Louisiana Football: Preview, prediction for 2019 season

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 15: Jarrod Jackson #20 of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns celebrates a touchdown during the AutoNation Cure Bowl against Tulane Green Wave at Camping World Stadium on December 15, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

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TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 29: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes against Chauncey Manac #17 of the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Previewing the defense

The Ragin’ Cajun defense is looking to improve on its 2018 performance. While the Cajuns did improve from their performance in 2017, they will need to make even more strides in 2019. Luckily for them, they return several of their defensive playmakers to help with that improvement.

On the defensive line, Louisiana returns Bennie Higgins and Chauncey Manac — the duo combined for eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2018. Also, look for Tra’Vontae Booker and Zi’Yon Hill to contribute in 2019.

At the linebacker position, the Cajuns return their leading tackler from 2018 in Jacques Boudreaux who had 93 tackles. In other good news for the Cajun defense, they look to see the return of Joe Dillon who missed 2018 due to injury.

In the secondary, Louisiana looks to increase turnovers behind leadership of Michael Jacquet. Opposite Jacquet, the Cajuns will look to sophomore Eric Garror and behind them the Cajuns return talented safety Duece Wallace.

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