In the heart of Cajun Country, Louisiana's college football scene has once again produced a remarkable group of athletes and coaches. The Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) recently announced its 2024 All-Louisiana College Football Team, celebrating the best talent from the state. Among the accolades, UL's head coach Michael Desormeaux was named Coach of the Year for leading his team to an impressive 10-win season. Other standout players, including quarterback Ben Wooldridge and kicker Kenneth Almendares, also received significant recognition for their outstanding performances.
Details of the 2024 All-Louisiana College Football Honors
In the vibrant and competitive world of college football, the state of Louisiana has always been a breeding ground for exceptional talent. On January 2, the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) unveiled its 2024 All-Louisiana honorees, showcasing the crème de la crème of Louisiana football. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on Lafayette Parish, where fans witnessed an extraordinary season filled with stellar performances that have made local athletes household names.
Leading the charge is University of Louisiana (UL) football head coach Michael Desormeaux, who has been awarded the prestigious LSWA Coach of the Year title. This marks his second Coach of the Year honor this season, following his recognition as the 2024 Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year. In his third year at the helm, Desormeaux guided the Cajuns to a remarkable 10-win season, making them the only Louisiana college football team to achieve such success. His recent signing of a new five-year contract ensures he will continue leading the Cajuns through the 2029 season.
Other notable recognitions include Ben Wooldridge, the SBC Offensive Player of the Year, who came in second place for the All-Louisiana Offensive Player of the Year award. Despite missing three games, Wooldridge finished the season with nearly 2,500 passing yards and 17 touchdowns. Kicker Kenneth Almendares, winner of the 2024 Lou Groza Award, secured his place on the All-Louisiana first-team. In his final season, Almendares set several records, successfully converting 28 out of 31 field goal attempts, with a personal best of 53 yards.
The full list of Cajuns who made it to the first and second All-Louisiana College Football teams after the 2024 season includes key players from both offense and defense. Notable mentions are Landon Burton and A.J. Gille on the offensive line, Terrence Carter at tight end, Jordan Lawson on the defensive line, K.C. Ossai and Tyrone Lewis Jr. in the linebacker and defensive back positions, respectively. The second team also features quarterback Ben Wooldridge and defensive back Tyree Skipper.
In addition to these individual honors, the Cajuns' success has drawn attention to their potential in professional sports. Several UL football players have declared for the NFL Draft, highlighting the program's growing reputation for producing top-tier talent.
From a journalist's perspective, the 2024 All-Louisiana College Football Team selections underscore the depth and quality of Louisiana's football programs. The achievements of Coach Desormeaux and his players not only reflect the hard work and dedication of the individuals involved but also highlight the strong community support that has propelled these athletes to excellence. As fans look forward to the next chapter in Cajun football, the future appears bright and promising for both the university and the state's athletic landscape.