Football: Ragin’ Cajun notebook – MIKE’S EVERYWHERE

Michael Desormeaux has become less a backup quarterback and more a multiple threat for the Cajuns, and his versatility was displayed virtually from kickoff to the final horn Saturday.

Desormeaux lined up in a slot position early in the first half, motioned to the backfield and took an option pitch from Babb for a 10-yard gain on his first-ever non-quarterback rush.

He made a bigger impact, though, on defense and special teams. The Catholic-New Iberia product began working as the nickel back in UL’s dime defense on Wednesday and was in that role several times.
“I did a lot in there during the week,” Desormeaux said. “I was just happy to be able to get in there and play. The defensive backs did an outstanding job, and our front guys got after their offensive line and the quarterback. It’s tough to throw when those guys are right on top of you.”

Desormeaux also continued to play on four different special teams – punt, punt block, hands and onside kick recovery – and recovered an onside kick with a leaping athletic grab with 3:32 left.

When asked postgame if Desormeaux was turning into UL’s version of New Orleans Saints standout Reggie Bush, he said, “Mike’s as good as Reggie Bush … for what we need him to do.”

HALFTIME HONORS

The UL softball and men’s tennis teams were honored during halftime ceremonies for capturing Sun Belt titles during the 2006 spring season.

The tennis team won its first Sun Belt title in over a decade, beating Middle Tennessee in the league tournament finals, and earned its second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament. UL was in the NCAA’s as an at-large team in 2005.

The softball squad won both the league regular-season and tournament titles for the sixth straight year, while earning its sixth straight NCAA Tournament berth and its 16th post-season appearance in the past 17 years.

INJURIES

The Cajuns suffered a couple of key injuries. Linebacker Mark Risher limped off on UL’s first defensive series with an ankle injury, was X-rayed at halftime and did not return. Starting center Chris Fisher left midway through the first quarter with a knee injury, going up the tunnel on an electric cart just before halftime. He was on the sidelines in street clothes and on crutches during the second half.

Running back Josh Harrison went down with a knee injury early in the third quarter and also did not return.

LAGNIAPPE

UL student Brandon Mercado won a $250 prize at halftime by making a 25-yard field goal as part of a season-long promotion … When Fenroy was stopped for a loss of one yard on a rush late in the first quarter, it marked the first time this season that the sophomore had been tackled for negative yardage.

– Compiled by Dan McDonald