One on One with Al Woods

Elton native, Al Woods, is a senior defensive tackle for the LSU Tigers. Woods was considered the top recruit of the 2006 LSU signing class. He was rated amongst the top defensive tackle prospects in the country by every major recruiting publication. During his first three seasons at LSU, Woods only started three of the 28 games he played in. However, this season Woods is expected to make a major contribution as one of the Tigers two starting defensive tackles. In the Tigers season opening victory at Washington, Woods matched a career high with four solo tackles.

Lumpkin: When I talked to you last spring you told me that you were in the best shape of your life. Is that still the case here in late August?
Woods: Yeah, I weighed 310 pounds then, now I’m down to 304. It’s been nothing but good for me. We have been playing good up front (on the defensive line) collectively as a defense. This has been a real good August camp and I’ve been having a lot of fun. I just thank my coaches and teammates for making it a good experience for me for my last time.

LSU Senior Devensive Tackle Al Woods
Lumpkin: Can you believe that you’re a senior now? It seems like it was just last year that I was interviewing you on signing day in Elton.
Woods: I know! Time has flown by, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

Lumpkin: During August camp, have you taken most of your repetitions with the first team defense?
Woods: Yes.

Lumpkin: How would you rate your performance during August camp?
Woods: I think it’s been good. As a defensive line and as a defense, we’ve been practicing really well together. And to be honest with you, I have to keep it going at a high level. I have Charles Alexander and Drake Nevis that’s playing on the side of me and behind me so I have to keep it up. The competition level is so high that if one of us has an off day and another one of us has a good day the depth chart could change. I’ve been playing extremely well, but the competition level is extremely high.

Lumpkin: John Chavis was hired as your defensive coordinator in January. Working with Chavis over the last eight months, are you and your defensive teammates extremely comfortable with him and his defensive philosophy?
Woods: Oh yeah! We all love coach Chavis because the way he comes to work with his enthusiasm, it’s contagious. You may come to practice one day when you’re hurting, kind of feeling sorry for yourself, and you don’t feel like practicing. But you see Chavis with his energy and you’re like, ok, well I’m ready to go to work.
Lumpkin: If you could be any dinosaur that ever existed, what dinosaur would you be?
Woods: (Laughs) Oh, man! I would have to say a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Lumpkin: Why a Tyrannosaurus Rex?
Woods: Because I’m a meat eater (laughs)! I love to eat meat and T-Rexes love to eat meat. It’s a good combination there (laughs).

Lumpkin: Has a reporter ever asked you that question?
Woods: (Laughs) Uh, no.

Lumpkin: Well, now you have been asked that question. And I have to say, I thought you were more of a Triceratops.
Woods: (Laughs)

Lumpkin: Alright, back to football questions. Last year the LSU defense struggled (allowed 24 points per game). It wasn’t a typical year for the LSU defense. Would you agree?
Woods: Yes, I would agree.

Lumpkin: How much emphasis has there been on improving this defense for 2009?
Woods: To be honest with you, it’s like the whole team thing. We all took that role, saying as a team we have to get better. Not just the defense or the offensive line or the running backs. Collectively as a team we are trying to get better. We want to get back to where we were a couple of years ago when we were a dominant defense.

LSU's Three Quarterbacks

In 2008 the LSU Tigers only won eight games, which was their lowest win total since 2002. LSU fans probably knew they would be in for a difficult season due to a lack of experience at the quarterback position. Four months before the 2008 season opener head coach Les Miles kicked his troubled starting quarterback Ryan Perrilloux off the team.

That left Miles with the following options at quarterback: Harvard transfer Andrew Hatch, Redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee, and true freshman Jordan Jefferson. The QB trio combined to produce the lowest passing totals for LSU since Miles took over in 2005.

Jordan Jefferson
Needless to say, LSU is in a much better position at the most important position (QB) heading into the 2009 season which begins on September 5. At my deadline, Miles had not yet named a starting quarterback. However, unless something catastrophic happens to Jefferson before the season opener, he will be the starter.

Jefferson played well in his only two starts of 2008. In the regular season finale at Arkansas he threw for a pair of touchdowns in a loss. Then one month later he led LSU to a 38-3 Chick-Fil-A Bowl victory over Georgia Tech.

Jarrett Lee
In that game Jefferson seemed to have command of the offense as he completed 64 percent of his throws with one touchdown pass and zero interceptions. And since that game at the end of December, Jefferson has made marked improvements to his game.

“He’s bigger and stronger,” Miles told me back in July. “He won’t go into a game that he hasn’t experienced in one way or another. He played on the road, and he played on the road in a bowl game and won. Really this summer he has probably shown more leadership than what’s due for a young guy. I think he’ll be much improved this fall.”

Jefferson’s teammates are equally impressed with the quarterback’s growth during the off-season.

Russell Shepard
“He’s quicker in and out of the huddle and has us going with a better tempo,” said LSU senior wide receiver Brandon LaFell. “He’s getting to the right checks quicker and faster and is just getting the ball to us way better than he did last year.”

“He came into this season with a lot of confidence and you can really see that because he is working hard,” said LSU sophomore center T-Bob Hebert. “He knows his calls. He has a quick mind and makes quick reads.”

“As far as a player Jordan has really matured,” said LSU junior offensive tackle Joseph Barksdale, who is Jefferson’s roommate. “Everything from making adjustments on certain play calls to calling audibles at the line of scrimmage. He definitely has a much broader knowledge of the offense.”

Jarrett Lee, who played the most of any LSU quarterback in 2008, will likely be second on the depth chart behind Jefferson. Lee may not have been ready to play as much as he did last year, but Miles was left with limited options after the Perrilloux fiasco.

Lee did some good things like leading the Tigers to comeback wins against Auburn, South Carolina and Troy. There were also some bad moments. Lee threw more interceptions (16) than touchdowns (14), and the Tigers lost four of the eight games that Lee started. And there was the downright ugly as seven of Lee’s 16 interceptions were returned for touchdowns.

“There were times in games where I would hear the boos and things being said in the crowd, but that’s just part of being a football player,” said Lee. “Our fans are passionate and sometimes that happens when you make mistakes.”

Lee said his teammates were behind him during the tough times. However, last January he contemplated transferring to another school.

“At the first of the year it was in the back of my mind,” said Lee. But that was it. It was only in the back of my mind and never did I want to go through with it. I wanted to stay with this team because I could tell that everyone was focused and really wanting to improve from last year.”

Lee said he has put a lot of focus into becoming a better quarterback, and learning from his mistakes of 2008. It’s a long season and Lee could be counted on to play a big role at some point.
Much of the talk concerning the LSU quarterbacks has focused on the Tigers prized recruit Russell Shepard. Shepard was widely considered the nation’s top duel-threat quarterback in the 2009 recruiting class. He is expected to make an immediate impact for LSU.

The question is, where will he line up?

Shepard took limited snaps at quarterback in each of the Tigers three fall scrimmages. However, he has received more repetitions at wide receiver and running back.

LSU cornerback Jai Eugene has had to defend Shepard during spring workouts and August practice, and he is a believer. Shepard came to LSU with lots of hype, and apparently the rookie is living up to it.

“You are going to have to watch him no matter what position he plays,” said Eugene. “Sometimes he lines up at running back. Sometimes he lines up at wide receiver. Sometimes he lines up at quarterback. His quarterback game is developing, but most likely we’re going to use him at receiver or running back, or to run the option.”

I don’t expect Jordan Jefferson to explode and put up JaMarcus Russell numbers, but I do think that he will manage games well. Also, I promise that he will not throw seven touchdowns to the opposing defense. Jarrett Lee says he has learned from his mistakes, and his experience is a plus.

If Lee does play significantly, I expect him to play smarter than he did in 2008. Russell Shepard adds a completely different dimension to the position with his speed and quickness. I expect to see Shepard come in on option plays, similar to the way that Miles used Perrilloux in 2007.
Winning games in the SEC is not easy, and it’s much more difficult to win without good, consistent quarterback play.

The Tigers should get much better production out of their quarterbacks this year. Will that result in more victories?

Only time will tell.

One on One with Toddrick Pendland

By Garrett Lumpkin

In 2008 McNeese State running back Toddrick Pendland took full advantage of the opportunity that he received. Given the chance to start for the first time in his collegiate career, Pendland did not disappoint. The Newton, TX native ran for a school record 1,431 yards, and scored a team leading 15 touchdowns. Pendland was named the 2008 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and he’s been tabbed a preseason All-American pick in 2009.

Lumpkin: Do you go by Toddrick or can I call you Todd?
Pendland: It really doesn’t matter. Toddrick is cool or you can call me Todd.

Lumpkin: Alright Todd. Last season you set the MSU single season rushing record after rushing for a total of just 647 yards during your first two years combined. How did it all come together for you?
Pendland: It was just a blessing really. My offensive line was doing their thing, and I’m just glad that Coach Viator gave me an opportunity to run the ball. I told coach for two years that I was ready, and I guess I just had to wait for my turn.

Lumpkin: Every college football player was a star on his high school team. What’s it like coming to college, where a lot of guys just like you, have to wait for their turn to play?
Pendland: Sitting on the bench, it hurts you know. I got here my freshman year and sat down for the first game. I hadn’t sat down like that since pee wee. I wanted to quit. I wanted to transfer, but I’m glad I stayed here. I talked to my coaches and they helped me out. They asked me before last season if I was going to be ready. I told them that I was going to be good. They put their faith in me and it all worked out.

Lumpkin: I’ll say! But instead of telling your coaches you were going to be good, you should have told them that you were going to set the single season rushing record!
Pendland: (Laughs) I tell my coaches all the time, I told you so!

Lumpkin: If you could single out one characteristic that makes you a special runner, what would it be?
Pendland: I work hard, that’s the main thing. At practice my coaches tell me all the time, it doesn’t matter if you get tackled or not. Get up and run and finish the play. That helps out in the games. I don’t take my helmet off at practice even if it is hot. I just spray a little water through the helmet. Those are little things, but they all add up.

Lumpkin: No offense, but your not a very big guy. (Todd is 5’9’’, 175 lbs)
Pendland: That’s alright.

Lumpkin: What has it been like having to overcome the “small back” stereotype?
Pendland: Man, I’ve heard that ever since I first started playing football. I’m tough you know. I come from a small school, and I feel like I have something to prove every time I step on the field.

Lumpkin: You ran for all of those yards last year behind an offensive line that returns only one of five starters. How has it been running behind a new group of linemen?
Pendland: Those guys have come a long way. At the beginning of the spring they were a little shaky, but by the time spring practice ended we were running the ball really well. They’ve gotten off to a good start here in August, and I think they’ll be ready by the time we kick off that first game.

Lumpkin: Can you turn in another record breaking season running behind these guys?
Pendland: I’m not worried about stats or records. All I care about is winning conference and making it to the playoffs. I haven’t been to the playoffs since I’ve been here, so I got to get my feet up in there.

Lumpkin: Wait. Weren’t you on the 2007 team that went undefeated during the regular season and made it to the playoffs?
Pendland: Oh yeah. We lost in the first round, but I didn’t get to play in the playoff game because I pulled my hamstring the week before.

Lumpkin: Maybe that’s why the Cowboys lost in the first round, because you were injured.
Pendland: (Laughs) I don’t know about that!

Lumpkin: Last year the Cowboys finished 7-4 and missed the playoffs. What is it going to take for this team to get back to the playoffs?
Pendland: Hard work, dedication and sacrificing. We have plenty of talent on this team. If we all stay committed, then we’ll be fine.

Cowboys: Explosive Offense and an Improved Defense

In 2008, the McNeese State Cowboys broke numerous school records, but the season ended in disappointment as the Cowboys finished 7-4 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005. The players don’t want that to happen again, and they seem to be headed in the right direction.

“The attitude during the off-season has been fantastic,” said head coach Matt Viator. “We’ve had great participation. We could not have asked any more out of our players. I think the excitement is there. The enthusiasm is there. We’re looking forward to starting the season.”

The strength of the team is in the offensive backfield with senior quarterback Derrick Fourroux and senior running back Toddrick Pendland. Last season Pendland set a new single season rushing mark with 1,431 yards, and he scored a team leading 15 touchdowns.

Last year was also a banner year for Fourroux, who set career highs in passing yards, pass completions,and passing and rushing touchdowns. Fourroux did not just set individual records. The Erath, LA native, led an offense that set school records for total yardage gained per game (464), passing yards gained per game (236), and points scored per game (37.5). Fourroux has started every game since his freshman year, and he’s on pace to break many career records held by former Cowboy great, Kerry Joseph.

“He has won games. He does what he needs to do in our offense, and he doesn’t turn the ball over,” said Viator. “I don’t think I’ve seen a kid be as productive as he has, and turn the ball over less than he has. Derrick is just a winner. He has the respect of his teammates. He has the respect of his coaches, and hopefully he can have another big year for us.”

Fourroux will be throwing to a group of wide receivers that haven’t necessarily started a lot of games, but they all have game experience (Immanuel Friddle, Bernardo Henry, Chad Davis and Richard Conner). It appears that the Cowboys are loaded at tight end.

“I think we are more talented than we’ve been at tight end with Wes Mangan, Corday Clark and Brandon Broussard,” said Viator. “We’re excited about who we have catching the ball.”

The biggest question mark for the offense looks to be up front where only one of five starters returns on the offensive line. It helps that the lone returning starter is senior Casey Richter, who is considered one of the elite tackles in the Southland Conference.

“We have some new faces on the offensive line, but they are guys that we think have talent. We’re excited about them,” said Viator.

There will also be plenty of new faces on defense. Only three starters return from a defense that performed rather poorly in 2008. The Cowboys allowed nearly 30 points per game, and surrendered at least 35 points in five games.

“I think we have a chance defensively. We have some really good players who are not necessarily returning starters, but we’re not going to put anyone out there who hasn’t played,” said Viator. “I think we’ll have some speed. I think overall what we have to improve on is tackling. We have to have a better tackling team than we had, and I think we will.”

For the Cowboys to improve on their 7-4 record from one season ago, they have to find a way to win the close games.

“We lost to North Carolina by seven points and out gained them,” said Viator. “We lost by three points to Texas State, lost by three points to Nicholls and had a chance to beat Central Arkansas in the last game of the year. The games that were close, we lost. The year before in 2007, we won those games. Last year we lost them. So we have to figure out a way to win those games.”

Q and A With LSU Coaches Les Miles and Paul Mainieri

By Garrett Lumpkin


Last month, the LSU Tiger Tour made its annual stop in Westlake at the Isle of Capri Casino. I had a chance to talk with LSU head baseball coach Paul Mainieri, and LSU head football coach Les Miles. Mainieri’s Tigers just won the college baseball national championship, and Miles’ Tigers are gearing up for another football season.

LSU Football Head Coach Les Miles

The defense really struggled last year and you made some changes in the off-season to
correct that. You brought in John Chavis as the defensive coordinator, Brick Haley to
coach the defensive linemen, and Ron Cooper to coach the secondary. How has that new
group gelled through spring practice and over the summer?

I think our guys have an existing culture of dominant defense. John has great experience
and has the same impression that that’s the way defense is played. Our guys have really
embraced him, enjoyed him and I think he’s made a great introduction to his defense this
spring. When you bring in Brick Haley, who comes from the NFL, he brings great
technique work to our guys. Our guys on the defensive line have enjoyed him. Ron
Cooper has great experience with the secondary. I think the transition has been good and
I look forward to how they will play.

Jordan Jefferson looks like he is the frontrunner for the starting quarterback job. He
played well late last season, especially in your big bowl victory. What have you seen
from Jefferson throughout the off-season as he heads into his sophomore season?

He’s bigger and stronger. He certainly has a lot more experience on the field. He won’t
go into a game that he hasn’t experienced in one way or another. He played on the road,
and he played on the road in a bowl game and won. Really, this summer he has probably
shown more leadership than what’s due for a young guy. I think he’ll be much improved
this fall.

I want to get your thoughts on the state of the SEC. With all of the big name coaches in
the league, and these days it seems like any team in the conference can beat you. What do
you think about the current state of your league?

I think it is as competitive a football conference as there is in America. I think it requires
your teams to play at a very high level week in and week out. I think that’s good. I think
it’s good for the fans and it’s good for us. I look forward to playing in big games and I
think our team does.

Your first three years in Baton Rouge were so successful. At least 11 wins in each season.
But last year was a bit of a tough year with the 8-5 record. How has the off-season been
for you, coming off a sub par season?

I think our guys understand that we want to regain the position in the SEC that we’ve
had. I think the guys are hungrier, there’s a little more wanting, more ambitious, I think
it’s been good. The summer has been good and I think our guys are looking forward to
playing.
LSU Baseball Head Coach Paul Mainieri

Congratulations on a fantastic season. What an incredible run in Omaha at the College World Series. What has life been like since winning the national championship of college
baseball?

Thank you very much for the congratulatory message. It still hasn’t really sunk in, it’s
kind of surreal. Your whole life you pray that you’ll have an opportunity to coach a team
to a national championship, and then it happens and you’re not sure how to act or how to
feel. I’ve received so many wonderful letters, phone calls, text messages and emails that
I’ve just been spending my time trying to respond to everybody. It’s a great experience.
It’s something I’m sure that in time will sink in.

After losing to Texas in game two of the championship series, what did you tell your
team?

The message I gave to my players was very simple. I said look, if this was our very first
meeting in August and I told you on that day that we were going to play one game for the
national championship, winner take all, and we were going to have Anthony Ranaudo
pitching for us, would any of you guys take that deal? And they all nodded their heads of
course. And I said, well that’s our situation. So we’re not going to hang our heads about
this loss tonight. We’re going to walk out of here with our chins up. We’re going to walk
out confident, believing in ourselves and knowing that tomorrow night we’re going to
come out here and whip Texas. I wanted them to get a good positive frame of mind right
from that moment, and go to bed that night dreaming of winning the national
championship the next night. And my goodness, they went out there and did it!

New Orleans Saints 2009 Team Preview

By Garrett Lumpkin


Last Season
The Saints finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs for the second straight year. It’s been the same story for the Saints in each of the last two seasons. The offense has been fantastic (ranked 1st in 2008), but the defense has been horrendous (ranked 23rd in 2008). Drew Brees joined Dan Marino as the only quarterback in the history of the NFL to throw for 5,000 yards in a season. The Saints weren’t blowing teams out. They had to throw the ball that much just to keep up with their opposition. The Saint’s defense allowed at least 23 points in 13 of 16 games.

Quarterbacks A+
Drew Brees has established himself among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL alongside Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. He is the unquestioned leader of the Saints and produces monster numbers year in and year out. Brees has averaged 4,600 yards passing and 30 touchdown passes in three years in New Orleans. He rarely makes the big mistake and doesn’t take many sacks. He is the one player on the roster that the Saints can not afford to lose to injury. Mark Brunell is a 15 year veteran and is the backup quarterback. However, if you ever see Brunell on the field during the regular season, the Saints are probably in big trouble.

Running Backs B
Reggie Bush had his best professional season in 2008, but fans expect more from the former number two overall pick. Bush is the best pass catching running back in the league by far. However, Bush has struggled in the running game and has not finished each of the last two seasons due to injuries. In three NFL seasons Bush has yet to average 4.0 yards per carry. He needs to get there this year for the Saints running game to be a real threat. Third year running back Pierre Thomas could break out this season. Last year playing behind Bush and Deuce McCallister, Thomas averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns on only 160 offensive touches. Look for the Saints to give Thomas more touches starting right out of the gate in week one. Mike Bell is third on the depth chart, but look for the Saints to possibly add a veteran free agent during training camp. Ex-Patriots fullback Heath Evans has some versatility and catches the ball well.

Wide Receivers A-
Marques Colston is a big, physical receiver and one of the best at his position. He doesn’t shy away from contact which shows his toughness, but it has also led to injuries. Last year Colston missed five games with a broken finger. If he plays a full season, he should make the pro bowl. Lance Moore benefited from Colston’s absence and posted career bests with 928 yards and 10 touchdowns. Moore is an excellent number two option for Brees. Devery Henderson and Robert Meachum have each been inconsistent, but both are excellent deep threats. Henderson and Meachum each averaged over 24 yards per catch last year. Jeremy Shockey is one of the better pass catching tight ends in the league and is also an above average run blocker at his position.

Offensive Line B+
The Saints pass much more than they run and the offensive line is at its best when Brees is throwing it. Last season only two starting quarterbacks were sacked fewer times than Brees. Brees dropped back to pass 635 times and was only sacked 13 times. Continuity is extremely important on the offensive line and all five starters from last year return. They have Jamal Brown and Jon Stinchomb at the tackles, Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans at the guards, and Jonathan Goodwin at center. If there is a flaw with this group, it’s in the running game. However, in November and December Pierre Thomas seemed to find the holes that Reggie Bush could not locate in September and October.

Defensive Line C+
Will Smith is one of the most well rounded defensive ends in the league. He plays the run well, and when healthy, is the Saints best pass rusher. However, Smith’s sack total has decreased in each of the last three seasons. Charles Grant starts at the other defensive end spot and is more of a power player. He runs through people, not around them. Sedric Ellis showed promise as a rookie and is poised for a big season. He’s short, stout, and has a powerful upper body. Kendrick Clancy led the team in sacks with six and is expected to start at the other defensive tackle spot.

Linebackers C-
Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma played well in his first season with the Saints as he led the team in tackles with 132. Vilma is a firm tackler and is adequate dropping back into coverage. Outside linebacker Scott Fujita has been consistent during his three years in New Orleans, but he is vulnerable when playing in space. Scott Shanle is penciled in to start at the other outside linebacker position, but he doesn’t make many big plays. Shanle could be challenged by Dan Morgan during training camp.

Defensive Backs C
Cornerback Tracy Porter had an impressive start to his career last season before a wrist injury cut it short. Porter has solid cover skills to go along with good speed. Jabari Greer is listed next on the cornerback depth chart, but don’t be surprised if rookie Malcolm Jenkins gets the starting nod. Jenkins was the Saints first round draft pick in April’s draft. Strong safety Roman Harper is a big hitter, but he struggles in man to man coverage. Free safety Darren Sharper was signed in the offseason and provides this young group with some experience. Sharper may not have the speed that he once had, but he always seems to be around the ball.

Special Teams B-
Placekicker Garrett Hartley does not have a real strong leg, but he is accurate inside of 50 yards. He made all 13 of his field goal attempts after joining the Saints midway through the year. The Saints don’t punt much, but when they do it will be Glenn Pakulak handling the duties. Reggie Bush is arguably the most feared punt returner in the league. He took three punts to the house in just ten games. Pierre Thomas, Skylar Green, and Lance Moore are all in the mix at kick returner.

Predictions
Best Case Scenario (12-4): The defense plays much better under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Greg Williams. The offense shows more balance with the run and the pass, and the team avoids major injuries.

Worst Case Scenario (7-9): The defense doesn’t get any better. The offense struggles to run the ball, and a big contributor or two goes on injured reserve.

My Prediction (10-6): I think the defense will improve under Williams. Everywhere he has coached in the NFL, he seems to have a top ten defense. I think that with Pierre Thomas getting more carries, the running game will be better and that will allow the Saints defense to rest a little more on the sideline.

The Saints have a difficult schedule and I don’t think they will win the NFC South division. However, I do see the Saints making the playoffs as a wild card.

Cowboys Looking To Bounce Back In ‘09

By Garrett Lumpkin



I am a football fanatic, and there are thousands of people in Southwest Louisiana just like me who love the game as much as I do. Luckily for us, college football returns in just a few weeks when teams report for August practice.
The McNeese State Cowboys are coming off a 7- 4 season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Watching the Pokes last year was like watching the New Orleans Saints. The games were very exciting with plenty of offense, and unfortunately very little defense.
In 2008, the Cowboys set team records for points scored per game (37.5), and total offense per game (464.1). However, they allowed over 29 points per game, and on five occasions gave up at least 35 points.
The 2009 Cowboy squad will have a much different look with only 9 of 22 starters returning on both sides of the ball (6 on offense, 3 on defense). Despite the big turnover, I think the new cast of characters will be in the thick of the Southland Conference championship race once again.
In football, you don’t have to have a great quarterback to win, but it sure makes things easier if you have a stud behind center. And the Cowboys have exactly that in senior Derrick Fourroux.
Fourroux has started since he was a freshman and is on pace to break Kerry Joseph’s school records for total offense and passing yards. Fourroux doesn’t make many mistakes (17 interceptions in three years), and he makes plays with his arm and legs (67 combined touchdowns in three years). Toughness is Fourroux’s best attribute. He takes a beating throughout the course of a game because he runs with the ball so much, but he always gets up after the big hit.
Most of Derrick’s targets from a year ago are gone. However, all-conference tight end Wes Mangan returns along with wide receiver Immanuel Friddle who I believe is ready for a break-out season.
Running back Toddrick Pendland broke out last season as a junior when he was named the Southland Conference offensive player of the year. Pendland set the school’s single season rushing record with 1,431 yards. Just think of what that rushing total would have been had the Cowboys made the playoffs and won a game or two. Pendland is also a major threat in the passing game. Last year he finished second on the club with 35 catches for 337 yards. He nearly averaged a first down every time he caught the ball out of the backfield.
The Pokes have an outstanding quarterback and running back. However, Fourroux and Pendland won’t be able to do what they do unless they get good blocking from the big boys up front. Offensive linemen never get much credit, but they make everything happen. Of the five starting offensive linemen from 2008, only tackle Casey Richter returns.
Defensively in 2008, the Cowboys were torched on several occasions. They didn’t fare that bad against the run, but maybe that was because opponents knew that they could throw all over McNeese. The Cowboys allowed 26 touchdown passes, and over 230 yards passing per game. The Cowboys were 6-0 when allowing 31 points or less, but they were 1-4 when allowing at least 35 points. There is plenty of room for improvement, and I see things getting better for the MSU defense before things get worse.
The three returning defensive starters from 2008 are defensive end Terrance Freeman, linebacker Deron Minor and defensive back Darrell Jenkins. That’s not many returning starters, but maybe that’s a good thing considering how the unit performed last season.
Freeman led the team in sacks last season with 5.5, Minor finished second on the team in tackles with 89, and Jenkins ranked third on the club with six tackles for loss.
Matt Viator enters his third full season as head coach of the Cowboys. All Viator has done since taking over midway through the 2006 season is win 24 of 31 games. His winning percentage of .774 ranks second in school history behind Ernie Duplechin. Viator has led the Cowboys to a pair of Southland Conference championships, and he has been named the Southland Conference coach of the year twice. About the only thing that Viator has not done is win a playoff game. Something that McNeese has not accomplished since 2002.
For the Cowboys to get back to the playoffs in 2009 the offense doesn’t have to score 37 points per game. But the defense must allow less than 29 points per game. Somewhere around 20 points would be ideal.
I’m not going to make any predictions about the upcoming season yet, but I will say this—I can’t wait for August practice to kickoff!