All-Louisiana football team comprised of active players
By Zach Ragan
There’s been a lot of great football players from the state of Louisiana.
There’s been a plethora of incredible football players from the state of Louisiana over the years.
From Terry Bradshaw to Peyton Manning to Tyrann Mathieu, great players from Louisiana span all generations. And they’ve had a significant impact on the history of college football and the NFL.
With not much going in the sports world these days (thanks a lot, coronavirus), I thought it would be fun to take a look at what an All-Louisiana football team, comprised of active players, would look like.
The only criteria for making this team is that the player has to be from Louisiana. That means it includes some LSU players (ok, a lot of LSU players, because we all know the Tigers dominate the state of Louisiana) and some players who left the state for college. It also means that certain LSU greats who weren’t from the state of Louisiana won’t be on the list (sorry Joe Burrow and Jamal Adams).
The result is a team that I think would be Super Bowl bound.
Here’s a look at the offensive side of the ball, first.
Quarterback
Dak Prescott ~ Sulphur, LA ~ Dallas Cowboys (Mississippi State)
It’s all about the quarterback, right? Dak Prescott isn’t the best quarterback in the NFL, but he’s certainly capable of leading a high octane offense. Prescott has reached two Pro-Bowls in his NFL career and he was second in the NFL in passing yards last season.
Running Back
Leonard Fournette ~ New Orleans, LA ~ Jacksonville Jaguars (LSU)
Leonard Fournette had an incredible college career and he’s coming off his best season in the NFL. He’s capable of breaking big runs and being a major threat in the passing game (he caught 76 passes in 2019).
Wide Receiver
Odell Beckham Jr ~ Baton Rouge, LA ~ Cleveland Browns (LSU)
There aren’t many wide receivers more exciting than Odell Beckham Jr. He’s had his share of on-the-field and off-the-field distractions, but I’m trusting OBJ in the fourth quarter of any matchup.
Wide Receiver
Jarvis Landry ~ Convent, LA ~ Cleveland Browns (LSU)
Jarvis Landry is one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL. He’s reached five straight Pro-Bowls and he knows how to move the chains.
Wide Receiver
Ja’Marr Chase ~ Harvey, LA ~ TBD (LSU)
Ja’Marr Chase still has another year left at LSU, but he would be the best wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft if he were eligible. A wide receiver combination of OBJ, Landry and Chase would instantly be the most dynamic group in the NFL.
Tight End
Stephen Sullivan ~ Donaldsonville, LA ~ TBD (LSU)
This is one the position where there isn’t a lot of current talent from Louisiana. Sullivan had modest success at LSU, and he has plenty of potential.
Offensive Tackle
La’el Collins ~ Baton Rouge, LA ~ Dallas Cowboys (LSU)
La’el Collins has started 47 games over the past three years for the Dallas Cowboys. And the franchise just signed him to a five year extension. He’d be a great option to anchor the offensive line.
Offensive Guard
Trai Turner ~ New Orleans, LA ~ Los Angeles Chargers (LSU)
Five straight Pro-Bowl appearances for Trai Turner? Yeah, I think that qualifies him to be on the All-Louisiana team.
Center
Lloyd Cushenberry ~ Carville, LA ~ TBD (LSU)
Most recent mock drafts have Lloyd Cushenberry being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Cushenberry was a key part of the Tigers’ 2019 title run and I have a feeling he’s going to have a long career in the NFL.
Offensive Guard
DJ Fluker ~ New Orleans, LA ~ Seattle Seahawks (Alabama)
DJ Fluker’s never been to a Pro-Bowl, but he’s had a solid year career in the NFL. And he’s started nearly every game in which he’s played.
Offensive Tackle
Andrew Whitworth ~ Monroe, LA ~ Los Angeles Rams (LSU)
Andrew Whitworth is one of the older players in the NFL. But he’s been to four Pro-Bowls and he just signed a three year extension with the Rams. He’s not showing any signs of slowing down just yet.