Football: Zanders’ journey comes to a close

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • August 27, 2009

When Antwyne Zanders graduates from UL in December, the senior linebacker will fulfill a lifelong dream.

That would be a storybook ending for Zanders, who had to sit out his first year of college to become academically eligible.

Zanders was recruited by multiple schools — including Florida International, Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State — out of Sumner High in Kentwood in 2005. He ultimately signed with the Ragin’ Cajuns.

After Tuesday’s practice, Zanders took some time to answer five quick questions from The Daily Advertiser.

1. Why did you choose the Cajuns?

Because of (assistant head) coach (Troy) Wingerter and how he helped me with my grades and told me everything I needed to do. My (high school) coach sent him my film, told him about me and told him what type of person I was. He really put forth an effort to recruit me, and that really sold me on UL.

2. How much did the defense progress in fall camp?

Compared to last season, there are a lot more guys who know more about the defense. Instead of teaching about all the big stuff, we’re just dealing with little things like positioning and where we’re supposed to be around the ball. We’ve progressed a lot since last season.

3. What are your goals for this season?

I just want to take the program back to a bowl game. We want to take that next step, and I think we can do that this season.

4. Any idea what you want to do after football?

I just want to find a job and do something to help support my family. I want to do something in business.

5. How will it feel when you graduate from college?

Man, it’s going to be really life-fulfilling to get my degree. I’m going to be real happy. It’s going to be a good day.

A new world

Former Cajun quarterback Michael Desormeaux will take the field tonight for his third preseason game as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia.

After playing in the fourth quarter of Jacksonville’s 12-9 loss to Miami on Aug. 17, the rookie strong safety had two tackles in last Saturday’s 24-23 loss to Tampa Bay. He played on special teams and spent most of the second half at free safety due to other player injuries.

Desormeaux says he has made a lot of progress since moving to the defensive side of the ball.

"I see tapes from our OTAs (organized team activities) and cringe," Desormeaux said. "I’m excited to know how far I’ve come, but by no means am I where I want to be. I’ve still got a lot to learn. It’s like being a baby all over again. The NFL is a different game, so I’m just trying to take it all in."

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, now with the Eagles, is expected to play in his first NFL game tonight in nearly three years. It will be quite a difference, Desormeaux said, from playing in the Sun Belt.

"It’s not so much about playing against Michael Vick," Desormeaux said. "It’s about playing against all these guys that you grew up watching on TV. I was thinking the same thing (in the first game against Miami) when they announced Jason Taylor."

Desormeaux knows that the NFL’s first mandatory cut date is Sept. 1. At that time, teams must cut their rosters down to 75 players. The Jaguars play their fourth and final preseason game on Sept. 3 against the Washington Redskins. By Sept. 5, they must cut down to 53 players.

"Hopefully, there will be a fourth game for me," Desormeaux said.

Odds and ends

The Cajuns wrapped up fall camp Wednesday with a full practice that focused on game-type situations at Cajun Field. The school said in a statement Tuesday that no statistics would be tracked during the workout, which was closed to the public and media "» Senior cornerback Ken Dandridge has re-joined the Cajuns for practice. Schools are allowed to expand their 105-man roster once the fall semester begins. Dandridge, a member of the team since 2007, is the nephew of former Cajun and NFL great Brian Mitchell.