By Bill Connelly
DEFENSIVE END DOMINIQUE TOVELL RECORDED A SCHOOL RECORD 37 SACKS DURING HIS CAREER
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
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 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.