When Tulane takes the field against Jackson State next week, it’ll do so after taking a significant shot to its depth chart.
Head coach Curtis Johnson announced Saturday that four players -- sophomore cornerback Jordan Batiste, senior linebacker Zach Davis, sophomore offensive tackle Todd Jacquet and junior walk-on offensive lineman Preston Paine -- have been suspended for the entire opener. Additionally, sophomore defensive end Royce LaFrance has been suspended for the first half.
Johnson would only say that “team policy, this and that” led to the punitive measures.
Batiste started 10 games as a true freshman last season, while Jacquet (as a tight end) started three and LaFrance two. Davis played in all 12 games as a backup linebacker.