Cody Orgeron leads quality group of McNeese QBs into 2019 season

LAKE CHARLES – The quarterback situation for the McNeese Cowboys is pretty much the only position head coach Sterlin Gilbert has named a starter as the other positions are still being battled for with great competition.

Junior Cody Orgeron earned the starting nod during spring practice and solidified that with his work in the weight room and film room during the summer.

“Cody elevated and separated himself during the spring and had a really great summer,” said Gilbert. “From a leadership standpoint, the time in the weight room, and being a student of the game.”

Orgeron’s ability to function and process the new offense is what has Gilbert excited about what he can do.

“He has all the intangibles,” said Gilbert. “He can throw the ball well. Can make things happen with his feet. He’s highly competitive.”

Behind Orgeron is junior Matt Keller, sophomore Matt Gardner, and freshman Cade Bartlett as Keller and Gardner both went through spring practice to get a feel for the new offense.

“All three are capable,” said Gilbert. “All three had a really good summer. They can all throw the ball well.”

Orgeron started three games last season, his first collegiate start coming against 13th-ranked Central Arkansas in a 23-21 win.

The Mandeville HS product who only started playing football his senior year in high school, threw for 406 yards and rushed for another 148 last season with three total touchdowns.

In last weekend’s first scrimmage of fall camp, Orgeron completed 8 of 16 passes for 154 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score while rolling up 25 yards on four carries.

“It’s been encouraging to see his growth,” said Gilbert. “He does have experience under his belt collegiately and minimal going back to high school. He’s a coachable kid and he wants to be a really good player so he does his part with film studying and asking the right questions. He’s locked in as far as the things we’re asking him to do.”

Keller has played in just four games in his career but has made some great plays in fall camp through the air and with his feet.

Gardner transferred in from ULM where he was a walk-on last season. He’s a native of Lafayette and product of St. Thomas More HS where he was a teammate of current McNeese wide receiver Trevor Begue.

Bartlett is a true freshman from Waller HS in Waller, Texas where he threw for 4,500 yards and 33 touchdowns in his career.

Orgeron and the rest of the Cowboys will return to the field after Friday’s off day, Saturday morning for their second scrimmage of fall camp. The event is closed to the media and public.