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I'll have a link to my answers to his questions up before long.
Who are some of the key players to watch for Louisiana Tech?
Best players/Veterans
Kenneth Dixon, RB
Cody Sokol, QB
Houston Bates, DE
Paul Turner, WR
Sterling Griffin, WR
Levander Liggins, CB
Vernon Butler, DT
Tony Johnson, MLB
Fifth year transfers Cody Sokol (Iowa) and Houston Bates (DE) give Louisiana Tech the top end talent they were missing to go along with Kenneth Dixon. They have come in and led the team from day one. Turner and Griffin give Sokol two quality threats on the outside. Liggins, Butler, and Johnson are three of the Bulldog's all-conference caliber players on defense.
Who are some young players that are making a name for themselves?
Best young players
Xavier Woods, S
Carlos Henderson, WR
Trent Taylor, WR
Woods and Taylor are sophomores and both played large roles a year ago as true freshmen. The two northern Louisiana natives come from football factories (Woods-West Monroe, Taylor-Evangel) and they are already two of the Bulldogs best players. Henderson missed the first two games due to suspension, but the redshirt freshman displayed his big play ability against North Texas. He had a big drop in last week's loss, but keep an eye on the young fella.
What players have taken their game up to a new level this season and surprised Louisiana Tech fans in their performance?
Kentrell Brice, S
CJ Cleveland, OLB
Tony Johnson, MLB
Nick Thomason, MLB
Hunter Lee, WR
These are all veteran guys who have taken their games up a notch this season. Lee was a breakout player three years ago as he rushed for 650 yards as a true freshman including 127 against Ole Miss. He was moved to wide receiver and his production declined the last two seasons. Along with Taylor, Lee gives Sokol a sure handed target in the middle of the field and the senior from Flower Mound, TX is making the most of his new role. Brice is a junior from Ruston, LA and the safety chose his hometown Bulldogs over several good offers. He is living up to his promise this year and has become a big hitter in the secondary. Cleveland is a former walk -on transfer from a D2 school. The former safety has taken over a starting spot at outside linebacker and is second on the team behind Brice in tackles. Alabama natives Tony Johnson (Sulligent) and Nick Thomason (Muscle Shoals) have taken over at middle linebacker for Louisiana Tech. Thomason sat out last year due to injury and Johnson played in a reserve capacity. Johnson has 18 tackels including 1.5 for loss and his backup Thomason has 13 tackles and a sack.
How are Louisiana Tech fans feeling about the season so far?
Heading into the season, Tech fans feared a 1-4 start with Auburn and Oklahoma on the schedule. Road games mixed in between against bowl teams (North Texas and ULL) did not make things any easier. After knocking off both the Mean Green and the Cajuns in emphatic fashion and seeing Sokol hit the ground running, expectations skyrocketed. The unexpected home loss to Northwestern State has obviously put a damper on things and now the team has to find a way to build some kind of positive momentum against Auburn.