That's a tie ... Booger had that 4.65 speed ... but he was a really laid back guy ... this Lavalais is ... an ANIMAL ... and will be a blast to follow his career in the pros
Have to respectfully disagree, TE. I'm undecided as to whether Booger or Chad is the better DT, but there's nothing about "the system" that helps Chad Lavalais absolutely blow up a center or guard after the snap, driving his man some 3-5 yards into the offensive backfield and, in Eli's case, into the QB. Dude gets the job done at the point of attack, which allows our huge DEs to make THEIR plays, etc. Chad is the big-ass straw that stirs the drink on defense, not the other way around.
Once it again we have a player comparision comparing a player from today, to a player who was on the field when I was at LSU (first Faulk and now Booger). And it is another tough one to call. And once again I have to give a biased pick . . . Booger. It is hard for me to say who dominated the line more. I think Chad had a better system to play under, but they are both extremely talented D-lineman. Chad probably has more talent.
Tejas the key is the lack of a double team when Lavalais blew into the back field. When Booger was a senior the opposing teams could consistantly double team him because he had no help. Now if Lavalais is double teamed, Williams, Spears, or Hill kills the QB. Lavalais has earned all the awards he is getting but he has help and I will bet that he will give credit to his teammates.
As good as Lavalais is, what Booger has done since he left has shown what kind of player he is. Let's give Lavalais a few years in the pros to make an evaluation. As far as at LSU, I'd call it a tie.
Wouldn't you just love seeing Booger at the other DT along with Lavalais under Saban's system? Too bad they didn't both come along at the same time.
Its just nice to say LSU had those two great players, and in the years I have watch LSU play, Marshall, McFarland and Chad have been by far an away the best on the line with Henry Thomas a close 4th. About Melancon, how many OLB at LSU did you every see them run a rb down from the far side of the play? Lyman White and Rydell are two very underated OLB in LSU history.
