Cogswell becomes first commitment for Warhawks

"There are not many offensive lines that can hold him off," PelicanPreps.com publisher Tensey Pricer said of the first ULM commitment for the class of 2009. Blake Cogswell, Defensive Tackle, 6' 3" 280 pounds, comes to the Warhawks from the storied program of Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, La, and will join former Evangel teammates Troy Evans and Doug Stroud.

As a junior, Blake put up outstanding numbers, as he recorded nearly 100 tackles and 23 sacks. In addition to his high number of tackles, almost half were recorded for a loss. "He has tremendous upside," Evangel coach John Bachman said. "The thing everybody likes about him is he has such a high motor. He's one of those guys who plays every snap."

"I come from a small school, so going to a small school, and on e with a small school feel, will make the transition easier for me," Blake said of why he chose ULM over the likes of SMU, LSU, and Alabama. "It's close to home too; I want to be able to pack up on weekends and head home."

"I think I can play a lot their and they still play a big D-1 schedule. That's what drew me in." Despite being ready for playtime at Malone Stadium, Cogswell said that a red shirt season would not be something that he would be against. "Whatever the coach wants, but I would actually prefer to red shirt to allow for more education time."

In addition to football, Cogswell is a four-time national champion power lifter in the 275-pound weight class.