Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns finalized their 2010 recruiting class on Wednesday after officially receiving signed copies of National Letters of Intent from 18 prep and four junior college prospects.  The 25-man class also includes a pair of former-Division I signees.

The Cajuns stayed within the Pelican State for over half of their class, getting commitments from 14 student-athletes hailing from Louisiana.  Head coach Rickey Bustle inked five Acadiana prospects in offensive lineman Andre Huval (Scott/St. Thomas More HS), linebacker Jake Molbert (Rayne/Notre Dame HS), defensive back Trevence Patt (Lafayette/Breaux Bridge HS), kicker/safety Hunter Stover (Abbeville/Notre Dame HS) and running back Robert Walker (Mamou/Mamou HS).

Other in-state signees include wide receiver James Butler (Luling/Hahnville HS), defensive back Earnest Gardner (Baton Rouge/Tara HS), quarterback Blake Hollingsworth (Baton Rouge/University HS), offensive lineman Jarad Martin (Harvey/West Jefferson HS), offensive lineman Marvin Martin, Jr. (Sorrento/St. Amant HS), defensive lineman Benay Pryer (Baton Rouge/Belaire HS), wide receiver Darryl Surgent (Alexandria/Alexandria HS) and defensive end Aaron Thibodeaux (Monroe/St. Frederick HS)

"This is an extremely talented class," Bustle said.  "There is no question that we fulfilled our needs. Having the opportunity to give 25 scholarships allowed us to get some experience and some youth.

"Overall, time will tell, but this might be one of the best, if not the best class we've had."

Bustle and his staff also picked up four commitments from Texas, four from Mississippi, two from Florida and one from Georgia.

The Cajuns split their class nearly right down the middle with 12 players on offense, 12 players on defense and one all-purpose player (kicker/safety).  Lineman continued to be the most coveted position and the team was able to pick up five signees on the defensive front and four on the offensive front.

"All of our student-athletes coming over from junior college can make an immediate impact," Bustle added.  "(True freshman) Robert Walker will be able to practice this spring, giving him a leg up (over the other freshmen).  We expect big things from him."

Although originally listed as a signee last season, Walker is classified as an initial counter for the 2010-11 season.  Walker delayed his enrollment at UL until the Spring 2010 semester.

Two other student-athletes, safety Le'Marcus Gibson (via Univ. of Hawaii and Gulf Coast CC) and linebacker Jelani Smith (via Univ. of Arkansas) did not sign NLI's, but were awarded scholarships by Bustle and will also classify as initial counters for the 2010-11 season.  Both have enrolled in classes for the Spring 2010 semester.  Gibson is eligible to compete immediately, while Smith, a native of Abbeville, must sit out one year per NCAA transfer rules.

Two other signees have already enrolled for the Spring 2010 semester (DE Bernard Smith and DB Lionel Stokes) and will be available to compete in spring practice.

-Ragin' Cajuns-