So far, we've been concentrating on the 2010 recruiting class while the 2009 redshirts have been practicing, hitting the weight room, watching film, etc. Has anyone heard about how some of the redshirt freshmen are doing? Who has gained weight, increased their speed, learned the playbook, etc.? Who has made the greatest strides? On defense: I'm kind of curious how Barkevious Mingo did since he won the name of the year contest. Is he a DL prospect or is he sticking at LB. What about Lamin Barrow and Tahj Jones? Is Mike Brockers ready to play? Loston, Downs and Montgomery we've heard about or have seen in games, but is Davenport being considered for OL and will that put him back a year in development? What's up with Bennie Logan? On offense: We need help on OL so I'm wondering if Stavion Lowe and Josh Williford have made progress. Chris Faulk seems ready to get playing time. Is Morris Claiborne progressing? Drayton Calhoun? I know it's a lot to chew on, but maybe some people have inside info on the class of 2009...it was a good class and it's overall progress is crucial for LSU to compete with the rest of the west, which is a division that is better top to bottom than most conferences. I feel like sergeant Schultz..."I know nothing !!"
I expect Sam Montgomery to be the most significant redshirt next year and Brockers will also get playing time at DT IMO but he could play DE as well. Mingo moved to DE in practices this year but I still don't see him ready at his current weight. Heard good things about Logan as well but might be a year away unless he is forced into play due to injuries. Craig Loston is also going to get significant playing time now that Chad Jones is gone. I don't see Davenport moving to OL but it could happen. He recovered from his injury and is not 100% and I have heard great things about him. He is before Logan on the depth Chart but Montgomery and Brockers are ahead. Williford looks the part and then some. He could be a big sleeper from this class but not sure if that will start this year. Maybe next. Faulk at OT and Lowe at OG looks to have the better opportunity at getting playing time. But is is close between Williford and Lowe. Basically it was a pretty good OL class which will help our depth greatly next year. LB Minter will be in rotation and will likely see the field on defense. Garrett will push JJ for the starting job but I see JJ edging him out. He is the real deal though. Ford could be our workhorse. I wonder what Calhoun is going to play. I wouldn't mind seeing him getting some touches at the slot and returns. Haven't heard much about Tahj Jones, Josh Johns, or Lamin Barrow.
So Ford and Loston look like they'll play the most Brockers and Montgomery could play a lot, but not as much as the above two...Downs probably will get playing time also based on what he showed this year as a true freshman. Minter may step up and earn significant time. Davenport, (not 100%) and Logan are lagging behind. Calhoun and Claiborne are still looking for a position to settle in at and may need a year or so down in the depth chart to learn a position. Mingo is probably not ready for next year. Garrett still probably has to learn more before playing much at QB (the hardest position to learn) but is progressing normally. It's going to be a real interesting spring training. Jones, Johns, and Barrow are probably going to ride the bench all season. As for the OL, has Williford gotten a stronger physique?...he looked big and soft in the photos. Lowe seems ready if needed. How long does it usually take to develop offensive linemen?
If Garrett doesn't see the field much, it won't be because he needs more time to study the offense. This will be his second Spring and by all accounts he's a quick study. JJ will have to (and likely will) beat Garrett out on the field. I can't wait to see Minter and Ford. I think those two have the most and most consistent impact. Just after them, I think Faulk on OL. Damn. I gotta slow down. I'm gettin' all bothered again...:hihi:
Really really excited about Minter, Loston and Montgomery. Hopefully they can each grow into great players so we'll have a stud at all three levels of defense. On offense, I guess I'm excited for Ford and Faulk, simply because we're gonna need production and depth at those positions ASAP.
I see Davenport sticking at DT because of the lack of depth. Downs should start this year, played well as a true freshmen. Mingo I'm not sure whether they'll put him as a speed rusher or keep him at OLB I expect Minter to get a lot of playing time this year, as he looks ready I think T Jones and Barrow will be brought along slowly, and will be key depth at LB for the next couple of years. Logan could be a real sleeper, we'll have to wait and see Expect Loston to get the most PT, guy reminds me so much of Laron Landry. As for Offense Williford is freaking huge, hopefully he can play soon but I expect Lowe before him. Faulk should start this year, either at LT or RT depending on what Miles decides to do with Barksdale, I would expect they move him to LT Ford should be very good this year. Not sure how Murphy will rebound, so i expect to see a lot of him this year. Calhoun could play either RB or Slot and return kicks, so no telling with him Garrett will start for our team, not this year, but the guy is amazing. Big strong arm and a great pocket presence, bring him along slow to avoid the Lee affect and I see a bright future for him.
While true to some extent, I think this idea is seriously overstated. I'd say he uses it as a tie-breaker (Jai Eugene vs. Morris Claiborne) in the early parts of the season. I do not for one second think he plays upperclassmen over underclassmen who are clearly superior (like P. Peterson, R. Randle, J. Downs).
:geaux: Bhelm, what's the latest on how QB Barret Baily is doing? Will he possibly be in the mix come spring? :LSU231:
