Conference: Sun Belt
Coach Stats
Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
Patrick Toney has been a staple for Louisiana since his arrival in 2018 and has produced one of the best defense units in the Sun Belt Conference. In his role for the last two seasons, the Ragin’ Cajuns have ranked in the top 20 in scoring defense while leading the way in numerous defensive categories.
Coach's Past Performance
In year one under Toney’s guidance, the Louisiana defense ranked fourth in the Sun Belt and 31stnationally in scoring defense (22.0), while also ranking fourth in the league and 33rdnationally in total defense (355.4).Four Cajun defenders earned All-Conference honors in 2020, with Zi’Yon Hill and Bralen Trahan picking up Second Team honors and Eric Garror and Lorenzo McCaskill earning Third Team recognition.
Team Record and Standings
Louisiana won the Sun Belt West Division for the fourth-straight season and is set to host the Sun Belt Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 4. To date, the team is 9-1 overall and 7-0 in conference play. The Ragin’ Cajuns most recently checked in at No. 21 in the USA Today/AFCA Coaches Poll and No. 22 in the AP Top 25.
Team/Unit Stats
This season, the defense has been absolutely stellar, currently ranking first in the Sun Belt and 14th nationally in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 18.9 points per contest.
Individual Player Stats
Lorenzo McCaskill and Ferrod Gardner continue to be guiding forces at linebacker with 61 tackles and 56 tackles, respectively. The pair have also combined for 4.0 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks. Safety Percy Butler has continued to turn heads, Ranking third on the team with 51 tackles, 6.0 tackles-for-loss, two fumble recoveries and a pick, while Zi’Yon Hill leads the team on the defensive line with 4.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, a forced fumble and 47 total tackles.
