He spoke like a proud father after both seniors were honored on Tuesday by the Sun Belt Confer-ence. Fenroy was named the league’s Player of the Year, while Desormeaux was the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year.

No Cajun football player had ever received those individual honors from the Sun Belt.

"That’s a tribute to them," the elder Desormeaux said. "I certainly watched a lot of Tyrell. I don’t know him really well, but he’s been to my house a couple times to eat. He’s in the same mold as Michael.

"Their work ethics have been so strong and so dedicated."

UL head coach Rickey Bustle was happy to see Fenroy and Desormeaux honored by the league. They helped the Cajuns become bowl eligible in three of their four seasons.

"I didn’t know that would happen," Bustle said. "But I was hoping it would.

"I’m so proud of them."

Fenroy, one of only seven rushers in NCAA history with four 1,000-yard rushing seasons, finished as the nation’s active NCAA rusher with 4,646 yards. That’s the most in school, Sun Belt and state history.

The LaPlace native rushed for a single-season school record 1,375 yards this year and 19 touchdowns. He was one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation’s top running back.

After his final home game, Fenroy had his jersey, No. 32, retired.

Desormeaux, a New Iberia native, led the league this year in total offense, was second in rushing and third in pass efficiency. With 1,035 rushing yards this year, he became only the eighth NCAA quarterback with back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

Fenroy and Desormeaux joined West Virginia’s Pat White and Steve Slaton in 2006 and ’07 as the only NCAA quarterback-running back combos to run for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.

"I think Michael and Tyrell were very good for each other," the elder Desormeaux said. "When they were healthy I think they gave defensive coordinators headaches on who to stop."

Fenroy and Desormeaux were joined on the Sun Belt’s first team offense by offensive linemen Chris Fisher and Brad Bustle. Strong safety Derik Keyes was a second team pick, as was wide receiver Jason Chery. UL’s honorable mention selections were offensive lineman Jonathan Decoster and linebacker Antwyne Zanders.