A much shorter, and more field-related question from me for the new year. Though I warn you, I am working on a screed re the upcoming 2006 QB derby, and I can't seem to make it as short as a message-board post should be. I apologize in advance for any eyeballs I'll soon be glazing over.

But for now, Left Tackle.

I know Ryan Miller played center this year before his injury, and I know that's what most people regard him as. But LSU's going to need a stud to step in for the underacheiving, but steadily excellent and supremely durable Andrew Whitworth to have a chance to keep things rolling in 2006. I think Miller may be the best man for the job, because here's what I can't get past:

- Miller has the Tackle body type (listed at 6'6", 305);

- Miller was a Parade AA, 4-star recruit, and it's pretty well documented that a premium player at LT is essential (approx. 75% of all NFL LT's are 1st rounders; and LT's have the lowest bust rate of 1st round selections). We've also seen Kevin Mawae and (I think) Louis Williams move from LT to C at LSU in the past, so the skillsets of the positions appear to be similar, and someone with the individual pedigree and skillset of Miller should be able to plausibly make the switch.

- There are other players in the pipeline, notably Helms and Decker, who appear able to play center, but who couldn't also play LT. So assuming Miller isn't far and away a better center than EITHER of those two, you have to look at it from a basic opportunity-cost perspective. If you've got 3 guys who can play center but only 1 who can play LT as well, putting Miller at center costs you two slots (whoever else you put at LT, and whichever potential center has to sit because Miller's at center).

- There doesn't appear to be anyone else. Big Herm looks like he's probably a guard. Brian Johnson's an OK RT at best and probably an OG in the NFL, Dyakowski is an x-factor but unproven and lacking Miller's pedigree, and neither Symonette nor Loadholt could come in and start right away, by all accounts, if they signed.

I'd appreciate both commentary on my ramblings and any inside info on the 2006 LT derby. It may be more important than the QB derby that I've threatened to bore you about in the future.

I'm thinking we may be forced to play Brian Johnson there. I think he would be ok. He has an NFL future and I too do not think it is at tackle, but he is the best we have coming back.