I'll go ahead and play the role of hater and say it: Biggest disappointment: Russell Shepard Reuban Randle Not because they will have bad seasons or will be bad players. They just won't see the field NEARLY as much as some of you here seem to think. Randle will be a third and long receiver in the beginning of the season and Shepard will be a gadget. Randle won't be given the chance to be the Julio Jones just because LSU's depth chart at WR isn't as messed up as Bama's was last year.
Well, in that situation I don't know that I'd call them disappointments. If we've got so much talent on the roster already that 2 of the nation's top 10 incoming freshmen can't get on the field, its going to be a great season!
I don't call them disappointments, either. I just think they will fall below the lofty goals many are setting out for them.
Are we really that deep at WR? Everyone is assuming that Toliver is due for his breakout year because of flashes of what he's done so far, but he still has a lot to prove before he can be considered that go-to guy going forward. If Jefferson begins to struggle significantly, Shepard may be seeing more PT than you think. If it's up to Lee to lead the team through a Jefferson injury, Shepard may turn into a Perrilloux-type option.
It took Les Miles until 10 games without having a QB before he tried the true freshman last year. With Jefferson and Lee both a lot better than they were last season, Shepard will NOT be the every snap QB on this team at any point this year, unless injury.
I feel I must clarify... When I picked Shep, I wasn't talking about at QB.. I feel he'll be on the field a good bit, but lined up in some other capacity. It's going to be a given that IF he lines up at QB, he's pretty much going to run. As far as Randle and the receiving corps goes, I think you could be right unless nobody steps up to full D. Byrd's shoes. If nobody does, Randle will see the field a good bit more. But I see what you're getting at.
Well , I must support sidell corley if he can Shake the lost of his mother I am going with him . TRUST ME...........opcorn:
Speaking about Demetrius Byrd....Anyone know how he's doing? Is he recovering from that car wreck OK and getting ready for camp?
Well, here's by pro-Rueben stance on whether he will play. I think he will play obviously, and a good bit. The thing about Tolliver when he came in, he had loads of potential, but very, very little polish. It still remains to be seen if he's grown into that potential anymore. Rueben on the other hand comes in with loads of potential AND loads of polish because he participated in more camps and even without a senior year at WR, got more reps because of the wide open offense. He was the focal point of that offense even with Randall Mackey at QB. Add to that his punt returning and QB duties and he's made himself very valuable in a number of ways. That's why I think he sees the field early and often. We know Crowton likes the gadget plays, and that's why I don't think it should automatically be assumed that Shep will handle ALL the Wild Tiger duties...Shep and RR in the backfield together anyone? From what I'm told, Tolliver was dominant in high school, but came from a conservative offense...hence the loads of potential tag. IF Rueben doesn't play much this year, that is a GREAT sign for the receiver corps at LSU. Anyway, I'm going with P-double on defense to insert himself into the best corner in CFB conversation by the end of the season. I have a feeling Brandon Taylor inserts himself into the CB equation as the season progresses, but not necessarily a breakout season. And it's time for Chad Jones to make the leap to elite status. And to start collecting "ooooo" hits. Harry Coleman will be a tackling machine in Chavis' defense if he keeps good technique. T-Bob on offense, just because his name is kick ass. It just sounds like a lineman, and a damn good one. Jefferson on offense for obvious reasons.
