'07 class who could see the playing field as true freshmen

It seems we are fine with our starting LB's, but aren't we thin after that. Catrera is back, and the two guys from Stone Mtn. Georgia must have red shirted last year (Sheppard is one I think). I'm wondering if Clemmons to LB may be a "need" move.

 

I hope Benton qualifies because frankly, while Tolliver may be considered the better prospect, I honestly feel that he needs to add bulk to his frame before he's to be considered a ledgit threat while Benton already appears to at least have the build to be better suited early on.

I think you're right about LaFell...at least for the moment. He definately has the ability to run the "fly" routes and burn a defense deep, but that's but one aspect of being a WR. Can he be physical enough to go across the middel when needed? That shot he took vs, who was it? Florida? That knocked the proverbial stuffing out of him on the sideline is what I hope he can avoid in the future. I thought LaFell was a STEAL of a recruit 2 years ago--and I still feel that way now. I would just like to see a more "buffed" LaFell come the start of fall camp.

Seems as though our LB situation heading into '07 is looking much the same as it was heading into '03, where we thought we were thin at the position, only to be surprised with the play of that unhearladed group.

THough we lack a "bullish" MLB like Lionel Turner, capable of taking on linemen and fullbacks one-on-one, I think we've done a fine job keeping "beef" at DT to protect our smaller MLB's. If Clemons indeed moves over to LB, and rumors of Korte doing the same, we may find ourselves more than adequate at LB across the board.

Beckwidth, Sanders/Cutrera and Highsmith are a formidable group.

Perry Riley has experience which is valuable. Then with Sheppard, Clemons, Odom and possibly Korte as backups, we're in pretty good shape. I can't wait to really see if Odom is just as fast on the D-I level as he was in all of those high school clips.

 

I know we are deep at DT but Barksdale being highly regarded and the chance to participate in spring ball could be a big factor as far as his playing time next year. If he is as good as advertised he will play.

 

I think we will see quite a few players get PT, but only a few will see major time. Toliver and Byrd should see a good bit of time. Either one could emerge as the #3 receiver or possibly #2. Although I dont think Toliver is ready for that because he will need to bulk up. He is even smaller than LaFell, so I cant see him going over the middle until he strengthens up. If Benton can qualify he may make a real push for PT. Everyone is focusing on Toliver and forgetting Benton IMO. He has big time potential himself. Im not sure about him seeing time at WR, but Brooks may be used as a return man, he has electrifying skills, plus excellent speed.

On defense Id expect both Francois and Jones to see some PT. Both could be big time special teams players while getting themselves established in the S rotation. One may even become a starter, but McCray played well so they do have a fight ahead of them.

With his jump on everything Barksdale has a great shot at making the rotation next year. Corely could see some time as well in the rotation. He may be used similarly to how K Pittman was used in the championship season, as a pass rush specialist.

Id expect most of the OL to redshirt because most need to fill out more. McCoy will probably be the only one ready for significant time. LSU has a lot of highly touted OL on the bench waiting to play.

 

I've heard mention of Chad jones at LB. Not sure if he would want to bulk up from 220 to the 230's as I doubt he wants to lose his baseball size.

 

He'll slim down before he moves to LB, atleast for this next year. Maybe later in his career he would switch if he found himself unable to stay light...

As for Korte, I've heard a lot of people mention that he could be a LB, but haven't heard any rumors about him actually being moved there. He was tried out at Safety, but I don't know if he will stay there.