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Chandler Fields named starting quarterback for Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

LAFAYETTE – Michael Desormeaux has found his starting quarterback.

Sophomore Chandler Fields has been named QB1 for Louisiana, the Ragin' Cajuns' coach officially announced Monday.

The decision between Fields and junior Ben Wooldridge was hotly contested during preseason practice.

"It was a close competition all the way through it, but Chandler is going to be our starting quarterback. He gives up the best chance to go out, win and go play good football for us this year," Desormeaux said.

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Following UL's final preseason team scrimmage Saturday afternoon, Desormeaux informed both quarterbacks and the rest of the team of who the starter would be.

While not sharing specifics, Desormeaux said Saturday that he knew who the starter would be and that the situation started becoming clearer during the middle of preseason practice.

Louisiana-Lafayette quarterback Chandler Fields (16) throws during a game against Coastal Carolina on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020.
Louisiana-Lafayette quarterback Chandler Fields (16) throws during a game against Coastal Carolina on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020.

"(Chandler) pushes the ball downfield and makes plays. I think you quarterback to win the game not lose it and he's got that mentality," Desormeaux said.

Fields, the Metairie native, was Levi Lewis' primary backup last season, playing in eight games and throwing a touchdown against Ohio early in the season.

Wooldridge transferred to Louisiana from Fresno State in January 2021. He appeared in five games with the Bulldogs during the 2020 season but did not get into a game for UL last year.

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU/UL athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns name Chandler Fields starting quarterback