Bayou fans, today is the unofficial start to a brand new season. 2008 is over, recruiting is finalized, and the Tigers are off to a stellar start. In this article, I will scrutinize the 2009 LSU football team position by position. Get a sneak peak on what surprises are in store for the Tigers.
Quarterback
Last years offensive struggles were dominated by one thing. LSU was in poverty for a quarterback. There are two main players that should make a difference next year. Jordan Jefferson, and #1 Athlete Russell Shepard. Jefferson only started two games in his freshman campaign, one of which was a 38-3 win in the Chick-fil-A bowl. He looks to be the immediate answer next year for the Tigers. But highly anticipated top recruit Russell Shepard has settled in on campus, and looks to make an impact of his own. He quoted saying-
"I tell you, watch out in 2009. We're going for the National(championship)again."
Halfback
LSU has had good fortune at the halfback position with Running back Keiland Williams running along side starter Charles Scott. But they also pulled in ESPNU 150 running back Michael Ford; an explosive force on the field. I say that Charles Scott will continue to wreak havoc on defenses everywhere, and this year will serve as a learning experience for Michael Ford. I think it'll be very significant for a young back like Ford to sit back and learn from more experienced runners. He has great potential, and we need a good back for when Scott and Williams leave next year. As far as Fullback goes, we have two very young fullbacks who look to do just fine for the Tigers.
Wide Receiver
The receiving core caught a huge break when Brandon LaFell decided to come back for one more season. LaFell is among LSU's best ever and looks continue his triumph with the Tigers. The other starting receiver Demetrius Bird has graduated and left open a spot to fill. But that shouldn't be a problem for LSU. The Bayou Bengals are stock full of talented receivers such as Jordan Newell, R.J. Jackson, Chris Mitchell, and Jared Mitchell; all of which are seniors. Also, #1 WR recruit Rueben Randle looks to be a force on next season. I think that the receiving core will be alive and well next year, with plenty of flexibility in substitutions.
Athletes
LSU is very blessed to have many talented athletes that aren't characterized under one position. Trindon Holliday has speed that is almost overwhelming. He can run 40 yards of zig zags as fast as he can run the same distance straight. Short strides prevent Holliday from excelling onto the Olympics, but quick change in direction,a small figure, and short strides is exactly what you look for in a football player. He can play RB, WR, and always returns kicks/punts. Also, Drayton Calhoun, an athlete with tremendous elusiveness, has committed to play for the tigers and should return kicks when Holliday leaves. I think that special teams will be an exciting venue for LSU next year, and will add another complexion to their game.
Offensive Line
The offensive line is where everything starts. No blocking, no scoring. LSU has senior LT Ciron Black returning, as well as junior RT Joseph Barksdale. Both measure up to 6.5 feet tall and exceed 300 pounds. LSU may have problems at the center position, with both centers being red-shirt freshman. But look to see the left and right guards take on the two defensive tackles, and let the center do zone run blocking until he gains enough experience to carry out regular assignments. Either way, I say Les Miles will have his bold offensive lineman well prepared for next season.
Defensive Line
The defensive line is what separates LSU from the rest of the pack. LSU has a vast history of strong, powerful, hefty D-lineman that are just about unstoppable. But the Bayou Bengals are suffering a huge loss to their defensive front with DE Tyson Jackson, and DT Ricky Jean-Francois both leaving to the NFL Draft. But Coach Miles and his recruiters have stocked up on some brand new talent this off-season. The class includes #2 DE Sam Montgomery, #4 DT Joshua Downs, and #7 DT Chris Davenport. All three bring promising futures. I say the Tigers defensive line carries on with their success next year, and overtake last years efforts.
Linebackers
The linebacking core is what seemed to be the problem last year, but it really wasn't the problem at all. LSU was ranked 17th in the nation at stopping the run. Starting outside linebackers Kelvin Sheppard and Perry Riley are returning, and the empty middle linebacker spot will most likely be filled by senior Jacob Cutrera. I say next years linebacking core will be considerably better defending the pass, and should dominate the running game as it did last year.
Cornerbacks
This may be the position that should make the most improvement next for next year. All five corners on the LSU roster are coming back for another season with the Tigers. We are also very lucky for one of those to be rising sophomore Patrick Peterson. He is a tall, vigorous, physical corner with great ball skills, that should leave a mark on next years season. Also, look for senior CB Chris Hawkins to bring experience to the right side of the field and lock down on receivers all next year. He has started ever since his sophomore year.
Safety
LSU should only improve at the safety position; the Tigers have many smart upperclassmen. LSU is only losing one starting safety, but is being replaced by senior Danny McCray. Also, Les Miles singed #1 safety Craig Loston this off-season, so expect him to play nickelback next year to get some burn in. I say that LSU is set at the safety position for next year, but must rely on younger players to improve for success in the future.
Kickers/Punters
Kicker Colt Davids time at LSU has expired, which means a new kicker must step up and take the load. The kicker might not sound that important, but with being in the SEC, they often make the difference in close games. Luckily, LSU has junior Josh Jasper, who should do just fine. Hopefully we won't need to use a punter very often. But when we do, the Tigers have junior punter Derek Helton to fill the job.
All in all, LSU looks to have a highly prominent season ahead of them, and only look to ameliorate.
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