Lawless Republic
Fansided

BYU Football: Scouting the Schedule – McNeese State

By Shaun Gordon

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMPER 6: Wide receiver Khalil Thomas #3 of the McNeese State Cowboys runs past linebacker Trevor Roach #43 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated McNeese State 31-24. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMPER 6: Wide receiver Khalil Thomas #3 of the McNeese State Cowboys runs past linebacker Trevor Roach #43 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated McNeese State 31-24. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMPER 6: Running back Nate Holmes #1 of the McNeese State Cowboys catches a pass in front of defensive back D.J. Singleton #8 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMPER 6: Running back Nate Holmes #1 of the McNeese State Cowboys catches a pass in front of defensive back D.J. Singleton #8 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) /

The Offense

Quarterback

James Tabary (Sr.) is a two-year starter who should have the inside track to lead the Cowboys in 2018. Last season he threw for 2,511 yards and 23 touchdowns.

He’ll have some competition though, in sophomore Cody Orgeron. The son of former LSU coordinator Ed Orgeron had a strong spring, and the battle will be open through the beginning of fall camp.

More from Lawless Republic

Running Back

Last year’s McNeese State team featured one of the best rushing attacks in the FCS, led by the duo of David Hamm and Justin Pratt. Both are back for their senior and junior years respectively, so the run game should remain dangerous.

What could make it truly scary, though, is the return of Rylan Ross (Sr.). He led the Cowboys in rushing in both 2015 and 2016, but missed all off last year with injury. With him back, they’ll have an elite three-headed attack.

Receiver/Tight End

McNeese State lost their top target from 2017 in Kent Shelby, as well as two other top receivers. They’ve got some returning wideout production, however, led by Parker Orgeron (Jr.), Cyron Sutton (So.), and Kylon Highshaw (Sr.).

Their second leading pass catcher came from the tight end spot, and Lawayne Ross (Jr.) is back and looking to improve on his 570 receiving yards last year. Trey Conerly (Jr.), Jacob Logan (So.), and Dontay Hargrove (So.) all saw action at the position last year as well.

Offensive Line

The Cowboys bring back four starters from last year’s line: Jimmy Convers (Sr.) and Grant Burguillos (Jr.) at the guards, with Kyle Zenon (Sr.) and Tyrae Johnson (Jr.) at the tackles. Joe Latronico (So.) should step in at the starting center spot.

Behind the experienced starters, though, there’s not much depth or experience. Only Collin Fountain (So.) saw significant playing time last season.

Home/BYU Football