BEAUMONT, Texas – In year's past, today would have seen local media outlets make their way to the Lamar University campus, and more specifically, the Dauphin Athletics Complex, for the annual LU Football Media Day. Due to the ongoing precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cardinals decided to do the 2020 media day via Zoom.
The media day began with LU head coach
Blane Morgan's press conference, followed by players
Jalen Dummett (quarterback), Austin Scott (quarterback),
Kirkland Banks (receiver),
Myles Wanza (running back),
Bailey Giffen (kicker/punter),
Michael Lawson (defensive back) and
Reggie Boseman (defensive line).
The media day concluded 24 hours prior to the team's official start to fall camp when players report for meetings. The Cardinals will hit the field for their first official team practice Thursday morning and the LU coaching staff will finally have their opportunity to see the squad in a team setting.
Morgan, and his staff, were robbed of spring practice due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Southland Conference, following the lead of the NCAA, canceled all spring 2020 competitions, including spring football practice. The LU campus went online only for the remainder of the semester leaving the Cardinals coaching staff the ability to meet with their team through online conference calls.
The COVID-19 pandemic also forced Mississippi College – LU's originally scheduled season-opener – to be canceled with the Gulf South Conference's decision to delay the start of fall competition until at least the end of September. Despite the GSC's decision, the Cardinals continue to keep all options open when it comes to finding a replacement.
The Cardinals return 47 letterwinners and 17 starters from last year's team led by seniors
Michael Lawson (defensive back) and
Bailey Giffen (kicker) who were named to the official Southland Preseason All-Conference team.
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