Projecting the Louisiana football starting lineup as spring practice arrives
In a couple of weeks, Louisiana football coach Michael Desormeaux and his staff will officially start the process of putting a disappointing 2022 season behind them.
The Ragin' Cajuns, who ended last season with tough loss to Houston in the Independence Bowl to finish 6-7, kick off spring practice March 7. It'll be the first of 15 allotted sessions before UL holds its annual Vermilion and White spring game at Cajun Field on April 6 at 7:30 p.m.
There are a few holes to fill for Desormeaux and his staff, mostly on the defensive side, and spring provides the staff the first steps in the evaluation process.
As the Cajuns begin spring drills, here's an way-too-early look at how the starting lineup could look heading into their season opener Sept. 2 against Northwestern State at home.
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Quarterback: Chandler Fields
For the second straight season, UL's quarterback situation will have all eyes on it. Junior Chandler Fields won the job during preseason practice last year over Ben Wooldridge, who won't be available during spring as he recovers from a torn ACL. Sophomore Zeon Chriss saw significant playing time against Houston in the bowl game and possesses athletic ability the others don't have. But Desormeaux will lean on the most experience and Fields is that guy.
Running back: Dre'Lyn Washington
Chris Smith is gone. The former tailback didn't have his best season and the run game needs work going into 2023. While junior Terrence Williams had more rushing yards last season, sophomore Dre'Lyn Washington actually showed more flash when he entered the game. The stouter of the two backs averaged more yards per carry than any running back in 2022.
Wide receivers: Peter Leblanc, Lance Legendre, Tavion Smith
No other position's depth was hit harder over the offseason than receiver. Michael Jefferson and John Stephens Jr. have made themselves eligible for the NFL Draft, while other mainstays Errol Rogers Jr. and Dontae Fleming hit the transfer portal. Senior Peter Leblanc returns with the most experience and was once an all-conference performer. Lance Legendre switched from quarterback to receiver last season and by the end was getting significant playing time. Newcomer Tavion Smith, a former Southern Miss signee who transferred to UL from the junior college ranks, has all the makings of an immediate impact player.
Tight end: Neal Johnson
It's Neal Johnson's time. After playing behind Johnny Lumpkin and sharing time, Neal Johnson will be the primary tight end and he'll be a go-to option in the passing game. He finished second on the team with 25 catches in 2022 and had two TDs.
Offensive line: Nathan Thomas, A.J. Gillie, Lance Burton, Jax Harrington, Carlos Rubio
Louisiana only lost one starter along the offensive line, and the group is set to be one of the better units on the team. Lance Burton should step into the vacant center role, a spot where he has seen playing time before. Nathan Thomas, A.J. Gillie, Jax Harrington and Carlos Rubio return.
Defensive line: Jordan Lawson, Sonny Hazard, Mason Narcisse
Defensive line leader Zi'Yon Hill-Green has moved on and, while that'll be a big loss up front for the Ragin' Cajuns, several guys with experience are back. Sonny Hazard's stock continued to trend upward during last season, while Jordan Lawson at the end position impacted the game as a freshman. Mason Narcisse also pieced together a solid 2022 and should be in line to fight for a starting role.
Linebackers: Kendre' Gant, K.C. Ossai, Jasper Williams
Another position where the top guys from 2022 are gone (in Andre Jones, Jourdan Quibodeaux and Kris Moncrief to the NFL Draft), but the position group still boasts plenty of experience. K.C. Ossai finished fifth in tackles last season in a reserve role. Jasper Williams had moments of disrupting from the edge in 2022 and Kendre' Gant was one of the pleasant surprises for UL last year.
Defensive backs: Trey Amos, Amir McDaniel, Kam Pedescleaux, Courtline Flowers, Tyrone Lewis Jr.
Kam Pedescleaux will lead this group, a welcome sight for defensive coordinator LaMar Morgan as corner Eric Garror and do-it-all safety Bralen Trahan have graduated. Pedescleaux will fill a big void, as will corner Trey Amos, who started opposite Garror in 2022. The two were some of the top tackles for the Cajuns last season. Amir McDaniel at the other corner, Courtline Flowers and Tyrone Lewis Jr. at the safety spots all garnered much-needed experience last year and will be ready to occupt larger roles this fall.
Kicker: Kenneth Almendares
Almendares waded through an elongated position battle last season but the kicker role should firmly be his in 2023. He made 18 of 23 field goals including a long of 52.
Punter: Thomas Leo
After all-conference punter Rhys Byrns' exit, the role will be taken over by someone else for the first time in a couple of years. Thomas Leo has handled kickoff duties for Louisiana and is now in line to get his first collegiate action at punter.
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 football: 2023 starter projections ahead of spring practice
