Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: Five Players You Need to Know

The Cajuns are being universally hailed as the Sun Belt preseason favorites, and that is in no small part due to the number of starters coming back. Even so, there are holes to fill in every lineup, and playmakers who haven't made themselves household names yet. That's why I decided to put together this list of five guys that could have the biggest impact on the 2014 season for UL.

We'll start it off with a familiar name who you might be seeing a lot more of this year.

Elijah McGuire, RB So

McGuire will be the lightning to Alonzo Harris's thunder this year, but he could bring so much more to the field this year. Hud has already confirmed that McGuire will be handling punt returns, and depending on fall camp, may even take on kickoff returns. But what I'm most excited about is the possibility of the sophomore taking snaps at quarterback. Pulling Broadway out from under center may seem ridiculous, but McGuire may take defenses off guard with his ability to throw the ball. If he doesn't at least get a direct snap this year, I'll be a little disappointed.

Eddie Gordon, C Jr

I'm taking a shot in the dark here, but between the two options to replace Andre Huval at center, Gordon could make the quickest impact. He not only has 60 pounds on redshirt freshman Grant Horst, but Gordon also has the benefit of having started against college opponents at Hutchinson Community College last year. There is a good chance we see both guys play against Southern, but they don't have to be flawless off the bat. With the glut of talent on the UL offensive line, I'm sure the starting center will end up being the guy who best complements the guys around them.

Trevence Patt, SS Sr

The Ragin' Cajuns ranked in the bottom half of the conference last year in passing defense, and that kept a lot of games closer than they should have been. Something obviously had to change, but this is a move I wasn't sure about. As a cornerback, Trevence Patt was second team all conference last year, and was second in the Sun Belt in passes defended. I know he moved into the strong safety spot at times in 2013, but it will be interesting to see if he can replicate last year's numbers playing from the middle of the field.

Anthony Jones, TE Fr

This former three-star recruit turned down offers from three SEC schools and the reigning national champs to join the Cajuns. Needless to say, there are high hopes for Anthony Jones. At 6-6, 260 lbs. he has the size to contribute as a blocker, and to give the UL offense another option on passing downs. He'll most likely start the year behind sophomore Nick Byrne, but it shouldn't take long for Jones to make an impact.

Terrance Broadway, QB Sr

It may seem like a waste of a spot to put Broadway on this list as a name to know, but it can't be overstated how important he is to this team. It's no coincidence that the only two conference losses UL had last year were in games he was not able to start or finish. If the Cajuns want to get double digit wins and claim the best season in school history, they'll have to keep this man healthy. Losing their best offensive lineman in Andre Huval doesn't help that cause, but the guys that do take the field this year should be more than enough to keep Broadway upright and their season on track.