:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47005892/usa-today-7630063.0.jpg)
With just over two weeks until the season opener versus Kentucky, the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns are still attempting to find a quarterback to replace former three-year starter Terrence Broadway.
From the beginning of fall camp, the Ragin' Cajuns have put out an open battle between Brooks Haack (20-23/178/2TD in 2014), Jalen Nixon and Jordan Davis for the open signal caller position. Haack, the backup in 2013 and 2014, has been the odds on favorite for the job but all three have seen playing time during fall camp.
In recent days, Louisiana has whittled down the positional battle to Haack and Nixon with Davis, a redshirt freshman, falling to the wayside while taking reps more with the backup offensive units. Haack and Nixon are very different quarterbacks with Nixon showing a skill set that is very similar to 2014 starter Broadway while Haack can run when needed but is more comfortable showing off a very strong arm.
Haack, Katy, Texas native, would bring a new dynamic to the Ragin' Cajuns offense with defenses forced to respect the passing game once again. For that reason alone, the job is Haack's to lose.
Nixon, a very elusive runner that can pass the ball well, should see the field on occasion even if he does not win the starting job. Head coach Mark Hudspeth has not shied away from playing multiple quarterbacks in games to get them experience under center. His decision to do so was rewarded last fall as Haack had to step in late in the Georgia State game and led the Ragin' Cajuns to a game winning score. It would not be a surprise to see Nixon come off the bench to lead Louisiana to a win sometime this fall.
Hudspeth has hinted that after Louisiana's two scrimmages, he has a good idea of who will start the season opener but he does not want to give that advantage to SEC foe Kentucky. The Wildcats recently announced Patrick Towles as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season after a fall camp battle for the position.
No matter which quarterback wins the starting job, it would be a surprise if we do not see both quarterbacks with significant playing time this fall. I expect both Haack and Nixon to make at least one start apiece for the Ragin' Cajuns.