Under Billy Napier, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns had become the team to beat in the Sun Belt. Despite their head coach fleeing for Florida, a slew of 2023 NFL Draft prospects should ensure that the recent levels of success continue with Michael Desormeaux at the helm. But who are these prospects that you should watch out for this season?
Louisiana prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
You can’t spell potential without potent, and Louisiana’s 2023 NFL Draft class is made up of potent playmakers on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, there’s an element of special-teams excellence mixed in for good measure. If the Ragin’ Cajuns are to exceed last cycle’s two selections, its likely that those players will come from this list. These are the ballers from the Bayou that you need to be aware of.
Chris Smith, RB
Averaging over 40 rushing attempts per game last fall, there were plenty of carries available in the Louisiana backfield. Four players ran the rock over 100 times, but it was Chris Smith who led the Ragin’ Cajuns with 855 yards. Meanwhile, he added eight rushing touchdowns, one receiving touchdown, and tallied 481 kick-return yards. He’s an absolute menace in multiple facets of the game whose play has earned him a spot on the Shrine Bowl 1000.
As a runner, the 5’9″, 194-pound prospect showcases great burst and impressive long speed. Once he turns on the jets, he’s difficult to catch or stop. Meanwhile, the Louisiana running back has good vision, footwork, and the lateral agility to cut and make a man miss. He should be the focal point of the offense this season, and his ability as a kick returner can only add to his 2023 NFL Draft stock.
Trey Amos, CB
Although a training camp injury puts his Week 1 status in some doubt, Louisiana CB Trey Amos should be one of their top defensive playmakers this fall. The former running back has good size at 6’1″ and 182 pounds while boasting impressive length that he puts to devastating use on the boundary in coverage. Amos has the fluidity and speed to prove sticky in man coverage while possessing the ball skills that cause offensive coordinators to think twice about throwing the ball in his direction.
AJ Gillie, G
As the only returning member of an offensive line unit that was a semi-finalist for the Joe Moore Award, much is expected of AJ Gillie this fall. However, he has the leadership qualities to absorb that pressure while emerging as a potential 2023 NFL Draft prospect.
The Louisiana guard is an intelligent football player who constantly looks for work. At 6’3″ and 310 pounds, he has the size and mentality to be a force as a blocker in the ground game. He can work out to the second level with footwork and mobility while possessing upside in pass protection.
Andre Jones, EDGE
Louisiana EDGE prospect Andre Jones is the big man with the big production. Last fall, he tallied a career-high 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks, with two forced fumbles. Jones also flashed his coverage potential with five pass breakups. At 6’5″ and 252 pounds, the 2023 NFL Draft prospect has good size and is blessed with impressive length. While his length and athleticism make him a terror off the edge, there is talk about him playing some inside linebacker this year, adding versatility to an already promising profile.
Kam Pedescleaux, S
At 5’8″ and 182 pounds, Kam Pedescleaux might not fit societal norms at the strong safety position. However, it would be a fool who thinks they can meet him in the alley and easily run over him. The 2023 NFL Draft prospect plays with impressive physicality in the box and is capable of laying a ferocious hit. Meanwhile, the level of intelligence that earned him an offer from Army coming out of Manvel High School is evident on the field. He’s capable of reading and reacting in coverage, especially in short and intermediate areas of the field.
Zi’Yon Hill, DL
Despite earning some attention in the last cycle, defensive lineman Zi’Yon Hill opted to return to Louisiana with the potential to elevate his stock even further ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. At 6’1″ and 274 pounds, he doesn’t boast ideal size. However, he’s an explosive threat on the defensive interior, who puts an excellent first step, impressive length, twitchy athleticism, and relentless motor to devastating use down after down. His 5.5 sacks last season were second on the team, with only Chauncey Manac tallying more.
Kris Moncrief, LB
Louisiana linebacker Kris Moncrief returns for his fifth year with the Ragin’ Cajuns with the potential to emerge as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect. The 6’1″, 243-pound ILB showcases coverage ability, getting correct depth on his drop in zone to pose a threat in passing lanes. Additionally, he possesses the athletic ability to shoot gaps in a hurry, harpooning QBs or running backs for negative yardage plays. Watch him in wonder as he hurdled a would-be blocker to record a sack against Appalachian State last fall.
Eric Garror, CB
Fifth-year senior CB Eric Garner is one of two Louisiana secondary prospects on the Shrine Bowl 1000 and has a legitimate shot of hearing his name called in the 2023 NFL Draft. His two interceptions led the team last year, and with Mekhi Garner’s transfer, he’s the top returning producer of pass breakups.
Garror boasts vertical athleticism to propel his 5’9″ frame at the catch point. He owns impressive ball skills that include tracking and strong hands. As a speedster, he is capable of sticking with anyone in man coverage. He puts that dynamic athleticism to great use as a kick and punt returner, which only adds to his value in the draft.
Neal Johnson, TE
After showing glimpses of potential as a freshman in 2019, Neal Johnson has been the most productive Louisiana tight end for the past two seasons. On an upward trajectory, Johnson’s career to date saw him receive national acclaim with a spot on the Shrine Bowl 1000. At 6’4″ and 228 pounds, Johnson might be considered lightweight, especially for blocking at the NFL level. However, his slender frame allows him to be an athletic mismatch at times. Johnson has quick footwork that allows him to win on release.
Johnny Lumpkin, TE
Joining tight end teammate Johnson on the Shrine Bowl 1000 is Johnny Lumpkin. The 2023 NFL Draft prospect is a grown man at 6’6″ and 260 pounds. As you’d expect for a man of his size at the TE position, Lumpkin thrives as a blocker. He utilizes his size and a nasty demeanor to win with unerring regularity. Despite meager receiving production, he has the athleticism and hands to pose a threat as a pass catcher. Lumpkin is also incredibly difficult to halt with the ball in his hands.
Bralen Trahan, S
Another Shrine Bowl 1000 member, Louisiana’s sixth-year safety Bralen Trahan could end up being their top 2023 NFL Draft prospect. He’s a smart and instinctual ball hawk in the secondary, with impressive ball skills that have seen him record nine career interceptions. He has the athletic ability to be deemed versatile as a safety prospect, with enough range to play single-high at the next level. Against the run, the 6’0″, 192-pound safety has routinely demonstrated good tackling technique.
Other potential Louisiana prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft
- Kendall Wilkerson, DL
- Brandon Bishop, S
- Tyrone Lewis Jr., S
- Jourdan Quibodeaux, LB
- Peter LeBlanc, WR
- Michael Jefferson, WR
- Tyler Guidry, OLB
- A.J. Riley, OLB
- Rhys Byrns, P
