Football: UL Defense Undergoes More Changes theadvertiser/story/sports/college/ul/2014/10/12/ul-defense-undergoes-changes/17169471/ Kevin Foote, 9:34 p.m. CDT October 12, 2014 ______________________________________ UL coach Mark Hudspeth revealed more defensive changes after Sundays practice in preparation for Tuesdays nationally-televised road game against Texas State in San Marcos, Texas. On-again, off-again safety T.J. Worthy has been moved to outside linebacker, while Dominique Tovell with shift to an inside linebacker, according to Hudspeth. The other two starting linebackers will include Trae Johnson, ready again after an injury, as the other inside starter, while Darzil Washington will get the start at the other outside spot. He can run, Hudspeth said of Worthys move to linebacker. Hes one of our best 11. We feel like he fits that spot better than the safety position. Hudspeth said Worthy has played minimum linebacker in very limited duty in nickel packages in the past. So far this season, Worthy has collected 10 solos stops and four assists in five games, but hasnt scratched anywhere else on his defensive statistical line. Johnson, meanwhile, returns after missing a game and is still the defenses second-leading tackler with 25 solos and four assists, along with two hurries, a tackle for loss and a half a sack. Tovells move inside in place of Kevin Fouquier is to hopefully improve communication and coverage skills in all of the linebacker spots, not just that one. Tovell has 18 solos, five assists, a sack and a team-high six tackles behind the line so far this season. Hudspeth said the ankle injury to the defenses leading tackler Trevence Patt is still leaving the safety shy of 100 percent, so hell be replaced at safety by Tracy Walker, along with regular starter Sean Thomas. Patt hasnt been ruled out of action in Tuesdays game, but isnt expected to be in the starting lineup. He (Patt) is going to be available if we need him, but hes not 100 percent, Hudspeth said. Hopefully, he (Walker) plays well. I think he will. Hudspeth said each member of the defensive staff all had input in the changes. Its (defensive coordinator) James (Willis) defense, 100 percent, Hudspeth said, but they all did a great job of working together on a plan. I expect us to play really well on Tuesday. I really do. New kick returner: ULs four-year starting bruising back Alonzo Harris isnt exactly the prototypical kickoff return candidate, but Hudspeth said Sunday that its possible that Harris could see such an opportunity in Tuesdays game at Texas State. Youve got to be fast, but you also have to hit it and not tip-toe, Hudspeth said. You have to trust your return (team). Hudspeth said all of the Cajuns special teams return and coverage unit are top three in the Sun Belt, except for the kickoff return team. Weve got to create some better field position, he said. We need a couple more returns to get us some field position. Our offense is having to travel the length of the field every time. Offense a chore: While the staffs changes to the Cajuns defensive starting lineup may be more of a result of UL allowing 35 points a game on defense this season, the defense will also be facing a unique challenge in Texas States offense. The Bobcats have two backs – Terrence Franks and Robert Lowe – with over 400 yards rushing, while quarterback Tyler Jones has 253 yards on the ground. Jones is also completing 68.4 percent of his passes for 1,149 yards with 12 touchdowns and just four interceptions this season. Theres no to prepare for everything in their offense, Hudspeth said. There just arent enough hours in the day. You have to try to stop what they do the most. Hudpseth pointed out that Texas States ball-control approach can be its best defense. For example, at one point of the Bobcats 42-35 loss at Illinois, Texas State had run 31 offensive plays to the Illinis 14. Scout squad stars: On some teams, the scout squad is filled with relative unknowns. Thats not the case for the 2014 Cajuns defense. At one corner is Simeon Thomas, who is currently academically ineligible. He is giving us great looks, Hudspeth said. Hes going to be a difference-maker. Other scout-squad members impressing Hudspeth include linebackers Otha Peters and Tremaine Lightfoot. Those (scout-squad) guys are doing a great job, Hudspeth said. Weve got some talented guys there. Its not that far off of our starting defense. ________________ (Photo: Associated Press)
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 10:25:24 +0000
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