The Cajuns have had some good ones, including four whose numbers are retired: Fenroy, Mitchell, quarterback Jake Delhomme and receiver Brandon Stokley.

Mitchell, Delhomme and Stokley all went on to have lengthy NFL careers.

Other ex-Cajuns have their numbers retired include Glenn LaFleur, who played both linebacker and running back, and defensive backs Charles Tillman; Damon Mason and the late Orlando Thomas.

“He’s in pretty good company right now,” Hudspeth said of McGuire, an NFL prospect who earlier this season passed Fenroy to become UL’s career leader in all-purpose yards.

“I’m not sure how long it’s gonna be,” the Cajun coach added, “but it won’t be too long, I’m hoping, before his name is up there (on the stadium wall, honoring those with retired numbers) with some other ones one day.”

SUPPORTING CAST

Going into its 2016 season, the Cajuns sensed they had some decent depth at running back — but, especially with McGuire still around, didn’t necessarily think it would need to turn to it too much.

With McGuire dealing with an ongoing foot injury for the past three games, however, UL — currently in an open week before it plays host to Idaho on Nov. 5 — has had to rely on its reserve runners much more often than lately they might have otherwise.

Junior Darius Hoggins had 12 carries for 81 yards and one touchdown when McGuire was limited to six carries in a recent double-overtime loss at New Mexico State, and he had five carries for 21 yards in the win at Texas State.

Redshirt freshman Jordan Wright had 11 carries for 26 yards and a TD against New Mexico State, nine carries for 29 yards in a loss to Appalachian State and six carries for 34 yards at Texas State.

And true freshman Raymond Calais Jr. had six carries for 34 yards against Texas State, including a long of 16 yards.

“Darius Hoggins is probably the (No. 2) guy,” Hudspeth said, “because he can sort of do it all, and he’s a veteran.

“But the other two (Wright and Calais) — when they get the opportunities, they’ve played well.

“Those young guys, they’re getting better,” the Cajun coach added, “and … I think we’ve seen they’re gonna be good players.”

CORNERBACK PROGRESS

Hudspeth liked what he saw from his cornerbacks at Texas State.

That’s especially the case for junior Simeon Thomas, who had four total tackles, his second interception of the season and one breakout against the Bobcats.

“He’s getting better,” Hudspeth said of Thomas, who struggled earlier this season after sitting out the last two years for mostly academic reasons.

“No question. I think that light — maybe it’s not bright, but — it’s starting to shine a little bit. So that’s good to see.”

Hudspeth also was impressed with Savion Brown, who played for the first time after serving a four-game disciplinary suspension, and frequent starter Christian Goodlett.

“I thought Savion played really well on special teams,” Hudspeth said. “Gave me a great effort.”

Brown, a senior, also played about 10 snaps at corner.

“That could increase if he continues improving,” Hudspeth said. “He’s just got to get his feet wet again.

“All our corners are doing some good stuff. So I think we’ve got some quality depth we’ve really developed there.”