As spring football inches closer for the Ragin’ Cajuns, it’ll be much different than previous years with a myriad of position battles occurring and new staff to get everything together. With much of Louisiana’s talent hitting the transfer portal or graduating, it’s a new era for the Cajuns.
For the coaches, both coordinator positions will have their work cut out for them with Tim Leger taking over full offensive coordinator duties. Leger provides a mind who has been through the ups and downs of Louisiana football, being a key piece to the success this team has had on that side of the football the last few seasons.
His recruiting genius and ability to make his players reach their maximum potential will be on full display this spring as he takes over for his first season as offensive coordinator.
On the defensive side of the ball, LaMar Morgan will be replacing Patrick Toney as the Cajuns defensive coordinator. Morgan was a standout safety for the Cajuns from 2003-07 and has developed rich ties to Lafayette. Bringing Morgan on staff gives the Cajuns a talented coordinator with SEC experience, being the Vanderbilt cornerbacks coach in 2021.
Morgan is set to have challenges this spring. Losing key pieces in Mekhi Garner and Lorenzo McCaskill, much of his production has hit the road. Looking to fill the voids during spring ball and get a better feel for his players will get much of the attention come March.
When it comes to position battles, one that many will have questions about is going to be the quarterback position. After having so much stability at that position for the last three years with Lafayette legend Levi Lewis, the page has been turned for a new starter.
Will it be Chandler Fields? A new signee from last season? Will Maryland transfer and former four-star recruit Lance LeGendre get his shot? There will be much to evaluate during this spring.
For Fields, he played the role of QB2 for the Cajuns last season, getting a few snaps under his belt in blowout games, but no starts yet, as the stability of Lewis was ideal for Louisiana. Fields has shown tremendous poise when on the field and is certainly a locker room favorite, looking to elevate his status to QB1 during March.
Another position to watch will be at cornerback. With the return of Bralen Trahan, the Cajuns have their star corner, but there are still a few spots that need to be filled. This will be Morgan’s first true challenge as he looks to keep the efficient defense Toney instilled over the last few seasons.
All in all, this spring is set to be a significant culture change. With new coaches and new starters, the Cajuns will keep the same game plan, but will have a myriad of new faces to lead the charge. It’s a new era for Louisiana football and with head coach Michael Desormeaux getting his shot to lead this team, our program is in good hands to stay at the top of the Sun Belt Conference.