Ragin' Cajun Spring Preview Part I: Offensive Questions Loom Large For Louisiana

Mark Hudspeth's Ragin' Cajuns are set to kick off spring drills later this afternoon, but this spring will be different from any other spring Mark Hudspeth has ever had at Louisiana. For the first time, the Cajuns will go through spring practice without three year starting quarterback Terrance Broadway. Who replaces Broadway is just one of many questions the Cajuns will need to answer this spring. The Cajuns will cap off spring drills with the annual Red-White Spring Game on March 28th. Now let's look at some of the questions that the Louisiana offense will look to answer this spring.

Who wants to play quarterback?

Without a doubt the biggest question mark facing Louisiana in 2015 will be who replaces Terrence Broadway at quarterback.  As the Cajuns kick off spring ball, three quarterbacks will audition in front of the Louisiana coaching staff all with hopes of stealing the show. Junior's Brooks Haack and Jalen Nixon along with redshirt freshman Jordan Davis will get reps this spring. Coach Hud has said that all three will get ample time to prove why they should be the next Cajun quarterback. Haack has served as Broadway's primary backup over the past two seasons, but both Haack and Nixon have seen some playing time. Davis served as the Cajuns number three quarterback while Nixon was ineligible during the first half 2014 and Louisiana was prepared to burn his redshirt if the need ever arose. Thankfully for Cajun fans, Hudspeth and staff were able to preserve that redshirt. True freshman Dion Ray is also enrolled and will partake in drills this spring.

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Will Elijah McGuire be forced to carry the load alone?

Louisiana must replace four year starter Alonzo Harris at running back, and it will be no small task. Thankfully the Cajuns do have the returning Sun Belt Player of the Year to lean on, but it was partially the bruising inside running of Harris that allowed McGuire to enjoy the success that he did. It's very important that the Cajuns find someone to fill the role now vacated by Harris' graduation. Look for seniors Effrem reed and Torrey Pierce to fight it out for the number two spot. Both have seen action over the years for Louisiana but neither offers the size of a true "big" back. Senior speedster Montrel Carter will also get a chance to show his skills this spring. But also look for early enrollee Walter Williams to get a chance to prove he's capable of stepping in and playing as a true freshman.

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Find Two New Starters Upfront

As SB Nation's Bill Connelly pointed out Louisiana completed the rarest of rare feats in 2014. The Cajuns started the same five offensive linemen for the entire season, stop and think about that...simply amazing. But come opening day 2015, the Cajuns will see if they can start a 13 game streak with a few new faces. The Cajuns must replace right guard Daniel Quave and his 52 career starts and also find a new center to replace Terry Johnson who started 26 games for Louisiana. Mykhael Quave, Octravian Anderson and Donovan Williams are the three returning senior starters. This spring, O-line coach Mitch Rodrigue will plenty of candidates looking to fill in for Quave and Johnson, as the Cajuns will carry 16 offensive lineman on the roster.

Will anyone step up at wide receiver?

It's no secret that the Louisiana passing game struggled for much of the 2014 season. That was especially true after Jamal Robinson was lost for the year. But thankfully for Jamal, Cajun fans and the new quarterback Robinson will be back in 2015. However Louisiana can not rely on Robinson alone. This spring, the Cajuns must have someone at receiver step up. There were flashes in 2014 from guys like Jared Johnson and Devin Scott but, the Cajuns have got to turn those flashes into consistent productivity. The good news is that the slot seems to be in good hands between Al Riles and Gabe Fuselier. However if Louisiana is to be successful in the fall, several receivers must set up and prove they can make plays during this spring.

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Can the tight ends become more involved in the passing game?

Larry Pettis saw playing time from the moment he stepped on campus as part of Mark Hudspeth's first recruiting class in 2011. Pettis proved to be a solid end line blocker, but the position lacked the ability to consistently get open over the middle. Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson's offense is at its best when the tight ends are able to open between the hashes. This spring, Louisiana will be looking for Nick Byrne, Matthew Barnes or Evan Tatford to give the Cajun offense the middle of the field presence it lacked in 2014.

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*includes stats while playing at Tulane (2011-12)