Tag: Louisiana Tech football

Saints scheduled pre-draft visit with Louisiana Tech prospect Amik Robertson

The New Orleans Saints scheduled a formal facilities visit with Louisiana Tech cornerback Amik Robertson, a prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft.

National travel restrictions and social distancing policies in response to the novel coronavirus hit the NFL hard in the weeks and months preceding its 2020 draft, with teams unable to conduct the usual visits with prospects at their home facilities. However, some of those visits were already scheduled before the NFL ordered teams to adjust to video conference interviews.

Justin Melo over at Draft Wire reports that the New Orleans Saints had arranged one such private meeting with Louisiana Tech cornerback Amik Robertson before the curtain fell. Melo added that Robertson completed one such fly-in visit with the Philadelphia Eagles before he could return to Louisiana and meet with the Saints.

Robertson is an intriguing talent in this year’s draft class, projected to be picked somewhere around the third round; the 5-foot-8, 187-pound cornerback started all 38 games he played for the Bulldogs, racking up 23 tackles for loss and intercepting 14 passes (totaling 48 passes defensed). Despite his smaller stature, he’s an instinctive playmaker who always seems to know where the ball is headed.

While he predominately played out on the boundary in college, Robertson’s path to the NFL probably lies in the slot as a nickel defender. He’ll be able to defend in-breaking routes against smaller slot specialists there than outside the numbers, mitigating some of his size deficiencies.

But the NFL’s continued trend towards lining up bigger pass-catchers in the slot (ironically something the Saints themselves played a part in with creative use of Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston back in the day) could mean the slot isn’t as safe a haven for Robertson as tradition suggests. Still, he’s never been the tallest or fastest player on the field before, and he won’t be in the NFL, either. He was productive in spite of that and it explains why the Saints and so many other teams are interested in him.

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Meet Malik Stanley, Louisiana Tech’s above-the-rim WR prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Louisiana Tech wide receiver prospect Malik Stanley

Every NFL team loves a big, physical wide receiver who can box out defensive backs and win in contested-catch situations. That’s why Louisiana Tech’s Malik Stanley should hear his name called in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Stanley recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his physical playing style, his recent pro day performance, and why an NFL team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.

JM: How would you describe your play style at the wide receiver position?

MS: I would start by saying that I have a physical style of play. I try to bring a bit of a different mentality to the wide receiver position. I’m a big-bodied guy that can climb above the rim and make those tough catches. I’m a strong route runner all over the field. I run short routes just as effectively as I run a long route. I can make catches in traffic. I can create separation as a route runner. That’s what comes to mind.

JM: Do you have a favorite route to run?

MS: I would probably say a post route or any route that allows me to cross the defensive back’s face. It allows me to bait them into thinking that I’m running a go route. It creates some misdirection and confusion for them. It’s bait. It makes them flip their hips in the wrong direction. I can create a lot of separation with a post route.

JM: You held your own pro day recently. Tell us about some of the results.

MS: I ran a 4.59 in the 40-yard dash. That’s the time I was shooting for. I wasn’t surprised by the result. Some of the other drills, they weren’t my best results. I’m capable of better. We had some trouble with our footing in the turf. I had a pretty good day overall though. We made the best of it. I showcased my strong route running skills. I definitely think I had a productive day.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

JM: Have you spoken with many teams via FaceTime throughout this process?

MS: I’ve been asked to keep the teams private at this time, but I’ve spoken with a few teams in the AFC. We’ve held some meetings and I’ve answered all of their questions. I feel good about how those meetings went.

JM: Who are some of the best defensive backs you’ve ever gone up against?

MS: I came from the JUCO ranks. When I first came to JUCO, everybody was talking about JaMarcus King. He was a big name at the time. That’s the first defensive back that comes to mind. He’s a long guy. He eventually went on to play at South Carolina. Amik Robertson also comes to mind. Him and I were teammates at Louisiana Tech. He’s a little on the smaller side, so he’s been underestimated his entire career. He’s a great player. He has the production to back that up. He’s a great player for his size. Those two guys definitely come to mind.

JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Malik Stanley?

MS: I bring a worker’s attitude to the position. I’m always trying to get better. My work ethic remains consistent all throughout practice. I always try to practice like I play. I’m trying to make sure that the team succeeds. I always put the organization first. I’ll do everything I can to help the team win ball games. That’s the mentality I bring when I walk through the door.

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Miami Hurricanes roasted by college football fans after dreadful Independence Bowl loss

What an embarrassing loss for Miami.

First of all, congratulate yourself if you didn’t see a minute of Thursday’s Independence Bowl/exhibition game between Louisiana Tech and the Miami Hurricanes. Because is was this one up there with the all-time stinkers.

Second of all, I’m sorry if you’re a Miami Hurricanes fan because this once storied football program might have hit rock bottom again with their awful performance in a 14-0 loss, which ends their season at 6-7.

That final score actually makes this game seem more exciting than it was, which is hard to believe. Louisiana Tech scored a touchdown with two minutes left to make it a two-score game. Before that we saw 16 drives end with a punt, 3 drives end with an interception, and 3 other drives end with fumbles.

Miami had three QBs – Jarren Williams (94 yards passing), N’Kosi Perry (52 yards), and Tate Martell (7 yards) – throw at least one pass and none of them were effective.

Miami’s leading rusher had just 31 yards on 12 carries.

This program used to win national titles. Now they get mocked after brutal performances in a Bowl (exhibition) game: