Football: Albrecht’s leg proving to be valuable weapon – Weekly Award Winners – Odds & Ends

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • September 23, 2009

Going into this season, a question remained as to whether UL could find a reliable and consistent kicker after two-time All-Sun Belt Conference performer Drew Edmiston exhausted his eligibility.

So far Tyler Albrecht has been the answer. The junior has made all 10 of his kicks through this season’s first three games with two field goals and eight extra points.

Albrecht, a kickoff specialist two years ago who did not play last season, booted a 48-yard field goal in the final minute of Week 2 to lift the Ragin’ Cajuns to a 17-15 win over Big 12 member Kansas State. His late heroics earned him Special Teams Player of the Week honors from the Sun Belt and Louisiana Sports Writers Association. It remains the longest field goal made in the league this season.

Last week, Albrecht provided the team’s only points with a 40-yard field goal in the second quarter of a 31-3 loss at No. 7 LSU. The kick helped the Cajuns cut their deficit to 14-3 at the time.

"He needed to get out there and get his pants dirty, and he did in that (K-State) game," UL coach Rickey Bustle said. "It’s something that builds your confidence. I think that’s what (that kick) did."

Albrecht needed to develop some confidence after a tough preseason camp. He and redshirt freshman Brett Baer competed for the starting job, but both suffered setbacks due to injury.

Once healthy, Albrecht earned the nod and has impressed his coaches. Baer, meanwhile, has handled kickoffs.

Bustle says that Albrecht’s range extends to about 52 yards. His 48-yard field goal against K-State would have been good from at least another five yards. That gives Bustle confidence if the Cajuns need to attempt a long kick Saturday at No. 25 Nebraska.

"He has always had a strong leg," Bustle said of Albrecht. "It wasn’t as accurate as I wanted it to be, but since coming back from his injury he has kicked the ball in practice much better."

Weekly winners

The Cajun coaches announced their weekly award winners on Monday.

Tight end Ladarius Green was named the offensive player of the game after catching a career-high six passes for 64 yards against LSU.

The defensive players of the game were free safety Gerren Blount, defensive end Hall Davis and linebacker Daylon McCoy. Blount logged a game-high nine tackles, one interception and one forced fumble. Davis had six tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss while going against preseason All-America left tackle Ciron Black. McCoy notched five tackles and one pass break-up.

The scout team players of the week were tight ends Ian Thompson and Jacob Maxwell on offense and defensive tackle Barry Sterling and linebacker Brandon Nash on defense.

Odds and Ends

Defensive end Nate Douglas (head) was cleared to practice last Friday and worked out Sunday night, but the sophomore suffered another health problem Monday night. He is now out for the season. It is unclear whether he will play again. Last year, Douglas led the team’s defensive linemen with 26 tackles and 6.0 tackles for loss. He was third on the squad with 3.0 sacks "» Linebacker Antwyne Zanders (right ankle), center Chris Fisher (shoulder), strong safety Lance Kelley (back) and Blount (right leg) did not practice Tuesday. Zanders is probable to play Saturday. Blount, who was on crutches, is doubtful. Fisher is a question mark. Kelley is out "» Free safety Maurice Rolle Jr. (back) moved better in Tuesday’s workout. Strong safety Chris Richard (left ankle) is still doubtful "» Nebraska will celebrate its NCAA-record 300th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The Cornhuskers have lost three of their past four homecoming games.