Something I am not understanding is the talk of depth. Last year, most all of our depth were Fresh/Soph kids. Same for this year. Chavis statements the other day suggest our depth will be lacking. No resown to doubt the man as he knows what he is doing. However, do you think his statements are more towards, unproven talent as apposed to talent itself? IMO, I think the depth wont be much of an issue depending on this one very important fact. CAM CAMERON...... Thoughts?
The defense has talent a-plenty but they are young. I think most of the depth conversation is about guys being unproven but maybe someone else can shed more light on the situation. That said, I went through the roster briefly and took a look at what we have and there is probably some cause for concern. I fully expect Chief will get the best out of these guys and our D could be scarry good in a few years because we are playing so many young players. Here is what I came up with: Defensive Ends - Rasco, Allen and Maclin are all Juniors. Obviously Rasco is the gem of this group. Danielle Hunter and Ronnie Feist are the only Sophomores. I haven't heard much about Feist's progress with change from LB but he definitely has the size to play the position. We have four incoming freshmen who are all highly recruited. Provided we can get solid production from one or more of the incoming Freshmen, I think we'll be okay. That said, we can't afford to have multiple injuries here. Defensive Tackles - Ferguson and Freak are both Juniors and are starters without a doubt. Quinten Thomas and Mickey Johnson are behind them and are both Sophomores. We have three incoming freshmen who are all highly recruited and I think LaCoutre has already showed he is ready to play some snaps. Again, we can't afford multiple injuries here either. Linebackers - Probably our strongest position depth wise oddly enough. Barrow and Tahj Jones are both seniors and then we have three sophomores: Alexander, Louis, and Deion Jones....all three who could start tomorrow. Add to that three incoming, highly recruited freshmen and I think we are okay at LB this year. DB's - Loston is our only senior and Ronald Martin our only junior. Past that we are stocked with standout sophomores Collins, Mills, Sandolph and Thompson. given the incoming freshmen we are expecting on campus in the fall I think we should be okay here also. Again, a few injuries could spell trouble. All told, I would say that we are going to be young regardless. A few key injuries could make us a hell of a lot younger so we cannot afford it. I guess there is something to the depth problem. Not for talent, but for experience.
If the offense scores too freely it could be a dual edged sword. The defense will need time between its shifts or depth can become an issue. However scoring quickly is a lot better option than a quick three and out. Everyone seems to be harping on scoring and I get it, but I would rather see more possession time and the ability to score when needed. Ball control is the best thing that an offense can do to compliment a defense.
I have said it before, LSU is long on talent and short on experience at Defense this year. I also preface that by saying this: a lot of our "lack of experience" at positions is based on players not being starters, but if you look at our defense under Chavis, the rotation is so heavy that a lot of our in experienced guys actually have good, quality game experience. I have a sneaky suspicion that our defense will be better than some give it credit for. DE is the one position that I think we do not have a "proven entity", but LB and Secondary are littered with players that had a lot of game experience last season, they just might not have been starters. I also agree with you about Cam Camern. IF there EVER was a season where LSU's Offense was going to drive the bus, this is it. LSU is loaded with returning starters and depth. It will be a Huge disappointment, to me at least, if our Offense is not the talking point of our team by the second game.
Good points. I guess the depth issue can relate more to possible injury than talent. As I believe any talent we field will be of great quality.
On the Cam Cameron thing....if our offense can control the ball and sustain longer drives, the lack of experienced depth will become much less an issue. Either way.....I'm damn ready for some football. It's getting to be that time of year when I start watching last years games. By the time the season gets here I'll be going to every damn jv jamboree game in town until the big boys start.
With our running game, sustaining long drives doesn't worry me too much. But the drop-off in red-zone TD's last year still concerns me. I think Mettenberger can move it down the field, but I really want to see some more efficiency in punching in TD's when we get there.
Chief likes where were at with the starters, after that, we will have some true freshmen that will have a shot. LaCouture came in early and was pushed by the staff, knowing hes gonna get playing time in the fall. The schedule helps us, starting with TCU, this game we have a good shot to make some waves. Depth helps through the year and later in the year. This first game some of the newer kids will get worked in. After that, UAB, Kent and Barn, these games are just what is needed. Then comes at UGA, this will be the test, remember Ga. had 12 players on the defensive side of the ball that were draft eligible. They had 8 Sr starters, 1 Sr. backup, with 3 Jr starters coming out. Thats a ton. This is one game, LSU may run straight at them, using the big OL, then keep them honest with a few passes down field. Play action.....By time we hit the UGA, you'll know who can and can't play, many, before that. The thing that is known, Cam knows he'll have to score points, something that he can do. He has to control clock, something he can do. On paper, the talent being brought in on the DL is scary. Like I said, on paper. The kids coming in for the fall will all be given a shot. Summer workouts will come into play. The Gilmore kid, played in the 2013 Under Armour All-American Game and showed what he could do against the top talent. Bain, Bower, Herron, Jones(LB), Neal and Patterson will all has shots to see if they can provide backups. The one guy I saw play a few times is Beckwith, hes one that could come in an spell some players, hes too fast too athletic and too strong. He could play on the other side of the ball, hes that good. DE, may end up being his spot. I know some have said LB, but hes still growing. On the DB's, we look to have more than enough, the Tre'Davious White kid, is too good not to get playing time this year.
That is pretty much it Dad. I do think the D line is critical. The back 7 has experience and depth but if the front gets gashed the back will either be out of position or too tired at the end of haves & games. Hunter, Freak et al will be solid, but they need back ups. We can't afford to be pushed around on the line so that will end up being the key to the Ds performance. If you remember 2 years ago we were concerned as M & M were raw. While it is a worry I have faith in Chief & Moffit to put enough kids on the front to hold the line.
