5DEF, 4INT

Jamal Rainey - CB2
Rainey picked off three passes as the nickel corner in 2014 and moved outside as the CB2 in 2015. This past season he picked off four passes and demonstrated a great nose for the ball while recording 40 tackles, third on the team. He was tested far more than number one corner Jevante Watson, facing far more pass attempts. Rainey was able to seamlessly transition between man and some coverage.

2015 stats: 40TKL, 1TFL, 8DEF, 4INT

POSITION OUTLOOK
Replacing your top two cornerbacks is a tall order. Troy McCollum, who excelled as the nickel corner last season, will move outside. Behind him is a mystery as Watson, Rainey and McCollum were the only three to see any significant playing time as the Cajuns used three safeties in dime sets.

Tracy Walker is the favorite to win the other outside position with Kelvin Greenwood and Kyle Coleman attempting to earn playing time as well. Recruits Andre Batiste (3* #85) and Delmond Boudreaux (4* #2) should also be factors.
Last edited by djp73 on 24 Jun 2019, 15:26, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar

Topic author
djp73
Posts: 5347
Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42

Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis

Post by djp73 » 24 Jun 2019, 15:25

SAFETIES

CEDRICK TILLMAN WAS A HUGE PART OF THE DEFENSE IN 2015 AS THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE AT FREE SAFETY
Cedric Tillman - FS
Tillman stepped into a starting role in 2015 after only playing very sparingly in 2014. He filled the role quite nicely, finishing sixth on the team in tackles while picking off three passes. Tillman was primarily the deep safety but was able to read plays quickly and come up to make tackles in the running game as well.

2015 stats: 37TKL, 2TFL, 2DEF, 3INT

T.J. Worthy - SS
Worthy was a starter in 2014 and 2015 and a top reserve in 2013. He recorded 103 total tackles, two interceptions and 15 deflections in that time. Worthy played closer to the line in two safety sets but had the versatility to drop back in three safety looks. He was one of the most experienced players in the secondary and called coverages for the past two seasons.

2015 stats: 32TKL, 2TFL, 2DEF

POSITION OUTLOOK
The Cajuns will need to replace all four of their top members of the secondary, a very difficult transition indeed. Brandon Wilson played quite a bit as a true freshman last season and will likely be one of the starters at safety, although he may spend some time at linebacker in different looks as well. Simeon Thomas played a bit in 2015, tallying seven total tackles. He may be the favorite to start opposite Wilson. Reginald McFadden redshirted last season and the coaching staff feels he is ready to provide depth at the position. Louisiana is yet to sign a recruit specifically listed as a safety though some position versatility at cornerback is expected.
User avatar

Topic author
djp73
Posts: 5347
Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42

Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis

Post by djp73 » 24 Jun 2019, 15:27

ImageUnderdog Dynasty @underdogdynasty
Louisiana administration and head football coach Porter Davis conducting interviews for assistants over the next few days. Would like to lock in replacements as soon as feasible.
User avatar

Topic author
djp73
Posts: 5347
Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42

Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis

Post by djp73 » 24 Jun 2019, 15:28

Image
Louisiana Hires Edenfield as Offensive Coordinator
By Jeff Sanderson
Image
FORMER TROY OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR KENNY EDENFIELD IS NOW WITH THE CAJUNS
Following their outstanding 2015 season Louisiana found themselves in the unenviable position of needing to find replacements for both their offensive and defensive coordinators.

The Cajuns rolled up 5,457 yards of offense and averaged 36.9 points per game, both tops in the Sun Belt conference, under Matt Limegrover in 2015. Limegrover has moved on to become the head coach at Rutgers.

Limegrover's replacement has been named and it is former Troy offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield. Edenfield has been the OC at Troy since 2010 and was a receiver's coach for two season before that. His contract expired and Louisiana head coach Porter Davis was able to lure him away.

Troy tallied 5,031 yards of offense and averaged 30.3 points per game. The Trojans offense was more pass orientated and used some elements of the Air Raid that Davis is excited to incorporate.

“We're not looking to completely replace our offensive playbook.” Davis said after the hiring was finalized. “Kenny was on board with that and we're both very excited about blending the two and seeing what kind of production we can get.”

Edenfield spoke with Louisiana quarterback Brooks Haack extensively as well.

“Can't wait to get into it.” Haack stated. “2016 is going to be a very fun season for us.”

The Cajuns will be conducting interviews for the defensive coordinator position today.
User avatar

Topic author
djp73
Posts: 5347
Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42

Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis

Post by djp73 » 24 Jun 2019, 15:30

Image
Former UAB DC Johnson Accepts Position at Louisiana
By Jeff Sanderson

JOHNSON WITH UAB IN 2013
After four seasons as the defensive coordinator at UAB Reggie Johnson has joined the coaching staff at Louisiana.

Former Louisiana defensive coordinator Chris Ash left to accept the head coaching position at Vanderbilt and left the Cajuns with big shoes to fill after helping the team lead the nation in points allowed and rushing yardage allowed.

Johnson's UAB squad gave up 4,678 yards in 2015, in the top third in the nation. They surrendered 290 points while tallying 22 sacks and 16 interceptions.

“We share a lot of the same philosophies about what we're trying to do defensively.” Louisiana head coach Porter Davis said after Johnson accepted the position. “We differ a bit in how we try to accomplish those things but I think we're both looking forward to meshing those styles and having fun with it.”

Davis and Johnson will be tasked with trying to generate a pass rush after losing starting defensive ends Dominique Tovell and Chris Prater, who combined for 27 sacks last season. They will also be working with four new starters in the secondary.
User avatar

Topic author
djp73
Posts: 5347
Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42

Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis

Post by djp73 » 24 Jun 2019, 15:31

ESPN College Football @ESPNCFB
Huge announcement coming soon regarding conference affiliations, unprecedented stuff!
User avatar

Topic author
djp73
Posts: 5347
Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42

Legendary - The Career of Porter Davis

Post by djp73 » 24 Jun 2019, 16:30

Image
Louisiana, Memphis Changing Conferences
Louisiana will join the American Athletic Conference while Memphis moves to Conference USA
By Todd Fredericks | Jan 18, 2016, 7:17pm EST


Image

In a shocking move the NCAA board of directors and president Mark Emmert have voted to allow Louisiana and Memphis to bypass the normal 27 month waiting period and change football conferences effective for the start of the 2016 season.

“Both schools and the conferences involved were agreeable to making the move now.” Emmert explained. “We didn't feel the need to drag out the process simply because of an older rule.”

When asked if the decision will open the floodgates for conference moves in the future Emmert listed several reasons why he and the board did not feel that would be the case at all.

Memphis moves from the American Athletic Conference into Conference USA, where they will join the West division, balancing the divisions with seven teams each.

Louisiana will join the West division of the American Conference, directly replacing Memphis.

The Sun Belt will move forward with eight teams for now, possibly trying to attract schools in the future.

“We're excited to make the move.” Louisiana head coach Porter Davis. “We're excited for new challenges. It's a bigger pond.”

The NCAA also approved the move of Massachusetts from the MAC to an independent. That move balances the divisions in the MAC and allows UMass to seek out more regional rivalries.

Schedules will be reworked and released in the coming weeks.

Louisiana is in negotiations with Louisiana-Monroe to attempt to continue their annual rivalry.

“We're trying to make that happen.” Davis explained. “We're not sure if it will work this season but we're hopeful and it's certainly a priority moving forward.”
Post Reply