3 weeks Ago
UL kicker Kenny Almendares hits a long field goal during UL football Pro Day on Monday, March 24. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save The truth of the matter is there doesn’t appear to be any former UL Ragin’ Cajuns with better than an average chance of getting drafted in this weekend’s 2025 NFL Draft. For one, the most accomplished player happens to be a placekicker in Lou Groza Award winner Kenny Almendares .
Almendares is coming off a fabulous senior season, making 28 field goals in 31 attempts for a total of 130 points. The third miss came in the New Mexico Bowl after winning the Lou Groza Award with only two misses on the season. Typically two is the average number of kickers who are drafted each season.
For instance, 19 kickers have been drafted over the last 10 drafts. Florida State’s Ryan Fitzgerald, Miami’s Andres Borregales and Ben Sauls of Pittsburgh join Almendares as the most likely kickers to be selected in Saturday’s third round. “What I’m hearing there is potential,” Almendares said.
“At the end of the day, it just depends on how the draft goes with other teams. I potentially could get drafted and potentially not, but all I want is an opportunity to show what I can do.” At UL’s pro day in late March, Almendares shined by showing off a booming leg, highlighted by a 60-yarder.
He trained in Buffalo, New York and the Clute, Texas native is convinced he improved during the process. “The plan was for me to become the best kicker I could possibly become,” said Almendares, who was 69-of-81 over this college career. “The training was specified for that and it’s something I benefitted from a lot.
“Just feeling comfortable and confident. But at the end of the day, we’ve got to wait until draft day and see what happens.” UL’s next best chance of getting a player’s name called is linebacker KC Ossai.
The 6-foot-2, 240-pounder was a tackling machine throughout his college career with 277 total tackles. His senior season was his most productive year with 110 total stops. “You can never know in this situation,” Ossai said.
“Anything can happen, so I’m just trusting God to lead the way to put me in the best position to succeed.” Ossai’s brother Joseph is currently a defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals. Other former Cajuns hoping to hear their name called Saturday, or shortly thereafter with free agent offers include: center Landon Burton, offensive guard AJ Gillie, safety Tyrone Lewis, cornerback Keyon Martin and special teams phenom Dalen Cambre .
Lewis was UL’s third-leading tackler this past season with 70 stops and four interceptions. Martin collected 50 tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups and two hurries. “I’m comfortable with what I did,” Martin said of his offseason training in preparation for the draft.
“I did my thing. I gained a lot of weight and just been able to get faster and more explosive while putting the weight on. “Whichever teams grabs me, they’re going to be happy after.
” Like Almendares, Cambre carved out a special legacy in UL history with his special teams play. As a senior, Cambre had nine tackles and blocked another kick. He also had two catches for 22 yards as a reserve wide receiver.
He also was such a good holder that Almendares brought him to Florida for the Lou Groza Award ceremony. His versatility may very well land the former St. Thomas More receiver a camp invite as an undrafted free agent.
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