And The Valley Shook - The Collected 2016 LSU Football Season PreviewLSU Tigers Blog of the Week for 52,136 Weeks in a Row and Countinghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46725/andthevalleyshook_fave.png2016-08-26T11:00:03-05:00http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/rss/stream/124312032016-08-26T11:00:03-05:002016-08-26T11:00:03-05:00Ah Yes, the Quarterback Question
<figure>
<img alt="AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl - LSU v Texas Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Li20UqWMCm6M6q2z_QzC6lwuJvk=/47x0:1802x1170/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50532525/502853074.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Oh, whatever will we say about this position?</p> <p id="5DX3uJ">If I had to guess, we have probably had at least one article about this topic in every month within the calendar year of 2016. It is the single most-discussed topic surrounding anything with this team.</p>
<p id="2E7Ova">Rather than rehashing the whole topic, I <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/2/11/10976238/zen-and-the-art-of-quarterback-maintenance">figured</a> we’d <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/3/1/11137600/lsu-football-brandon-harris-zen-and-the-art-of-quarterback-maintenance-date-night">be better</a> off just <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/3/10/11191590/lsu-football-2016-brandon-harris-quarterback-maintenance-baton-rouge">linking</a> to <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/3/21/11273446/lsu-football-2016-brandon-harris-quarterback-maintenance-good-quarterbacks">every</a> <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/3/29/11306440/quarterback-maintenance-brandon-harris-zach-mettenberger-good-qb-play-part-2">single</a> <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/4/27/11513652/lsu-football-2015-film-room-brandon-harris-mississippi-state">one</a>. <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/5/3/11567048/lsu-football-2015-brandon-harris-auburn-film-room">Every</a> <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/5/18/11644466/lsu-football-brandon-harris-2015-in-da-film-room-syracuse">single</a> <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/5/25/11765052/lsu-football-in-da-film-room-brandon-harris-eastern-michigan-2015">one</a>. <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/5/31/11797938/lsu-football-2015-brandon-harris-south-carolina-film-room">Which</a> I am <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/6/21/11982866/in-da-film-room-lsu-football-brandon-harris-against-western-kentucky">linking</a> to <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/6/28/12026258/lsu-football-2015-brandon-harris-alabama-film-room">in</a> <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/7/6/12093982/lsu-football-2015-brandon-harris-arkansas-film-room">these</a> <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/7/12/12150202/lsu-football-2015-brandon-harris-ole-miss-film-room">sentences</a>. <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/7/18/12204008/lsu-football-2015-texas-am-brandon-harris-film-room">Which</a> <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/7/26/12248950/lsu-football-2015-film-room-brandon-harris-vs-texas-tech">I am</a> now <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/4/12/11415234/lsu-football-spring-2016-position-preview-quarterbacks">just writing</a> to <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/8/4/12373484/roadmap-to-the-playoff----what-lsu-needs-for-a-title-run-in-2016-part-9-improved-quarterback-play">make links</a>. </p>
<p id="3kaPiB">Honestly, there really is only one thing left to say to Brandon Harris.</p>
<h1 id="lZGGFd">PLAY</h1>
<h1 id="x6M1FU">BETTER</h1>
<p id="luajat">That’s it. All there is. We can talk about offenses changing, and spread formations and all of that. For one, <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/4/6/11375606/lsu-football-2016-offense-quarterbacks-development-narrative">LSU </a><a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/4/6/11375606/lsu-football-2016-offense-quarterbacks-development-narrative"><em>has</em></a><a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/4/6/11375606/lsu-football-2016-offense-quarterbacks-development-narrative"> been moving in that direction</a>, because formations are just that. But the guts of this offense aren’t going to change. Running the football and play-action. Because this guy.</p>
<div id="aSyU3W"><div><div style="left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UEwfxw1P7Y0?wmode=transparent&rel=0&autohide=1&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div></div></div>
<p id="U07csB"> </p>
<p id="0uywNl">No matter what kind of passing game LSU has this season, it will not be Leonard Fournette. And that’s fine, the passing game just needs to work better. </p>
<p id="vPIx3o">If that happens, mark my words, <strong>nobody</strong> will be complaining about the style of LSU’s offense.</p>
<p id="Gkntm0">So what kind of passing game will LSU have exactly? The word I hear most from sources in Football Ops is “optimistic.” There isn’t the “we got this” confidence you heard in 2013 with Mettenberger, Landry, Beckham & Co., but there’s a sense that Harris is ready to take a step forward. Danny Etling has done exactly what the staff has hoped in terms of pushing Harris to do the little things better. And there is very much a sense that if Harris doesn’t perform when the lights come on, Etling is an alternative. </p>
<p id="kOUdwt">Is Harris going to push for All-Conference honors or anything like that? No. But meaningful progress, coupled with more consistency from his targets can give LSU enough to meet their goals this season.</p>
<h4 id="Ijiezu">Roster/Depth Chart</h4>
<div id="EnVxCz"><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
<strong><u>Name</u></strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong><u>Height/Weight</u></strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong><u>2015 Season</u></strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
6 Brandon Harris (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-3, 218
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Completed 148-of-276 passes (53.6%) for 2,158 yards (7.8 YPA) with 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Rushed for 327 yards on 54 non-sack
carries (6.1 ypc – 226 yards/3.4 ypc sacks included) with 4 touchdowns.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
16 Danny Etling (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-1, 215
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Redshirted after transferring from Purdue.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
14 Lindsey Scott (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
5-11, 210
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Three-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
12 Justin McMillian (RS-Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-2, 196
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Redshirted.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="E60OFk">If there’s something of a surprise, it’s that true freshman Lindsey Scott has already jumped Justin McMillian. Scott has, I’m told, been everything they expected as a leader, absorbed the playbook well and worked very hard in the summer. I would still imagine he’s in for a redshirt year, with eyes towards competing for the starting job in 2018.</p>
<h4 id="02TfQb">Possible X-Factor: Danny Etling</h4>
<p id="AofEVk">The Purdue transfer offers LSU more of an alternative as a backup, compared to Anthony Jennings. He has starting experience in a Power-5 conference, albeit not particularly good experience, and has made a strong impression with teammates in the locker room and in the quarterback room. His skillset and quickness also matches Harris’, which could ease any possible transition, whether due to injury or ineffective play.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/8/26/12654206/lsu-football-2016-previews-quarterback-brandon-harrisBilly Gomila2016-08-26T09:00:02-05:002016-08-26T09:00:02-05:00Delusional Optimism Has Seniority
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<img alt="Texas A&M v LSU" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/N-BOUeBEJZfmTansAo1wTpbtfoA=/0x0:4572x3048/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50528453/499101962.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Still beautiful | Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Older, maybe not wiser, but still ready to party</p> <p id="mDRLMs">This has been the longest of offseasons for LSU fans. It hasn’t been the usual eight months without football sort of pining for the fall, but a legitimately awful few months that no one in the state, particularly our staff, is in much hurry to ever relive.</p>
<p id="xWs4PK">The media descended on Baton Rouge to document a town pulling itself apart in the wake of the Alton Sterling killing. Then we watched the media promptly ignore our town as it came together in the face of the hundred-year flood.</p>
<p id="3b6OmA">Billy was among those who were flooded out of house and home, and <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/2jybjfw">you can still chip in a few bucks to help his family rebuild</a>. He’s given you years of terrific LSU content for free, so consider it a back payment for all of those hours of reading he’s provided you. Watson lost not just his home, but his dog. Meanwhile, the Lil Poseur suffered through cranial surgery for lambdoid craniosynostosis. The doctors literally flipped the back halves of his skull, and he’s still recovering.</p>
<p id="SU2xR5">So if anyone could use the pick me up of college football season, it’s the good people of southern Louisiana. Almost all of our readers were touched by the storm either personally or through family and friends. We’ll respond the way we always have, with a few laughs, a lot of community, and even more bourbon. Delusional Optimism applies to real life, too. </p>
<p id="CtCLqd">We know that in the grand scheme of things, football doesn’t matter. What is a game compared to our homes, our families, our children? Still, it is the spice of life that makes it worth living. There’s a reason we don’t just eat food for subsistence, and instead make the most glorious cuisine that has ever reached human lips, available at tailgates all over the campus each LSU game day. We won’t just survive, or make it through. We’ll live and thrive. </p>
<p id="PFdvPq">LSU football is a part of that cultural identity. It won’t rebuild a single home, but it will help bring us all together and remind us, once again, why southern Louisiana is the greatest place on this earth. It is the people, the culture, the community. And we’re proud to have Les Miles and the LSU football team represent us. </p>
<p id="RphMT8">But hey, if we’re going to have these silly games, we might as well win them, right? </p>
<p id="wOJLjN">Since the calendar flipped to 2012, LSU has not beaten Alabama. Before then, Saban’s Alabama Dynasty consisted of one SEC title and one national title over five years. They would add a national title in the first days of 2012, and over the next four seasons, Bama would win three SEC titles and another two national titles.</p>
<p id="HyM1GW">Which clearly demonstrates one thing, if anyone is going to stop the Red Menace, it’s got to be us. It’s no accident that the moment LSU stopped winning SEC titles and beating Alabama, the Saban Dynasty took firm hold. OK, Auburn stopped them once, with one great year (and one average one) in between last place finishes. </p>
<p id="j0Ccxz">Ole Miss currently believes they have some sort of Alabama voodoo. And if getting fortuitous bounces of guys’ helmets counts as a plan, sure, they’ve cracked the code. But a team that ranks dead last in the SEC and <a href="https://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2016/FEB16/DBFeb16.html">113</a><sup><a href="https://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2016/FEB16/DBFeb16.html">th</a></sup><a href="https://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2016/FEB16/DBFeb16.html"> in the nation in returning starters</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/8/25/12638526/2016-ncaa-football-returning-starters-experience-lsu-louisville-ohio-state">79</a><sup><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/8/25/12638526/2016-ncaa-football-returning-starters-experience-lsu-louisville-ohio-state">th</a></sup><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/8/25/12638526/2016-ncaa-football-returning-starters-experience-lsu-louisville-ohio-state"> in returning production</a> is likely not going to improve. Especially after losing three players to the first round, so they lost both quantity and quality.</p>
<p id="uAgsjQ">If you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself. And this is the year that everyone involved in the program has pointed to as the year in which LSU re-establishes itself as a national title contender. </p>
<p id="9Wiyzs">LSU has always recruited with the best programs in the nation, but it has been decimated by early defections. From 2011-2014, <a href="http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_c184b728-13b8-5ca7-b820-39f416d96860.html">23 players declared for the draft as juniors or even redshirt sophomores</a>. Throw in one Honey Badger, that’s six players a year leaving for the pros.</p>
<p id="Uxikgn">That trend reversed, for one offseason at least, this year. Only one player declared for the draft early and now LSU is loaded with something it has not had this decade: senior leadership. This year’s team will start 10 seniors on opening day, 4 on offense and 6 on defense. Six of those seniors are returning starters, three on each side of the ball. By contrast, last year’s team, which was experienced by LSU standards, had only 4 senior starters, 3 of whom were returning starters. </p>
<p id="piAK7t">Even more encouraging is that the junior class is even better. This is the special 2014 class, which walked on to campus and assumed leadership roles right away. This is the awesome collection of talent that includes <span>Leonard Fournette</span>, <span>Malachi Dupre</span>, <span>Jamal Adams</span>, and Brandon Harris.</p>
<p id="qGcGgw">This is their time. And this is the greatest collection of talent on an LSU roster since 2007, and maybe ever. On paper, this team is even better than the 2011 team which ran roughshod over college football until the clock suddenly struck midnight. </p>
<p id="fJ7sXB">The last time Cam Cameron had a returning starter under center, the offense ranked 7<sup>th</sup> in yards/play and 23<sup>rd</sup> in scoring. Last year’s offense ranked 17<sup>th</sup> in YPP and 43<sup>rd</sup> in scoring, so it’s really not that big of a hill to climb as it was in 2013. </p>
<p id="PedLpX">For the first time this decade, an LSU defense did not rank top 25 in scoring. LSU ranked 33<sup>rd</sup> in yards/play and 41<sup>st</sup> in scoring, decent marks at most schools, but a crushing disappointment at LSU. The architect of that defense, Kevin Steele, has been replaced by Dave Aranda, a guy who coached <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/3/2/11113868/lsu-defense-2016-dave-aranda-wisconsin">dominating defenses without elite talent</a>. Well, now he has the elite talent, too.</p>
<p id="PNrMoM">LSU has <a href="http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_3d90aba8-6ad6-11e6-80ad-e70662470a3e.html">thirteen pre-season All-SEC players</a>, tied with Alabama for the most in conference. We have the best player in college football running the football. We return more starters and even more importantly, more production, than nearly any other team in the nation. Even with ten senior starters, the young talent is pushing for playing time. We have jettisoned the liability at defensive co-ordinator and replaced him with one of the best in the country.</p>
<p id="7bF0YN">We also have Les Miles. It took a failed coup last season to get many Tiger fans to appreciate the man at the helm of LSU football, but he is back to spread his own brand of goofy weirdness over football. He is the Uncertainty Principle in human animated form, and there is no one I’d rather have coaching this football team. </p>
<p id="H9LzW7">He’s the only coach who could be on the <a href="http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/gallery/cfb-coaches-on-hot-seat-lsu-texas-auburn-les-miles-charlie-strong-gus-malzahn-082416">top 10 hot seats</a> yet also be <a href="http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/197067554/college-football-national-championship-pick">one of the favorites to win the national title</a>. For any other coach, this would be a conundrum. For Les, this is just a normal work week. To love LSU football is to embrace the chaos, and to enjoy the wild roller coaster ride that is football season.</p>
<p id="veJhc2">I mean, it couldn’t be any wilder than our daily lives. So strap in and pour yourself another stiff drink. We’re all going to need it. But what fun is the world without diving in? Would rather try to suck the last bit of marrow from the bone of life or cautiously avoid choking?</p>
<p id="BNN04y">These games don’t matter, but they also mean everything. And we’re going to take this wild ride all the way to the ‘ship. Let the cowards dwell on past defeats, let’s instead set our sights on future successes. This is the right coach for the right team in the right place at the right time. Let’s go dethrone a dynasty. </p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/8/26/12648996/delusional-optimism-has-seniorityPoseur2016-08-25T11:00:06-05:002016-08-25T11:00:06-05:00Defensive Line Looking to Rediscover the Standard
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Louisiana State at South Carolina" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0WkeeovmU2Dfy8CGMpp_JQbXMQ0=/0x0:3546x2364/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50516825/usa-today-8851749.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Transitioning to a new scheme down one starters due to injury.</p> <p id="aPqa1t">Before Patrick Peterson ever came around, defensive tackle was the original glamour position for LSU. And while the defensive line rediscovered it’s pass-rush form last season, it struggled a bit against the run at times. Now comes a new defense that will use multiple looks to try and take advantage of a number of some versatile pieces, but will require more physicality at times.</p>
<div id="UzkczE"><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="703">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p>
<u>Name</u>
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<u>Height/Weight</u>
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<u>2015 Season</u>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>91 </strong>
<span><strong>Christian LaCouture</strong></span>
<strong> (Sr.) (injured)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<strong>6-5, 301</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<strong>35 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss (including 1 sack), 1 pass break-up, 1 forced fumble.</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>92 </strong>
<span><strong>Lewis Neal</strong></span>
<strong> (Sr).</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<strong>6-2, 272</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<strong>48 tackles, 9.5 TFL (8 sacks) 6 pass break-ups and 1 forced fumble.</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>57 </strong>
<a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/6/30/5855592/better-know-a-freshman-davon-godchaux" target="_blank">
<strong>Davon Godchaux</strong>
</a>
<strong> (Jr.)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<strong>6-4, 299</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<strong>41 tackles, 9.0 TFL (6 sacks), 1 forced fumble, 1 recovered and 1 pass break-up.</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p>
97 <span><strong>Frank Herron</strong></span> (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6-5, 305
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
23 tackles, 2 TFL (1 sack) and 1 fumble recovery.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p>
99 <span><strong>Greg Gilmore</strong></span> (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6-4, 308
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
13 tackles, 1.5 TFL (1 sack).
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p>
98 <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2014/6/24/5836448/better-know-a-freshman-deondre-clark"><strong>Deondre Clark</strong></a>
(Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6-4, 272
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1 tackle in 4 game appearances.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p>
55 Travonte Valentine (So.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6-4, 356
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
Unicorn.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p>
90 Rashard Lawrence (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6-3, 301
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
Five-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p>
95 Edwin Alexander (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6-2, 333
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
Four-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p>
96 Glen Logan (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6-4, 315
</p>
</td>
<td width="234" valign="top">
<p align="center">
Four-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="CaZdrY">This unit took a big blow in week one of fall camp when senior defensive end Christian LaCouture went down with a season-ending knee injury. LaCouture had slimmed down a bit for his move to the two-gapping end position, and there was some concern how the line might transition to Dave Aranda’s 3-4 without him after an offseason of planning. The arrival of Travonte Valentine as a potential nose tackle has helped alleviate that concern somewhat. The other piece of good news is that LaCouture could have an extra season, should he choose to redshirt this year and forego the NFL for another year.</p>
<p id="nywZN6">There are two other returning starters in fellow defensive end Lewis Neal and tackle Davon Godchaux, who will likely play end in the new scheme. Neal got off to a hot start last season and led LSU with eight sacks, but fell off a bit down the stretch as opponents started to gameplan for him. He’s a stocky, strong player, especially for his size, and has the versatility to rush from a number of spots -- something you can expect Aranda to take full advantage of. Look for him to line up as an end and even a linebacker at times. He’s also bulked up to help anchor a little more in run defense as well.</p>
<p id="5kN3k1">Godchaux started working at the nose tackle position in the spring, and appeared to be a good fit as a more penetrating type of player, but now he’ll slide outside, where he can rush opposite of Neal or Arden Key.</p>
<p id="MTf7PG">A pleasant surprise has been junior Greg Gilmore, who had a fantastic summer and had begun to look more like a traditional nose tackle himself, even before Valentine arrived. He’ll likely be the “starter” in the traditional sense there. A former stud recruit, Gilmore has taken some time to develop, but came along well last year and really showed some hustle against Texas A&M. </p>
<p id="8IRKmf">The chief backups will include junior Frank Herron and a talented freshman class. Herron, like Godchaux, has shown some real explosion at times, but has lacked consistency. He’ll likely play a 3/5-technique defensive end position, and that should play to his strengths.</p>
<p id="6tiP8N">Freshman Rashard Lawrence, Ed Alexander and Glen Logan will all have to rotate in, especially with LaCouture’s absence, but should fit the new scheme well. Alexander and Logan are the big, strong types that should be able to handle some two-gap responsibilities at nose tackle and end, while Lawrence is more of the classic penetrator, a la Godchaux, Herron or Neal.</p>
<h4 id="F5z1Ys">Depth Chart</h4>
<div id="CY6Yxh"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p><strong><u>Defensive End</u></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p><strong><u>Nose Tackle</u></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p><strong><u>Defensive End</u></strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p>Lewis Neal</p>
<p>Deondre Clark</p>
<p>Rashard Lawrence</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>Greg Gilmore</p>
<p>OR</p>
<p>Travonte Valentine</p>
<p>Edwin Alexander</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>Davon Godchaux</p>
<p>Frank Herron</p>
<p>Glen Logan</p>
<p>OR</p>
<p>Rashard Lawrence</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="R8fzu6">Semantically, this is probably the best depth chart I can provide right now. But from a practical standpoint, there will be a lot of movement and different alignments. Some players listed at end will be lined up more like tackles, and some defensive sets will only feature one or two down linemen. And Lewis Neal will likely move all over the place based on matchups. </p>
<p id="KqHM9V">But since we’ll be discussing these positions a lot over the next few months, here’s a quick primer on/ defensive line “techniques,” or alignments.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V-C9-hmpiucqc0m8ffhLYngRSQE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6990843/Newsdesk.jpg">
</figure>
<p id="TuVUE2"><strong>O/1-Technique</strong>: the traditional nose tackle position, either eye-to-eye with the center, or on his outside shoulder. In most defenses, Valentine and Gilmore will man that spot, although Godchaux will move there in some pass-rush positions.</p>
<p id="cwEGxo"><strong>3-Technique</strong>: aligned to the guard’s outside shoulder. This is where Godchaux usually lined up last season, and it’s typically where most teams put their quicker, penetrating-type defensive tackles. Think Glenn Dorsey. When LSU does line up with two down linemen, look for both to be aligned at the 3 on either side of the center.</p>
<p id="nMoiec"><strong>4i/5-Technique</strong>: on the offensive tackle’s inside or outside shoulder. This is where the defensive ends line up in a traditional 3-4 -- those big, two-gap ends whose job is to occupy the tackle and free up the edge pass-rushers.</p>
<p id="HwmUOQ">And of course 7- and 9-techniques are usually where teams line up their speedier, pass-rush types, like outside linebackers. </p>
<p id="ptKq97">In LSU’s base defense, look for Godchaux and Lewis Neal to alternate between the 3- and 5-tech spots based on which player is to the boundary or to the field. With a traditional nose like Valentine, both will be able to play a single gap and attack up the field. Whereas before Valentine’s arrival, there was talk of LaCouture two-gapping from a 5-tech position to the field. Similar to the strong-side defensive end in Pete Carroll’s type of defense.</p>
<h4 id="BYDXyE">Possible X-Factor: Travonte Valentine</h4>
<p id="GwXDrv">Ah yes, the Unicorn. The mythical defensive tackle we have heard so much about, has finally enrolled and been cleared to play two full seasons removed from his original recruiting class. Valentine is said to be a special player for a number of reasons, but with LSU moving to the 3-4, he’s also important because he’s a natural fit as the traditional, two-gap type of nose tackle that many love to use in the defense. Having a lineman that can two-gap is important for almost any kind of scheme, because it allows a front to manage A, B, C and D gaps on both sides of the line without the presence of an eighth defender like a safety. It’s doubly important in a 3-4 because a big nose tackle can protect both inside linebackers. </p>
<p id="UA2kf8">After all the spilled ink and various false alarms regarding Valentine’s eligibility, it’s almost hard to believe that he can really meet the level of hype he’s generated. But the good news is he doesn’t really have to, at least not right away. LSU has the time, the depth and the type of schedule to work him along slowly. If he’s in the kind of shape to give you at least 10 snaps in week one that’s great. Where he’ll really be needed is for the season’s final stretch. If he can give you a full-time rotation at the nose tackle position by then, this unit could be one of the nation’s best.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/8/25/12635470/lsu-football-2016-previews-defensive-line-davon-godchaux-travonte-valentineBilly Gomila2016-08-24T08:00:07-05:002016-08-24T08:00:07-05:00Tiger Offensive Line Looking to Set Pace
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Florida at Louisiana State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gx3gdPk6-hv4-DF2NqWTCmiyMBA=/1208x136:4237x2155/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50501075/usa-today-8867256.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It all starts up front.</p> <p id="Q3rEno">LSU has suffered some attrition here in camp, with <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/8/22/12598284/george-brown-jr-transferring-from-lsu">George Brown’s transfer</a> and a season-ending injury to freshman Willie Allen, but there’s still plenty of bodies and depth for the future. Brown wasn’t ready to contribute this season, but the staff liked where he was at for 2017 and beyond. It’s a shame that he didn’t stick around.</p>
<div id="k65lPM"><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<em><u>Name</u></em>
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<em><u>Height/Weight</u></em>
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<em><u>2015 Season</u></em>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>77 Ethan Pocic (Sr.)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>6-7, 302</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>Started 12 games at center. Second-team All-SEC coaches selection.</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
76 Josh Boutte (Sr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-5, 346
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Appeared in 12 games at guard, started 1.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
72 Andy Dodd (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-4, 318
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Appeared in 4 games at center.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
63 K.J. Malone (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-4, 303
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Appeared in 12 games at tackle.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>64 William Clapp (So.)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>6-5, 309</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>Started all 12 games at left guard. Consensus Freshman All-America and Coaches All-SEC.</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
78 Garrett Brumfield (So.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-3, 305
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Appeared in 11 games at guard.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
66 Toby Weathersby (So.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-5, 302
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Appeared in 12 games and started 1 at tackle.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
68 Chidi Valentine-Okeke (RS-Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-6, 312
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Redshirted.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
73 Adrian Magee (RS-Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-4, 309
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Redshirted.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>75 Maea Teuhema (So.)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>6-5, 315</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>Appeared in 12 games and started 11 at right guard. Freshman All-American from ESPN.</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
65 Jakori Savave (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-5, 300
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Three-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
71 Donovaughn Campbell (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-4, 344
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Four-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
74 Willie Allen (Fr.)*
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-7, 310
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Four-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
79 Lloyd Cushenberry (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
6-4, 306
</p>
</td>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
Three-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="38MCvJ">*Will redshirt 2016 with injury.</p>
<p id="6VRurd">LSU only returns three starters up front, but after a couple of seasons of strong recruiting from Jeff Grimes, there’s a lot of talent here to work with. The question really is finding five guys that can gel consistently.</p>
<p id="9SI6xf">And as starting points go, Ethan Pocic, Will Clapp and Maea Teuhema are pretty good. Pocic may be the best center in the country, and has a chance to play himself into a very high draft status, if he’s 100 percent after offseason surgery. Clapp and Teuhema both earned freshman All-America honors last season, and while the former is a lock for one of the two guard positions, the latter is in a bit of limbo. Teuhema spent the spring working at left tackle, and dedicated himself to slimming down this summer in order to improve his quickness. It seemed to work, at least to the eyeball test, but a sprained ankle has kept him from working at full speed. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get back in the starting lineup eventually, but Teuhema may not be in the first five by the season opener.</p>
<p id="rdI9PQ">One factor in that situation has been the play of four-year vet K.J. Malone, who has surprised many by locking down the left tackle position, at least for now. Malone has never been more than a backup, but he’s played well in his limited opportunities, and was a four-star recruit a few years ago. Either way, he gives Grimes another very experienced hand. Sophomore Toby Weathersby appears to be a lock for the right tackle spot as well, after seeing time late last season as a true freshman.</p>
<p id="YlDg9y">Among the backups, sophomores Garrett Brumfield and Chidi Valentine-Okeke are tops on the list, although both may be a year away from being ready to start. Freshmen Donovaughn Campbell has shown up ready to play as well, and may very well be in the two-deep when the season starts.</p>
<h4 id="Xf9dlD">Depth Chart</h4>
<div id="CzFQzb"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="125">
<p><strong><u>Left Tackle</u></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p><strong><u>Left Guard</u></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p><strong><u>Center</u></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p><strong><u>Right Guard</u></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p><strong><u>Right Tackle</u></strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="125">
<p>K.J. Malone<br> Chidi Okeke</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Will Clapp<br> Garrett Brumfield</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Ethan Pocic<br> Andy Dodd</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Josh Boutte<br> Donovaughn Campbell</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Toby Weathersby<br> Maea Teuhema</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="PtUQGU">This is a pretty fluid grouping, and in case of injury they may move some guys around as opposed to just promoting the next man up at that spot. Grimes would generally prefer to have his best five blockers out there and sort out the positions later on. </p>
<p id="XYaABX">He’s been a big fan of Josh Boutte’s talent, but last season he just couldn’t cut it when the lights came on, and conditioning has been a problem. If he can’t handle a starting job now, he’ll either see the bench for Teuhema quickly, or he might very well lose his spot to another true freshman. It also wouldn’t surprise me to see Malone move into the T-Bob Hebert Memorial Swing Lineman position, since he has experience at nearly every spot, except for center.</p>
<h4 id="O8Myu0">Possible X-Factor: Donovaughn Campbell</h4>
<p id="Z7Tvsj">He was a big-time recruit that LSU has to fight with Alabama to keep, and he’s been every bit as impressive as they would have hoped to date. He will almost definitely see time this season, maybe even in the first week. </p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/8/24/12618668/lsu-football-2016-previews-offensive-line-ethan-pocic-will-clapBilly Gomila2016-08-23T08:00:09-05:002016-08-23T08:00:09-05:00Special Teams Looks to Rebound
<figure>
<img alt="LSU v Texas A&M" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wQPnW42klqLLkb-D62TRW02N-tQ=/0x0:3280x2187/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50485955/459667962.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="bvzZ8f">LSU loses last season’s main leg in Trent Domingue, who transferred to Texas as a graduate student when his scholarship was not renewed. While Domingue was LSU’s main field-goal kicker last season, he wasn’t exactly the most reliable, particularly on kickoffs. This is something of a clean-slate area for LSU, and <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/7/7/12106854/lsu-football-2016-roadmap-to-the-playoff-special-teams-improvement">a unit that is in dire need of it</a>.</p>
<h4 id="3Kdz9f">Specialists</h4>
<div id="wdzLnv"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="209">
<p><u>Name</u></p>
</td>
<td width="206">
<p><u>Height/Weight</u></p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p><u>2015 Season</u></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="209">
<p>42 Colby Delahoussaye (Sr.), K</p>
</td>
<td width="206">
<p>5-9, 182</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>No game appearances in 2015.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="209">
<p>36 Cameron Gamble (Jr.), K</p>
</td>
<td width="206">
<p>5-10, 197</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>Averaged 57.4 yards on 43 kickoffs with 5 touchbacks and two kicks out of bounds.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="209">
<p>35 Jack Gonsoulin (RS-Fr.), K</p>
</td>
<td width="206">
<p>5-9, 165</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>Redshirted.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="209">
<p>34 Connor Culp (Fr.), K</p>
</td>
<td width="206">
<p>5-11, 186</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>Three-star recruit.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="209">
<p>50 Blake Ferguson (RS-Fr.) SNP</p>
</td>
<td width="206">
<p>6-3, 221</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>Redshirted.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="209">
<p>31 Josh Growden (RS-Fr.) P</p>
</td>
<td width="206">
<p>6-2, 197</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>Redshirted.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="ogGj09"></p>
<p id="sV5zL3">Colby Delahoussaye returns to the spotlight, and not just because of his brush with death in <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/7/24/12266460/lsu-football-colby-delahoussaye-injured-car-wreck-mike-sadler-sam-foltz-fatal">the horrible car wreck that claimed two other kickers’ lives in July</a>. He appears to be the odds-on favorite to take back the place-kicking duties he held for all of 2013 and much of 2014, before he came down with a weird case of the yips and suddenly began struggling with even short field goals, giving way to Domingue. Delahoussaye was fantastic in 2013, when he made 13-of-14 kicks and 56-of-57 extra points. If he could rediscover that form, LSU would be in good hands.</p>
<p id="YrllQI">His competition comes from fellow upperclassmen Cameron Gamble and freshmen Jack Gonsoulin and Connor Culp. Gamble had previously shown a big-time leg on kickoffs, but struggled with it last year. He’d like to get in on place-kicking duties if possible, but that seems unlikely based on track record. As it is, there’s talk of Culp taking over kickoff duties. The Arizona product was the ninth-ranked prospect in the 2016 class, and reportedly has a big leg himself.</p>
<p id="s1qLbw">Aussie punter version 3.0 Josh Growden appears to have the punting job to himself, save for some walk-on competition, but he is a complete unknown. We didn’t even get much of a look at him in the spring game. </p>
<p id="ZltK7v">Classmate Blake Ferguson takes over at long-snapper after four years of his older brother Reid. If he does his job, you’ll likely never hear his name called. </p>
<h4 id="71JH0r">Kick Returners</h4>
<div id="a3jfyt"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p><strong>18 Tre’davious White (Sr.)</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p><strong>5-11, 191</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p><strong>Returned 20 punts for 229 yards (11.4 average) and 1 touchdown with two lost fumbles.</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p><strong>5 Derrius Guice (Soph.)</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p><strong>5-11, 222</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p><strong>Returned 20 kickoffs for 472 yards (23.6 average).</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p>1 Donte Jackson (Soph.)</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>5-11, 167</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>Returned 4 punts for 6 yards and 8 kickoffs for 165 yards.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="bgMxQm"></p>
<p id="vQPO1y">Tre’davious White is certainly a dangerous punt returner, it’s just a two-way street. His 11.4 average is very good, and when he has room to operate he can be explosive. But his judgment on which balls to pursue, fair catch and avoid completely is a consistent issue, one that cost LSU points against Florida last season.</p>
<p id="GGBELc">Derrius Guice, on the other hand, improved as the season went on as a kickoff returner, making a couple of very exciting plays down the stretch once he learned to let his blocks develop a little more in front of him. Donte Jackson should backup both, and his speed would be a great asset at either spot.</p>
<h4 id="yoqgRW">Depth Chart</h4>
<div id="JxnvdT"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="125">
<p>Place Kicker</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Kickoffs</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Punter</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Kick Returner</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Punt Returner</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="125">
<p>Colby Delahoussaye<br> Connor Culp OR Cameron Gamble<br> Jack Gonsoulin</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Connor Culp<br> Cameron Gamble</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Josh Growden</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Derrius Guice<br> Donte Jackson</p>
</td>
<td width="125">
<p>Tre White<br> Donte Jackson</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h4 id="HTSGXa">Possible X-Factor: nowhere to go but up.</h4>
<p id="brXBao">The good news here is that LSU, literally, cannot get a whole lot worse in this area of the game. That’s not exactly much of a ringing endorsement, but with some new legs involved on kickoffs and a new infusion of talent on the coverage teams -- including linebackers, safeties and defensive backs that should be (<em>theoretically</em>) much better at understanding pursuit angles and making tackles. But whether LSU gets back to where we’re used to seeing it with the kicking game remains a big variable. Honestly, it just may come down to a number of players deciding they want to make their mark there.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/8/23/12597930/lsu-football-2016-position-previews-special-teamsBilly Gomila2016-08-22T12:00:03-05:002016-08-22T12:00:03-05:00Linebackers Embrace Exciting Possibilities
<figure>
<img alt="AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl - LSU v Texas Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mTEYyFbn6xswh3LZrPzgPZkEFhs=/0x0:2574x1716/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50473181/502853086.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Possibly the most intriguing position with the new defense being installed.</p> <p id="l4aaNT">This was a position that was expected to be a big concern for LSU in 2016. A number of years of lax recruiting from John Chavis left LSU with just a handful upperclassmen, few with significant experience. But with some position reshuffling and a strong group of freshmen, there’s at least the necessary numbers to make a four-linebacker depth chart work.</p>
<p id="dVJyaU">And all the excitement of Dave Aranda’s new defense has created some real anticipation for what we might see out of this group.</p>
<h4 id="dlPbAD">Inside Linebackers</h4>
<div id="wCHQOS"><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>52 Kendell Beckwith (Sr.)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>6-3, 247</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="209" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>84 tackles, 10 tackles for loss (3.5 sacks), 1 pass break-up and 2 fumble recoveries.</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
40 Duke Riley (Sr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
6-1, 230
</p>
</td>
<td width="209" valign="top">
<p>
24 tackles and 0.5 TFL.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
35 Devin Voorhies (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
6-1, 223
</p>
</td>
<td width="209" valign="top">
<p>
6 tackles and 1 forced fumble.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
48 Donnie Alexander (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
6-1, 212
</p>
</td>
<td width="209" valign="top">
<p>
12 tackles and 1 fumble recovery.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
56 M.J. Patterson (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
6-3, 225
</p>
</td>
<td width="209" valign="top">
<p>
Did not play.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
24 Devin White (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
6-1, 255
</p>
</td>
<td width="209" valign="top">
<p>
Four-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="FeHbMM">The headliner here is of course Kendell Beckwith, who returned for his senior season and will take over the “Mack” linebacker position. Of the two inside positions, he’ll align to the field and be responsible for making the calls for the front. One of the major features of Aranda’s defense will be pressures that adjust to the offense’s formations and protections. The same play can feature different players blitzing based on the opposing play call, and Beckwith will be responsible for making sure everybody’s on the same page. It will be interesting to see how often Beckwith himself will be able to shoot gaps, because that’s something he’s shown a talent for at times.</p>
<p id="Oa9pGS">His partner inside will be senior Duke Riley, a long-time special teams standout and one of the more well-respected leaders in the locker room. To date, Riley has never really shown much in the defensive lineup, but he’s one of the players Aranda seems fonder of, and has adapted to the new scheme quickly. He has at least increased bulk, which should help him hold up better in between the tackles.</p>
<p id="nxzMJS">True freshman Devin White will be the top backup at both inside positions. The converted running back moved to defense as a spring enrollee and has made an impression on the coaching staff. Conditioning may be an issue at times, but in a backup role that shouldn’t be a major issue. Junior Donnie Alexander will backup both inside positions as well while Devin Voorhies and M.J. Patterson provide depth.</p>
<h4 id="j0GgsY">F-Linebacker</h4>
<div id="SWgvBS"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p>23 Corey Thompson (Sr.)</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>6-2 222</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>15 tackles in nine game appearances.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p>46 Tashawn Bower (Sr.)</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>6-6, 253</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>18 tackles, 4 TFL (1.5 sacks), 1 pass break-up and 1 forced fumble in nine game appearances.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p>45 Michael Divinity Jr. (Fr.)</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>6-3, 234</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>Four-star recruit.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p>43 Rahssan Thonrton (Fr.)</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>6-3, 222</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>Four-star recruit.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="5B207D">The “F” linebacker, or the outside linebacker to the field side, will serve a similar function to the classic “sam” or strong-side linebacker in the 4-3: responsible for setting the edge against the run and jamming tight ends in pass coverage. Look for Aranda to take a committee approach to the position. Senior Tashawn Bower will work at F in the base defense. A former defensive end, Bower will also backup at the “Buck” position on the boundary side and some of the defensive end positions. He should fit well against the run and in the pass-rush responsibilities, but the thought of him having much of a role in coverage is a little unnerving. </p>
<p id="9hcrJb">Hence, Corey Thompson is set to spell Bower at the position in the nickel package once he returns from a broken leg. A converted safety who has bulked up for the move to linebacker, but always struggled with injury, Thompson could fit well in this defense. Although you have to wonder how much this injury will set him back. Freshmen Michael Divinity and Rahssan Thornton will rotate in with Bower for the time being, and if they do well it may be tough to take them off the field. Both have the size to split the difference between a converted defensive end like Bower and a converted defensive back like Thompson.</p>
<h4 id="SWJ5W5">Buck Linebacker</h4>
<div id="eQgUDS"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p><strong>49 Arden Key (Soph.)</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p><strong>6-6, 238</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p><strong>41 tackles, 6.5 TFL (5 sacks), 1 pass break</strong></p>
<p><strong>‘</strong></p>
<p><strong>‘-up and 1 fumble recovery.</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p>94 Isaiah Washington (So.)</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>6-4, 236</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>3 tackles, 1 forced fumble in six game appearances.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208">
<p>87 Sci Martin (Fr.)</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>6-4, 240</p>
</td>
<td width="208">
<p>Three-star recruit.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="jHlieQ">The Buck will be the money position in this defense, and Arden Key appears poised to be the biggest breakout star of LSU’s defense this year, coming off his five-sack freshman season. Key will align to the boundary and play an end/linebacker hybrid position with minimal coverage responsibilities designed to create the best possible pass-rush matchups for him. </p>
<p id="Z6YHW5">Sophomore Isaiah Washington was set to be his backup after a strong spring, but a torn ACL will keep him out this year. True freshman Sci Martin however, has had a strong camp and should be able to carve out a role spelling Key from time to time.</p>
<h4 id="0WuUdk">Depth Chart</h4>
<div id="OlCCQY"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="156">
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Buck</span></strong></p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="156">
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rover</span></strong></p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="156">
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mack</span></strong></p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="156">
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">F-Linebacker</span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="156">
<p>Arden Key<br> Tashawn Bower<br> Sci Martin</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="156">
<p>Duke Riley<br> Devin White<br> Donnie Alexander<br> Devin Voorhies</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="156">
<p>Kendell Beckwith<br> Devin White<br> Donnie Alexander<br> M.J. Patterson</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="156">
<p>Corey Thompson*<br> Tashawn Bower OR<br> Michael Divinity<br> Rahssan Thornton</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="8nEm4x">*Out with injury, should return after first few games.</p>
<p id="dFpfBu">This is as basic of a depth chart as I can think of, but there will be a lot of rotation. Bower will serve as the F-linebacker in the base defense, with Divinity coming in for nickel. Bower, likewise, will be backing up Key at the Buck position, and will also occasionally line up at defensive end. Lewis Neal will likewise move around and occasionally stand up in certain pass-rush situations as well. </p>
<p id="YJPWyO">Speaking to sources it’s really hard to peg down one set lineup, and look for things to continue to evolve when Thompson returns from injury, and as Aranda figures out sets and matchups that he likes.</p>
<h4 id="Zm8h8w">Possible X-Factor: Sci Martin or Rahssan Thonrton</h4>
<p id="qzLhEd">All of the freshmen linebackers should see time this year in some form or fashion, but these two have been noteworthy through the summer and fall camp. Martin was <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/3/14/11199712/lsu-football-recruiting-2016-sci-martin-announcement">the final cherry on top of the 2016 signing class</a>, an insanely productive high school defensive end that played in the 215-220 range. Well, with a summer of work he’s up to 240 and been really impressive as an edge-rusher type, and will likely rotate in at Key’s Buck linebacker spot. </p>
<p id="bqIbjr">Thornton, likewise, has been one of the more dedicated members of the freshmen class this summer, and emerged as a leader as well. He’s behind Divinity for now at F-LB, but allegedly that’s more a case of Divinity having the edge of being an early enrollee. Don’t be surprised if he jumps the line once things kick off.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/8/22/12580516/lsu-football-2016-previews-linebackers-arden-key-kendell-beckwithBilly Gomila2016-08-19T13:23:42-05:002016-08-19T13:23:42-05:00Running Backs Will Lead the Way on Offense
<figure>
<img alt="AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl - LSU v Texas Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oKbpMp6_FmLD5-A6Wn5sRiqRiYw=/0x0:1812x1208/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50454749/502877046.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Behind schedule on these, so we’re going to be brief and try to push through.</p> <p id="cEd8Gv">Well, there’s possibly the best player in college football here, so yeah. There’s that. Seems pretty good, in my opinion.</p>
<h4 id="ZWQZ33">Running Backs</h4>
<div id="cKGUS4"><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>7 Leonard Fournette (Jr.)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>6-1, 230</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>
300 carries for 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns (both school records), 6.4 yards per carry. 19 catches on 33 targets for 253 yards and 1
touchdown. Consensus All-American.
</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
34 Darrel Williams (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
6-0, 233
</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
60 carries for 296 yards and 4 touchdowns, 4.9 yards per carry. 4 catches on 6 targets for 31 yards.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
5 Derrius Guice (So.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
5-11, 212
</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
51 carries for 436 yards and 3 touchdowns, 8.5 yards per carry. 4 catches on 6 targets for 24 yards. Freshman All-SEC selection (coaches).
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
4 Nick Brossette (So.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
6-0, 209
</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
12 carries for 65 yards in 9 games.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
27 Lanard Fournette (RS-Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
5-10, 199
</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>
Redshirted.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="UzZyh6">Our <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/7/15/12188866/lsu-football-2016-college-football-playoffs-roadmap-leonard-fournette">roadmap series entry on this position</a> kind of told most of the story here. Leonard Fournette may have sprained his ankle in practice, and will likely be out of contact for the remainder of practices until the season opener. Which is totally fine. The only real question is how he follows up his record-breaking 2015 with even more capable runners on hand to share the load.</p>
<p id="XXYp1v">Sophomore Derrius Guice has shed some weight, which should help improve his explosiveness -- the power just comes naturally from his running style and his balance. Junior Darrel Williams, likewise, will have a role in some short-yardage sets. </p>
<p id="LiUIAi">Sophomore Nick Brossette appears healthy after his knee injury last year. His role will likely increase in 2017. Redshirt frosh Lanard Fournette may be able to carve out a role in special teams.</p>
<h4 id="mb3iej">Fullbacks</h4>
<div id="eK3QEo"><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>46 John David Moore (Jr.)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>6-4, 241</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="209" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>Caught 1 pass for 1 yard in six games.</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>47 Bry’Kiethon Mouton (So.)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>6-1, 265</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="209" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>Caught 2 passes in 4 targets for 21 yards 11 games with 5 starts.</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="208" valign="top">
<p>
41 David Ducre (So.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="207" valign="top">
<p>
6-0, 236
</p>
</td>
<td width="209" valign="top">
<p>
1 catch for 4 yards in three game appearances.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="26GozB">Walk-on JD Moore was a revelation last season, leading the way for most of Leonard Fournette’s huge opening half of the season before a knee injury against South Carolina. He’s not the pile-driver we’ve been used to over the years, but he was incredibly precise and almost never missed his mark. His absence was notable, although then-true freshman Bry’Kiethon Mouton did improve over the course of the schedule, despite some early hiccups.</p>
<p id="kzPjOb">Sophomore David Ducre is still an unknown commodity, but one that could have some intriguing upside down the road if he can be patient. </p>
<h4 id="VEKQqb">Depth Chart</h4>
<div id="7UVcRU"><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="312" valign="top">
<p>
<strong><u>Running Back</u></strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="312" valign="top">
<p>
<strong><u>Fullback</u></strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="312" valign="top">
<p>
Leonard Fournette
</p>
<p>
Derrius Guice
</p>
<p>
Darrel Williams
</p>
<p>
Lanard Fournette
</p>
</td>
<td width="312" valign="top">
<p>
John David Moore
</p>
<p>
Bry’Kiethon Mouton
</p>
<p>
David Ducre
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h4 id="Ihtv57">Possible X-Factor: Darrel Williams</h4>
<p id="lrlGUG">This is a shot in the dark, and its kind of hard to make a pick because the top two contributors are so well-defined in their roles, and while Moore and the fullbacks are certainly valuable, they aren’t going to get a ton of actual touches. But when we talk about taking some carries off of Leonard Fournette’s plate, Williams fits better in late-game situations, especially with a comfortable lead. Not that Guice doesn’t run with a lot of power, but Williams is that textbook pounder that can hammer out 4-5 yards a pop and eat up those “closer” carries. The easiest way to save unnecessary mileage on 7 and 5’s odometers. </p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/8/19/12547756/lsu-football-2016-position-preview-running-backsBilly Gomila2016-08-18T08:30:05-05:002016-08-18T08:30:05-05:00Receivers & Tight Ends Looking to Break Through
<figure>
<img alt="Arkansas v LSU" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RMjrYcRP8KiMt267BF6HDglbT10=/0x0:2996x1997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50430521/497192216.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Even with a former five-star transferring out, there’s a lot to like here.</p> <p id="zShQKA"><em>**</em><em><strong>Ed. Note</strong></em><em>: Well, I’m still here, and I’m still moving forward. Not sure how long it will be until I’m back at this regularly, but I had written this position preview up on Saturday before all the shit hit the floor. At some point I’ll definitely have something to say about the last few days. I have seen all of the comments, concerns and prayers, and I and my entire family appreciate them more than I can properly articulate at the moment. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. Now, on to football.**</em></p>
<p id="hn0crH">There is a lot to like here -- size, speed and experience. Now sure, LSU always has great receiver talent you might say. Well, this is a position that hasn’t totally carried its weight in recent years, but with the top three starters back, a new, high-profile position coach, a helluva spring and a very strong recruiting class this has suddenly become one of the deepest areas of LSU’s team.</p>
<h4 id="B6m929">Wide Receivers (returning starters in <strong>bold</strong>)</h4>
<div id="8jA1oA"><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="638">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>Player</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>Ht/Wt</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>2015 Stats</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>15 Malachi Dupre (Jr.)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>6-4, 195</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>
43 catches on 77 targets (55.8% catch rate) for 698 yards (16.2 yards per catch, 9.1 yards per target), 6 touchdowns. 29.1% of total
team targets.
</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>83 Travin Dural (Sr.)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>6-2, 207</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>28 catches on 56 targets (50%) for 533 yards (19.0 ypc, 9.5 ypt), 3 touchdowns. 21.1% of targets </strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
82 D.J. Chark (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
6-3, 187
</p>
</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">
<p>
Appeared in 5 games with no catches or targets, 1 carry for 79 yards and 1 touchdown.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
39 Russell Gage
</p>
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
6-0, 179
</p>
</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">
<p>
Played defensive back in 2015.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
86 Jazz Ferguson (So.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
6-5, 223
</p>
</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">
<p>
No stats accumulated in two game appearances.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
19 Derrick Dillon (RS-Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
5-11, 181
</p>
</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">
<p>
Redshirted.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
10 Stephen Sullivan (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
6-6, 235
</p>
</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">
<p>
Four-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
11 Dee Anderson (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
6-5, 202
</p>
</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">
<p>
Four-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
25 Drake Davis (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
<p>
6-3, 217
</p>
</td>
<td width="319" valign="top">
<p>
Four-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="r2fNOC">The top two are set in stone with senior Travin Dural and junior Malachi Dupre. Both have flashed elite talent at times, but consistency has eluded them. If they can find that -- watch that catch rate in particular. If both get that north of 60, they could become one of the best duos in the country. Dupre has the most complete package of skills. His 10.1 yards-per-target figure on standard downs illustrates that he’s a deep threat on play-action passes, but his 7.8 YPT on passing downs indicates some comfort from Brandon Harris at using him to move the chains. Dural has always had the speed, but he showed a little more ability to get open underneath on early downs last season to go with his gift for stretching the defense. </p>
<p id="TbkRJL">Junior D.J. Chark got a ton of pub in the spring of 2015 and failed to catch a single pass last season, languishing behind Dural, Dupre, Trey Quinn and John Diarse in the depth chart while he butted heads with receivers coach Tony Ball. Fun fact about Chark -- he was 16 years old when he enrolled at LSU, and will only turn 19 this September. He’s very much still a maturing human. He’s definitely in a better chance to contribute this season, and as his 79-yard run in the bowl game illustrated, he definitely has the speed. We’ll see how that translates.</p>
<p id="aBHxFd">After that top three, sophomore Jazz Ferguson, redshirt freshman Derrick Dillon and true freshmen Drake Davis, Stephen Sullivan and Dee Anderson are competing for the remaining playing time, along with junior Russell Gage, who has moved back to wide receiver from defensive back. Ferguson received a major look in the spring, with Dural rehabbing an injury. Look for him to work a good bit from the slot, where his size could provide a very different matchup.</p>
<p id="09YmMq">Size is a big theme with this group -- seven out of nine wideouts are at least 6-2, <a href="http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_7bb835c4-60ca-11e6-a422-1f96078cb49d.html">the tallest in the conference</a>. Might help with a quarterback that had a tendency to overthrow guys at times last season. </p>
<h4 id="b6U64W">Tight Ends</h4>
<div id="Lnt7W1"><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="157" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>81 Colin Jeter (Sr.)</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="154" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>6-7, 254</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="312" valign="top">
<p>
<strong>12 catches on 18 targets (66.7%) for 132 yards (11 ypc, 7.3 ypt), 1 touchdown. 6.8% of targets</strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="157" valign="top">
<p>
89 DeSean Smith (Jr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="154" valign="top">
<p>
6-5, 249
</p>
</td>
<td width="312" valign="top">
<p>
4 catches on 6 targets (66.7%) for 82 yards (20.5 ypc, 13.7 ypt). 2.3% of targets.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="157" valign="top">
<p>
88 Jacory Washington (Soph.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="154" valign="top">
<p>
6-6, 249
</p>
</td>
<td width="312" valign="top">
<p>
Did not play.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="157" valign="top">
<p>
84 Foster Moreau (So.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="154" valign="top">
<p>
6-6, 250
</p>
</td>
<td width="312" valign="top">
<p>
Two targets in 12 game appearances (3 starts), no catches.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="157" valign="top">
<p>
80 Jamal Pettigrew (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="154" valign="top">
<p>
6-7, 250
</p>
</td>
<td width="312" valign="top">
<p>
Four-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="157" valign="top">
<p>
85 Caleb Roddy (Fr.)
</p>
</td>
<td width="154" valign="top">
<p>
6-5, 276
</p>
</td>
<td width="312" valign="top">
<p>
Three-star recruit.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="U3xsW5">Well, here’s a position we love talking about. </p>
<p id="216KGo">In 2015, Colin Jeter caught the most passes any LSU tight end has in four seasons with a grand total of 12. Twelve. </p>
<p id="szgcVp">Again, most of LSU’s targets at this position haven’t exactly been the kind of guys you really had any strong urge to get the ball to in the first place. They run routes, and clearly have some sort of role in the play, but just haven’t caught passes for years, going back to Richard Dickson. </p>
<p id="WeuEGH">Is that going to change this year? I wouldn’t bet on it, but last year was at least a start. <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/7/21/12235616/lsu-football-2016-college-football-playoffs-roadmap-leonard-fournette-colin-jeter">As I’ve previously written</a>, one catch a game becomes two pretty easily, and from there you’re not really that far off to the 30-ish catches Dickson averaged per year. If you’re looking for some sort of O.J. Howard-versus-Clemson type of explosion, there just isn’t that kind of talent here.</p>
<p id="G0X0Vd"><a href="http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_f2b9d58a-60c3-11e6-8afa-c787a4038c3c.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share">Jeter is going to make his best effort though</a>. He’s definitely the most balanced tight end LSU’s had in recent years, in terms of being solid hands while still being a competent blocker -- although he struggled against the better defenses on the schedule. He’ll never be a true seam-stretcher, but at 6-7, he could maybe help move the chains or provide some help in the redzone. Although the Tigers definitely aren’t lacking for height in the passing game.</p>
<p id="oCFIqQ">Sophomore Foster Moreau is likely the second tight end, after seeing some significant playing time as a true freshman due to his blocking. Moreau was something of a throw-in recruit last season, but he moves relatively well for his size and he’s also dropped 10 pounds hoping to improve his quickness.</p>
<p id="dHFXYL">Of course, it would be great to see former stud recruit DeSean Smith get more involved as well, but he’d have to stay healthy after missing a huge chunk of last season and all of the spring. Sophomore Jacory Washington, who has really bulked up after playing at around 220 pounds last season, and true freshman Jamal Pettigrew are probably the next big contributors here, they’re just behind the upperclassmen for the moment. True freshman Caleb Roddy made the move to tight end to try and develop as a blocker, but given the injuries on the defensive line moving back could be a possibility. Either way, seems likely to be in line for a redshirt.</p>
<h4 id="3umnyn">Depth Chart</h4>
<div id="J6UXFv"><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="156" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<strong><u>X (split end)</u></strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="156" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<strong><u>F (slot)</u></strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="156" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<strong><u>Y (tight end)</u></strong>
</p>
</td>
<td width="156" valign="top">
<p align="center">
<strong><u>Z (flanker)</u></strong>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="156" valign="top">
<p>
Malachi Dupre
</p>
<p>
Jazz Ferguson
</p>
<p>
Stephen Sullivan
</p>
</td>
<td width="156" valign="top">
<p>
D.J. Chark
</p>
<p>
Jazz Ferguson -or- Derrick Dillon
</p>
</td>
<td width="156" valign="top">
<p>
Colin Jeter
</p>
<p>
Foster Moreau -or- DeSean Smith
</p>
<p>
Jacory Washington
</p>
<p>
Jamal Pettigrew
</p>
<p>
Caleb Roddy
</p>
</td>
<td width="156" valign="top">
<p>
Travin Dural
<br>
D.J. Chark
</p>
<p>
Drake Davis
</p>
<p>
Dee Anderson
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="UM9EGm">This is a best guess from the right to the left of a formation.</p>
<h4 id="Qi33RL">Possible X-Factor: Drake Davis or Derrick Dillon</h4>
<p id="ul5teW">Look, <a href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/7/11/12118322/better-know-a-freshman-drake-davis-lsu-football-recruiting-2016">we’ve all talked about Davis</a>. He has as much raw athletic ability as any receiver LSU has recruited since Odell Beckham Jr. Size, speed, coordination, the total package. But he knows it. I’ve used the “bored genius” metaphor with him before, but it works. You read stories about brilliant physicists or mathematicians who struggle in school because they’re just so advanced that everything bores them, and they act out. That was Davis in high school. Football. Basketball. Soccer. He’d just jump in between them because well…he felt like it. But that’s not going to fly here, especially at a position this crowded. If he wants to play, he’s going to have to outwork the other players and prove to the coaches that he can be counted on. If he does that, he will definitely get on the field and it will be really tough to keep the ball out of his hands. But so far, it seems like a big “IF.”</p>
<p id="sT1ohS">As for Dillon, he’s was a bit of an afterthought in his own recruiting class despite being a four-star prospect, but word has been that he’s taken advantage of his redshirt year and really dedicated himself through the summer. From an athletic standpoint, he always had an edge on the more ballyhooed Tyron Johnson, he just played at a very small, rural school that needed him to play multiple positions. If his work in the weight room translates to the film room and some polish on his game, he has the speed to stand out, even as LSU’s shortest wide receiver. </p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/8/18/12528088/lsu-football-2016-position-preview-receivers-tight-ends-malachi-dupreBilly Gomila