Does the Offensive MVP Rueben Randle come back or go pro?

Here is the question. How does the o line look next year? Will big "D" get a medical redshirt and be able to return next year ? If so that makes our line much better. The reason we run the ball so well is because our line is great. What about next years line? I believe if our line is as good as this years , and gives mett time to throw, we can repeat. Collins will most likely start next year.[/QUOTE]

2012 Offense - returning Offensive players that are starters or have played this season:
R. Randle- WR- SR
A Blue- RB - Jr
J Fobbs- WR- So
Mettenberger- QB- Jr
Sheppard- WR- Sr
Magee- RB- So
Hilliard- RB- So
ODB Jr- WR- So
T. Dickson- TE- So
M Ford- RB- Jr
JC Copeland- FB- Jr
E. Washington- OL- So
P.J. Longerham- OL- SR
A Hurst- OL- SR
C Davenport- OL- Jr
J Williford- OL- Fr
C Faulk- OL- Jr
LaEl Collins- OL- So
J Landry- WR- So
J Wright- WR- Jr
N Jacobs- TE- So (he's going to be a beast)
K Boone- WR- Jr
C Clement- TE- Sr

I am counting 7 OL that return, with the possibility of Dworkiack (sp?) of a medical red shirt. I may also be missing a couple of redshirt freshman for next year that will get PT. I think our OL will still be strong and may rotate much like our DL does this season

 

I believe Rivers is will be a RsFr next season. Given to years to "grasp" our offense, it would seem like he would be ready to take over as a Junior. At 6' 7" and about 210 lbs (I think), the recruiting reports said he was a diamond in the rough that needed to add weight and some speed, but has a strong arm and can make all the throws. I do not see Miles rushing Rivers to the field, unless injury to someone else.

I would not discount Randall at all. He is a bigger version of R Shepard. Great skill and rumored to have the strongest arm on the team. At one of the QB camps last season he threw the ball 84 yds.

Look at the returning Offensive players and LSU is in great shape at all positions.

 

Stats are not the end all be all. Skills are. NFL guys know he plays in a run first offense. With that in consideration, his stats compare very well to guys like Blackmon and Criner and Broyles who play in pass heavy offenses. Case in point, Alshon Jeffrey's stats this year are average but he's a projected top 5 pick. He just plays in a run-first offense.

IF, the offense really does open up next year, RR will have the opportunity to put up awards worthy numbers, but his draft stock will be based on improving his speed and leaping ability. The workout warrior stuff.

 

I believe the best thing for Randall is to stay, but...... The lure of big money can be overwhelming.

 

Alshon Jeffrey has fallen prey to what our WR's have the last few seasons: poor to mediacre QB play. If the QB's throw for a lot of yards someone has to be on the other end of that. USC has had poor QB play this season, but that should improve next year for them.

 

If it improves, it will be without him. His draft stock has not been affected. He's still projected top 5 and in many cases, ahead of Blackmon.

 

I agree 100%. Alshon is a special player and does not need another year to prove that. If I were a NFL team I would not hesitate to take Alshon. He really is that good. Someone else mentioned that RR is not a "household" name and I think that will affect his draft status this year as much as anything. He is projected in the top 8-10 WR's this year and could be in the top 3-4 next year and THAT will make him a lot more money. I hope he comes back.

Having said that, I really think J. Jandry is going to be a special WR for us. He seems to have some real intangibles that can't be ignored.

 

You sound like me now. I hate that Shep took his snaps because he's a better receiver than Shep now. I'm sure learning routes had as much to do with it as anything, but all those balls Shep has dropped would be catches with Landry. He probably went into the season with the best hands already. And he's mean as a pit viper. I think he's going to be a really special player. I just wish he was 6'4...

 

Most of the above quotes seem to underestimate the abilities and wisdom of the typical NFL scout. RR runs great routes, else why would he have gotten so open for many of his TD's and long gainers? He is able to go across the field and absorb hits, and still hold on to the ball. He is certainly fast enough. The only weakness I see are occasional lapses of focus. He is subject to occasional drops. For this, alone, another year would raise his draft stock. I think the main determinant will be his personal situation. There are things we are unaware of with these kids and he may feel that he "needs" to go pro for some off the field reason.