Defensive line anchors a talented Tigers defense

Football Preview

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By Christopher Gordy

With the LSU football season only days away, there is no doubt that the ‘08 Tigers will be lead by their veteran defense. With one of the deepest defensive lines in the country, LSU will rely heavily on their speedy defenders to keep them in each game. But just how good is this defense? Let’s take a look at each position and rate them.

Defensive Line

By far the best defensive line in the country, this unit should not miss a beat even after losing the highly decorated Glenn Dorsey to the NFL. Veteran senior ends Tyson Jackson and Kirston Pittman will pressure opposing quarterbacks, while Ricky “The Freak” Jean-Francois will put fear in the hearts of any running back hoping to run up the gut.

Throw into the mix seasoned seniors in Charles Alexander and Marlon Favorite, paired along with hungry youngsters Drake Nevis and Al Woods, and the Tigers field a defensive line that may not give up a single rushing yard this season. Backing up at the end position will be senior Tremaine Johnson, junior Rahim Alem, as a well as Pep Levingston and Sidell Corley. True freshman Chase Clement could also see some action this season.

Grade: A+

Linebackers

One of the weaker parts of the defense, the LSU linebackers, have an opportunity to be some big playmakers this season. Despite losing seniors Ali Highsmith and Luke Sanders, the linebackers are led by senior leader Darry Beckwith, who had 65 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception in ‘07.

Kelvin Sheppard and Perry Riley are expected to start at outside linebacker, with junior Jacob Cutrera and freshman Kellen Theriot in the mix. Being one of the most inexperienced positions on the defense, the Tigers could also see some production from freshmen Ryan Baker, Kyle Prater and Shomari Clemons.

Grade: B+

Safety

Though LSU only has a handful of safeties on the roster, the guys they do have are extremely talented. Ballhawk Craig Steltz had moved on to the NFL, but senior Curtis Taylor and junior Danny McCray should not miss much of a beat. Fan favorite sophomore Chad Jones should see significant playing time this year, which is a good thing for LSU, but a bad thing for opposing quarterbacks (see sack on John Parker Wilson in Alabama win last year). Junior Harry Coleman looked great in the BCS Championship game, and freshman Stefoin Francois seems ready to compete.

Grade: A-

Cornerback

The cornerback position may be the weakest part of the defense right now, but only because of inexperience. Freshman phenom Patrick Peterson (a.k.a. the artist formerly known as Patrick Johnson) expects to take his practice field play-making to the starting lineup by August 30. Junior Chris Hawkins, sophomore Jai Eugene and freshman Phelon Jones are all in competition for the number two spot.

A ton of freshmen defensive backs will also look to get some playing time with youngsters Ron Brooks, Ryan St. Julien, Derrick Bryant and Brandon Taylor. I would expect some quick substitutions if certain players start getting picked on deep. Freshman John Williams is expected to see some action as a return man as well.

Grade: B-

With arguably the best defense in the country, the Tigers have garnered top 10 rankings in both the USA Today and AP preseason polls. With Bo Pelini now the head man at Nebraska, the defensive play calling now rests in the hands of co-defensive coordinators Doug Mallory and Bradley Dale Peveto. And with experience at almost every other position, much of the Tigers’ success will rely heavily on the play of their quarterback. But one thing is for sure – with this team’s defense, the Tigers will always be in the game. And it is set to be even better than last year’s defense. Now that’s saying something.

Originally Published: Issue 701 - August 19, 2008

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