tweets from K.J. Malone today: --@LSUfball bless to be apart of this program! --Ready for when we play Ole Mi$$ --One of the best days in my life! #Blessed #LSUFAM #GEAUXTIGERS --Love my life and everybody that's in it!
What Big Karl left out..... http://bleacherreport.com/tb/d9GG4?...m_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=sec-football
Thats the thing about OL, you never know who will step up and play. I remember when we signed Trai Turner, many thought he'd take a few years. Vidal Alexander was another that some said would take a few years, due to injuries, forced into playing and did well this year. Josh Dworaczyk was kind of a forgotten man, then he too because of injuries, forced to play a tough position, he too did very well. I remember when LSU signed Todd McClure, many said he was too short, too this and too that. Same when he was drafted in the 7th round of the NFL Draft, hes still playing at 6'1". I never count a kid out, you never know what they will do once they hit college, remember he is one of if not the youngest recruits we signed this year. Maybe the staff sees something you don't, can't knock this staff for finding talent. They do a job of this as good as most schools. You know Texas has only had 1(one) OL drafted into the NFL since 2007, an they get the pick of over 400 kids in the state of Texas? Oh, his Dad is 6'9", maybe the kid still has some growing to do.
Malone is actually in a very good position to get some early playing time. At Center he could be #2 on the depth chart right off the bat. The other prospect who will get a crack at Center is Dodd but I think the staff really likes him at OG but because of the depth at center either guy could be on the field earlier than expected.
Very well . . . but both still need some developmental time. Fine run blockers, but poor in pass protection as Clemson demonstrated. More than any position except quarterback, offensive linemen have to be smart readers of defenses and acquire skills that can only be gotten with lots of practice and playing time. But you learn faster playing than on the bench. If Williford can still pass block after his injury, he may just take his position back from Turner this season.
I think both play Red, one on each side at OG, we return 5 players that have started at least one game last year. Alexander, Porter, Collins, Turner and Williford. Some of the problem last year was Studs in the booth. Williford had a rough injury, hope he can return. I think there is a chance they start the season with those 5, if and when any move out during the season is to be seen. Collins made a major step last year from game one to the final one. Some of the Red-Shirt and True Freshman will get a shot, I want to see a little more in the Spring.
Not if Collins moves out. Thats one thing that the Staff is looking at, trying to get him to the OT position. Like I said, would like to see more in the Spring.
