Football: UL lands talented Class of 2010 + Capsule look at UL’s Class of 2010

Football: UL lands talented Class of 2010 � Capsule look at UL’s Class of 2010 2/4/10

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • February 4, 2010

UL lands talented Class of 2010

With each hum of the fax machine in UL’s football office on Wednesday — widely known as National Signing Day — another piece of the program’s recruiting puzzle fell into place.

Every signed national letter of intent marked the end of the recruiting process for prospects who had committed to the Ragin’ Cajuns.

By the end of the day, UL’s 25-member recruiting class for 2010 represented a mosaic of talent from across the country. The crop of newcomers also produced some high expectations for the future of the program."I think this group is going to be something that people are going to remember, and I’m totally convinced of that," UL coach Rickey Bustle said. "I’m excited about this group. Time will tell and it always does with recruiting, but this might be the top class we’ve ever recruited here."

The most-lauded prospect by the recruiting experts is three-star tailback Aaron Spikes, a former Texas Tech commitment from Pinkston High School in Dallas.Spikes signed at 9:58 a.m. Wednesday but had to wait for his father to get off work to sign his letter of intent. About four hours later, the school finally received his paperwork.

"I feel really good right now knowing that I’m a Ragin’ Cajun," Spikes said. "I’m glad it’s all over. I’m just ready to play."UL added a number of recruits that are expected to be immediate contributors.

An athletic defensive lineman who can play inside and outside, Benay Pryer (Kilgore Junior College in Texas) committed to sign with LSU as a prep player at Belaire High in Baton Rouge. Academic issues forced him to attend junior college before landing with the Cajuns."I’m feeling good about this situation," said Pryer, who got a late push from Miami (Fla.). "I called the coaches yesterday and told them not to worry because nothing was going to keep me from becoming a Ragin’ Cajun."Defensive end Bernard Smith (Northeast Mississippi C.C.) signed with West Virginia out of Atlanta in 2008 but had to take a detour to junior college due to grades.

Safety Le’Marcus Gibson (Mississippi Gulf C.C.) spent one year at Hawaii before hurting his knee and spending two seasons in junior college. He arrived at UL as a walk-on before quickly earning a scholarship.

What’s different about UL’s 2010 recruiting class is that it includes six Acadiana prospects — the most since Bustle took over the program in 2002. Each of those local recruits were standout prep players.

Linebacker Jelani Smith (Abbeville) and tailback Rob Walker (Mamou) were both rated three-star recruits last year.

Smith spent two years at the University of Arkansas but returned closer to home for a chance to be closer to his young daughter. He must sit out the 2010 season per NCAA transfer rules but has two years of eligibility left."It means a lot to be back home," Smith said. "The recruiting class that we got looks like a really good squad."

Walker signed with the Cajuns last year but was declared ineligible in preseason camp after the NCAA flagged his ACT test score and threw it out. The two-time All-State tailback retook the ACT and earned a qualifying score in time to enroll this semester."It’s relieving to know that I don’t have all of that stress about not playing or whether I was going to play," Walker said. "Now I can just clear my head and go to school."

Gibson, Bernard Smith and defensive back Lionel Stokes (Copiah-Lincoln Community College.) joined Jelani Smith and Walker at UL this semester. That makes them eligible to compete in spring drills."All of our student-athletes coming over from junior college can make an immediate impact," Bustle said. "Robert Walker will be able to practice this spring, giving him a leg up (on freshmen). We expect big things from him."The remaining four local signees — St. Thomas More offensive lineman Andre Huval, Breaux Bridge defensive back Trevence Patt and Notre Dame linebacker Jacob Molbert and kicker Hunter Stover — have all earned All-State honors.Huval was a two-time All-State pick in Class 5A. Patt earned Class 4A all-state honors this season. Molbert was all-state for the Class 3A state champions this year. Stover was an All-State kicker in 2008 and will get a chance to handle kickoffs for the Cajuns in 2010.

"It’s real important to me because I grew up in this town watching these guys play, and now I have a chance to be one of them," Huval said. "I think it’s good that coach Bustle and his staff are trying to recruit local talent."

When asked why UL was able to have such a strong local presence in this year’s recruiting class, most of the signees pointed to the staff.

"The coaches are awesome guys," Stover said. "When you take a visit, it’s hard not to fall in love with the coaches. They’re just so personable. You want to go and play for them and do good things for them."Keeping as much of the local talent from getting away is important for the future of the program, Molbert said.

He considered this year’s recruiting class a huge step forward."One of the reasons I stayed here was because I thought I could contribute here," Molbert said. "I think all of the local recruits we got this year can play a role in the future success of the program."

Patt agreed."I grew up a Cajuns fan and always felt like I could come in and help them out," said Patt, who turned down a late offer from New Mexico. "I think I can come in and play hard and make a big difference for them."With the ink barely dry on the national letters of intent, many are already praising this year’s recruiting class as the best for UL in recent memory.Bernard Smith urged people wait before jumping to that conclusion.

"I’ll feel good when I get those (conference championship and bowl) rings on my fingers," Smith said. "That will prove to me that this was the best recruiting class that these coaches have ever had."

Capsule look at UL’s Class of 2010

UL finalized its 25-member recruiting class for the 2010 season on Wednesday. Here is a breakdown of the signees:

Name/Pos/Ht/Wt/School

MIDYEAR SIGNEES (3)

S Le’Marcus Gibson, 6-0, 205, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC/Hawaii/Harrison (Miss.) CentralWhy UL: "After talking with coach (Kevin) Fouquier over the Christmas break, I decided that I’d be willing to do whatever I needed to play for the Cajuns – even if that meant walking on."

Coach Bustle says: "You’re looking at a kid that played lights-out on film and is a very physical safety."Stats/Notes: Originally walked on before quickly earning a scholarship. Signed with Hawaii in 2007 as the nation’s No. 88 safety, according to ESPN.com. Had 45 tackles and three interceptions at MGCCC in 2008. Sat out 2009 season. Made 142 tackles as prep senior and played in Max Emfinger Alk-American Bowl Game Classic. Already enrolled. Has two years of eligibility left.

Other schools: UAB, Ohio, North Texas, Nicholls State

Signed: Did not sign.

DE Bernard Smith, 6-3, 235, Northeast Mississippi JC/Mays (Ga.) High

Why UL: "When I talked with people there (at UL) on my visit, I didn’t feel like they were just trying to recruit me to go there. It just seemed like they really cared about me."

Coach Bustle says: "He is a very quick and fast defensive end who plays with a high motor."Stats/Notes: Signed with West Virginia in 2008 as the nation’s No. 41 strongside linebacker and three-star recruit by scout.com. Had 25 tackles and three sacks in 2009 despite missing three gamed due to knee injury. Played linebacker and defensive end. Already enrolled. Has two years of eligibility left.

Other schools: Memphis, UAB, Arkansas State, Northwestern State, Georgia State, Delta StateSigned: In December.

DB Lionel Stokes, 5-10, 175, Copiah-Lincoln CC/East Marion (Miss.) High

Why UL: "It was just the best fit for me, and it’s kind of close to home. Plus, they have a good history of producing defensive backs."

Coach Bustle says: "He is a good, solid cornerback who is experienced and looked good on film."Stats/Notes: Was third in the Region 23/MACJC with 96 tackles as a safety and second team all-state in 2009. Team had league’s top pass defense and No. 2 overall defense. Selected for MACJC all-star game. Played cornerback as a freshman. Already enrolled. Has two years of eligibility left.

Other schools: North Texas, Western Michigan, Tennessee-Martin, Northwestern State, Delta StateSigned: In December.

GRAYSHIRT (1)

RB Rob Walker, 5-8, 190, Mamou

Why UL: "I really liked how the people there welcomed me with open arms. You can see that the program has a goal, and that’s what I want to be a part of."

Coach Bustle says: "We think he is a great running back and has a great advantage in being here for the spring to establish himself."Stats/Notes: Signed in 2008 but declared ineligible in preseason. Was a three-star recruit and nation’s No. 43 all-purpose back by rivals.com out of high school. Ran for 3,877 yards and 51 TDs and was Class 2A all-state in last two years at Mamou. Already enrolled. Has four years of eligibility left.

Other schools: North Carolina, Tulane, McNeese State, Southeastern Louisiana, Northwestern StateSigned: Did not sign as initial counter.

DIVISION I TRANSFER (1)

LB Jelani Smith, 6-0, 215, University of Arkansas/Abbeville

Why UL: "Coming out of high school, coach (Kevin) Fouquier and coach (Rickey) Bustle really gave me that feeling like they were family. They’ve got character, and that’s something that I like."

Coach Bustle says: "He is a young man we recruited out of high school, and we thought he was a heck of a player. We’re definitely excited about him coming here."Stats/Notes: Was rated nation’s No. 38 inside linebacker and three-star recruit by rivals.com in 2008. Had eight tackles as true freshman in two games in 2008 before hurting hand and getting medical redshirt. Made three tackles in seven games this past season. Already enrolled. Has two years of eligibility left. Must sit out 2010 season per NCAA rules.

Other schools: Georgia, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Louisiana Tech*

Signed: Did not sign as Division I transfer.*Out of high school

PUBLIC COMMITMENTS (20)

WR Boris Anyama, 6-3, 195, Stafford (Texas) High

Why UL: "It was a good family atmosphere. I wanted to play football at a smaller school because I didn’t want to just be another number, and I felt like I fit in there."Coach Bustle says: "He is a very talented athlete that we’re looking at him as a receiver because of his height."

Stats/Notes: Accounted for 911 yards and 12 touchdowns as a quarterback in a run-based offense as a senior. Was first team All-District 26-3A at running back and second team all-district at defensive back. Is a big athletic receiver with strong hands and play-making ability. Family is from Nigeria.Other schools: UTEP, Baylor, Tulane, Penn, Texas Southern, Midwestern State, Abilene Christian

Signed: 8:18 a.m. Wednesday.

WR James Butler, 6-3, 190, Hahnville

Why UL: "To be honest, I committed to them because of the coaches, the players and the atmosphere. I felt comfortable and felt like I could fit in there. It’s a place where I know I want to spend the next four to five years."

Coach Bustle says: "I think he is an extraordinary talent and a big receiver with good speed."Stats/Notes: Received a handful of early offers. Hauled in 80 receptions for 1,335 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior for District 6-5A champion. Was all-district as a junior and senior. Has size and speed to be an impact receiver.

Other schools: Mississippi State, Colorado, Louisiana Tech, Tulane

Signed: 8:43 a.m. Wednesday.

S Earnest Gardner, 6-1, 185, Tara

Why UL: "UL is where I always wanted to go. I just felt like UL would be a better fit for me. I just liked the football team and the atmosphere out there."

Coach Bustle says: "He is another physical safety with good speed and really fits the mold for his position."Stats/Notes: Former Southern commit made the All-Metro Class 5A/4A team as a senior. Made 57 tackles (38 solo) and had five interceptions and five pass breakups in 2009. Scored on 80-yard interception return in U.S. Army Red Stick All-Star Bowl.

Other schools: Southern, LSU, Central Arkansas, McNeese State, Northwestern State, Southeastern Louisiana

Signed: 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

DT Darrell Green-Wallace, 6-2, 275, Austin (Texas.) High

Why UL: "I really liked the coaching staff because they were nice and outgoing. The players seemed like they really liked things there. I always liked the Louisiana area."Coach Bustle says: "He has a good body and good strength and knows how to use his hands well."

Stats/Notes: Rated among the nation’s top 400 players by Max Emfinger. Recorded 44 tackles and seven sacks as a senior. Played in Max Emfinger’s All-American Bowl Game Classic, finishing with six tackles and one sack.Other schools: Vanderbilt, Kansas State, Idaho, Sam Houston State, Texas State, Eastern New Mexico

Signed: 8:40 a.m. Wednesday.

QB Blake Hollingsworth, 6-2, 215, University High

Why UL: "The entire coaching staff was great to me. I can really see myself around those guys. I want to be in Lafayette."

Coach Bustle says: "He is a heck of an athlete with good size. We think he is just a flat-out winner."Stats/Notes: Passed for 1,548 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushed for 638 yards and six touchdowns as a senior. Was a three-time all-district selection. Participated in the U.S. Army Red Stick All-Star Bowl and Max Emfinger All-American Bowl. Played receiver, linebacker and safety for first three years before Barrett Bailey left for LSU.

Other schools: Arkansas State, Marshall, Memphis, Louisiana Tech, SMU

Signed: 7:28 a.m. Wednesday.

OL Andre Huval, 6-2, 300, St. Thomas More

Why UL: "I picked UL because I couldn’t picture leaving Lafayette. I really liked the way the academic center worked, and I just felt at home at UL."Coach Bustle says: "He is a big body for an inside offensive lineman and is physical with a lot of strength."

Stats/Notes: Rated nation’s No. 128 offensive guard by scout.com. Was named to Class 5A all-state team and The Daily Advertiser’s All-Acadiana squad as a junior and senior. Earned invitation to the 2010 Bayou Bowl.

Other schools: McNeese State, Southeastern Louisiana

Signed: 7:05 a.m. Wednesday.

OL Jarad Martin, 6-4, 250, West Jefferson

Why UL: "I really liked them because they’ve been trying to get me since the summer. The coaches are great, and they run the same kind of offense that we run."

Coach Bustle says: "He has a big body for a tackle with really long arms and is very powerful."Stats/Notes: Earned first-team All-District 9-5A honors as a senior for district champions. Helped team overcome 0-3 start to win seven consecutive games and win district title. Led program to district championship as a junior.

Other schools: Southern, Grambling, Oklahoma, Florida International, UL Monroe, Northwestern State, Alcorn State,Signed: 7:23 a.m. Wednesday.

OL Marvin Martin, 6-3, 285 St. Amant

Why UL: "I felt a real good connection with the coaches and felt like part of the team. I also like that it’s close to home, which was another big factor."Coach Bustle says: "He is really athletic lineman and that’s what showed up on his film."

Stats/Notes: Top blocker as team ran for school-record 2,773 yards and 42 touchdowns as a senior. Earned first team All-District 6-5A honors at offensive tackle. Added 44 tackles, 36 assists and four sacks as second team all-district defensive tackle. Played in U.S. Army Red Stick All-Star Bowl.

Other schools: Tulsa, Arkansas State, Southern, McNeese State

Signed: 7:58 a.m. Wednesday.

LB Jacob Molbert, 6-2, 220, Notre Dame

Why UL: "It’s always been a dream of mine to play at UL. My dad took me to UL games when I was little, and I used to dream that I could play there."Coach Bustle says: "He is just a football player who is physical, runs well and has a nose for the football."

Stats/Notes: Earned Class 3A all-state honors for the second consecutive season for state champions. Recorded 118 tackles, including 23 for loss, and eight sacks as a senior. Had 91 tackles and 17 sacks as a junior for Class 3A state runner-up. Named defensive MVP of Class 3A state final as a junior after recording 3.5 sacks.

Other schools: UL Monroe, Northwestern State, McNeese State, Missouri State

Signed: 7:01 a.m. Wednesday.

DB Trevence Patt, 6-0, 180, Breaux Bridge

Why UL: "It (UL) is close to home, and I wanted to stay close to home. Plus, I really like (secondary) coach Hurlie Brown. I figured he can help me out a lot."Coach Bustle says: "We’re very excited about him because he is a very talented cornerback with good size and quick feet."

Stats/Notes: Was first team Class 4A all-state as a senior after making 54 tackles and two interceptions. Scored four times on kick returns, including two punt returns against St. Martinville. Had 48 tackles, 13 pass breakups and five interceptions as a junior.

Other schools: Tulsa, Utah, New Mexico, Louisiana Tech, UL Monroe

Signed: 7:01 a.m. Wednesday.

DE Benay Pryer, 6-6, 290, Kilgore (Texas) Junior College/Belaire High

Why UL: "I was already interested because it (UL) was close to home, and I wasn’t looking to go out of the state. It looks like an up-and-coming program."Coach Bustle says: "He is a big defensive lineman who takes up a lot of space and is athletic for his size."

Stats/Notes: Former LSU commit had 30 tackles and one sack in 2009 despite nagging hip injury and playing out of position at defensive tackle. Sat out 2008 season as redshirt at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Recorded 65 tackles and five sacks as a prep senior. Had 72 tackles and eight sacks as prep junior. Has three years of eligibility left.Other schools: LSU, Miami (Fla.), Missouri, Texas Tech, Louisville, Central Florida, UL Monroe

Signed: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

OL Daniel Quave, 6-4, 315, Gautier (Miss.) High

Why UL: "The players and coaches there welcomed me with open arms. I just keep thinking about UL. Nothing is going to make me change my mind."Coach Bustle says: "He is the perfect offensive lineman because he has a big body, is powerful and can knock people off the ball."

Stats/Notes: Rated one of Mississippi’s top 40 prep recruits by Clarion-Ledger. Recorded 98 pancake blocks and graded at 86 percent as a blocker as a senior to earn first team All-District 4-5A honors for district champion. Played in Bernard Blackwell Mississippi All-Star Game.

Other schools: Arkansas State, Ole Miss, Auburn, Southern Miss, South Alabama, Northwestern State, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Signed: 7:05 a.m. Wednesday.

RB Aaron Spikes, 5-9, 190, Dallas Pinkston (Texas) High

Why UL: "It doesn’t matter how big the school is. I believe I can go in and make an immediate impact on the team and help get them to a bowl game."Coach Bustle says: "He is a very talented running back, and we expect to see a lot of good things from him because he is quick and runs hard."

Stats/Notes: Ex-Texas Tech commit is nation’s No. 63 tailback and three-star recruit by scout.com. Ran for 1,281 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore and 1,526 yards and 16 TDs as a junior. Limited on offense as a senior due to high ankle sprain but earned first team All-District 11-4A honors as a defensive back.

Other schools: UNLV, Utah, Purdue, Kansas State

Signed: 9:58 a.m. Wednesday.

K Hunter Stover, 6-1, 215, Notre Dame

Why UL: "They were the first people to offer me, so it was an easy decision. Knowing Jacob (Molbert) was going there was a big part of it because I’m already going to know someone, plus I like the idea of being close to home."Coach Bustle says: "He has a really strong leg, so we’re looking at him as a kicker, but he will get some work on defense."Stats/Notes: Rated the state’s No. 43 recruit by dandydon.com for Class 3A state champions. Had touchbacks on 78 percent of kickoffs (65 of 83) and added 83 tackles, six forced fumbles and five sacks as a senior. Was Class 3A all-state as a kicker with touchbacks on 88 percent of his kickoffs (77 of 88) and a school-record 58-yard field goal. Invited to play in the 2010 Bayou Bowl.

Other schools: Central Arkansas, Southeastern Louisiana, Northwestern State

Signed: 7:05 a.m. Wednesday.

RB Kevis Streeter, 5-8, 180, Iowa Western CC/St. Augustine (Fla.) High

Why UL: "I feel like I’m part of a family there, and the coaches really care about me graduating from college. I fit in with the system, and the facilities are nice."

Coach Bustle says: "He is a talented and experienced running back who is a cutter that runs really hard."

Stats/Notes: Accounted for 12 touchdowns in 2009, including five as a kick returner. Also rushed for 733 yards and six TDs. Led the NJCAA Region 11 in rushing yards per game (102.1), tied for fourth in total touchdowns (12) and fifth in total offense. Was first team All-Midwest Football Conference West Region pick. Ran for 695 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman at North Iowa Area Community College in 2007. Had offer from Kentucky out of high school. Has two years of eligibility left.

Other schools: Middle Tennessee, Wyoming, Clemson, Oregon

Signed: 9:11 a.m. Wednesday.

WR Darryl Surgent, 6-0, 185, Alexandria Senior High

Why UL: "The coaches had good personalities and cared about their players and the program. It’s a good school, and the players welcomed me like I had always been there."Coach Bustle says: "He is an extremely talented and athletic receiver with good size for a guy at his position."

Stats/Notes: Rated the nation’s No. 272 receiver by scout.com and was two-time All-Central Louisiana selection. Accounted for 14 touchdowns as a senior, including 11 receiving. Caught 46 passes for 860 yards. Was honorable mention all-state in Class 4A and first team All-District 4-4A at receiver as a senior. Was second team all-district as kick returner as a junior and senior. Finished second in the 300-meter hurdles and sixth in triple jump at Class 4A state track meet as a junior.Other schools: LSU, Louisiana Tech, UL Monroe, McNeese State, Northwestern State, Southeastern Louisiana

Signed: 7:09 a.m. Wednesday.

DE Aaron Thibodeaux, 6-3, 220, St. Frederick

Why UL: "Honestly, (UL) was my top choice. I love Lafayette and have family down there. Every aspect about it I lived, and I think it’s a good place for me."Coach Bustle says: "He wanted to get another high school defensive end, and he is a big kid who plays with a motor."

Stats/Notes: Two-way starter earned Class 1A all-state honors as a junior and senior. Recorded 88 tackles (53 solo) 12 tackles for loss and six sacks in 2009.

Other schools: Central Arkansas, McNeese State, Nicholls State, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Louisiana Tech