Intensity Picks Up During Fourth Spring Football Practice

Contact: Brian McCann

LAFAYETTE, La. – Challenge accepted.

After not being happy with the physicality of the Ragin' Cajuns during their first contact practice on Saturday (March 3), second year head coach Mark Hudspeth challenged the squad to pick up the intensity level for the remainder of spring drills.

Judging by the performance during their fourth practice of the spring season on Tuesday, the Cajuns rose to the challenge and turned in their best overall practice of the year.

“I feel like that for the first time this spring, we practiced at the level we need to be at in order to win a championship,” Hudspeth said. “It was easily the best practice of the year because the guys got after it. It was very physical.

“The defensive backs continue to lead the defense right now. They have had good intensity and showed strong leadership. We need to continue to develop the depth at linebacker and get more physical on the defensive line.

“I thought the offensive line did a good job today. Their movement in the drills was much improved and I was really happy with their overall effort. That's a great sign,” Hudspeth said.

Weather conditions could not have been more ideal for the Ragin' Cajuns as the session began under sunny skies with a temperature in the low 70's and a nice breeze.

Hudspeth pointed out that the practice-opening “Oklahoma” two-on-one tackling drill set the tone for the entire session. After being unhappy with the effort in the drill on Saturday, the Ragin' Cajuns came ready to play on Tuesday.

“Our guys approached that drill with an urgency. . . it was important to them,” Hudspeth said. “And when our guys think that it is important, good things are possible.”

Individually, Hudspeth pointed to sophomore linebacker Qyendarius Griffin as one of the players who stood out on Tuesday. “Qyen answered the challenge today,” Hudspeth said. “He needs to build on this performance and continue to show a progression during the rest of the spring.”

The Ragin' Cajuns will take the next two days to return to the weight room before taking to the practice field on Friday afternoon (March 9) for the fifth practice session of the spring.

-- Ragin' Cajuns --

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics

Intensity Picks Up During Fourth Spring Football Practice

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