Louisiana quarterback Jordan Davis (3) looks to throw a pass during the Red/White Spring Game Saturday,

LAFAYETTE — UL Lafayette wrapped up spring football with Saturday’s Vermilion and White Spring Game at Cajun Field.

First-year Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Billy Napier was pleased with how his team performed, in particular the dominance displayed by Team White, but did admit afterwards that there was still plenty of work to be done heading into the fall.

“It was pretty evident that we have made tons of progress,” Napier said. “But still plenty of proof that we have to work to do. I was excited and pleased with the energy. You can see where we have some issues on our football team. They did a good job today of representing our program in the right way.”

Napier was very impressed with the way the defensive front seven of Team White played. Team Vermilion’s offense managed only 51 yards on the ground (1.9 per carry average) and threw for only 204 yards and was sacked five times.

“They really set the tempo of the game,” Napier said. “The Vermilion front seven was not as good. I think we got some issues at outside corner that we need to fix. There is no doubt that Team White outplayed Team Vermilion today.”

 

Quarterback

competition

The trio of Jordan Davis, Andre Nunez and Levi Lewis all got reps under center during Saturday’s spring game.

Davis and Nunez split time on Team Vermilion while Lewis took the majority of reps on Team White. Lewis was 14-of-22 with 275 yards and two touchdowns while Davis was 9-of-13 with 117 yards with one touchdown and one interception and Nunez was 10-of-15 with 87 yards and one interception.

“Lots of good out there,” Napier said. “In particular Levi did a lot of good things. I think we need do a little better job with our pocket awareness. We need a little more awareness back there but we made some good throws on the outside.”

Napier went on to detail the progress Lewis, who was a true freshman last season, has made this spring.

“I think he is starting to become a better drop back passer,” Napier said. “I think early on he struggled to stand back there and process things but he has gotten better. He is only 5-foot-9 but he doesn’t have a slim build. He is true student of the game.”

 

Running back depth

With returning starter Trey Ragas and former Erath star Elijah Mitchell sidelined with injuries, that gave an opportunity to the other players in the Cajuns’ large stable of running backs.

For the Team White, Lenard Calloway led the way with 65 yards on 17 carries while scoring three rushing touchdowns. Clyefer Bass meanwhile added 40 yards on 12 carries and two more touchdowns.

For Team Vermilion, Ashton Johnson led with 39 yards on 11 carries while Raymond Calais had 15 yards on five carries who tweaked a groin during the game. 

“There are some players that got some opportunities to get some experience today,” Napier said. “They took advantage of the injuries. They worked really hard to try to put themselves in position to take advantage of it today.”

 

A different type of spring game

The game was not the traditional spring scrimmage as it featured a 7-on-7 drill to start things off, then went to game-like scenarios with some tackling allowed (depending on the player), and then a Oklahoma drill at halftime, and a new scoring system that not only awarded points for touchdowns and field goals, but also for three-and-outs, red zone stops, and turnovers. If based on the actual traditional points scored, the final was White 49 and Vermilion 12. With the additional scoring options, the scoreboard at the end of the game read 81-51 in favor of the Team White.

 

Playing both ways

WIde receiver Michael Jaquet lined up at both wide receiver (which he has played since coming to the Cajuns) and also lined up at cornerback on defense. Jaquet pulled in one reception for 39 yards and one tackle on defense for Team White. 

Jaquet, a high school quarterback who never has played cornerback before this spring, was thrilled with the opportunity to play on defense.

“It is a blessing,” Jaquet said. “I get to showcase multiple abilities. I am just thankful that the coaches thought enough of me to play both sides. Corner is little more technical and a little more technique. I got to learn how to tackle but I like it so far.”

 

Quote of the day

“I had no idea but that was something that was undescrable. I am still trying to sokk it all in,” said redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jalen Williams who was one of four Cajuns players to receive scholarships during Saturday’s game. Williams was drafted by the Boston Red Sox out of high school and spent three years in the organization before walking on to the LSU football team in 2016. He transferred to the Cajuns last year and is eligible to play this fall.