Not intending to bash a player here, so bear with me. If I'm head coach, I start working REALLY hard with Jarrett Lee. I know it is possible that RP will grow up and learn to be more responsible. But right now, I wouldn't hand him the keys to a car or the starting QB job. In my mind, he is a tremendously talented young man with no sense of responsibility. A ticking time bomb, if you will. If his maturity could catch up to his talent he would be scary in a great way - but right now, he's just scary. But that's just my opinion, and I'm sure CLM knows best. I'll certainly trust his judgment ! ldskule:
Definitely Barksdale... He'll be a great one. We better, as defense will struggle. It will be similar to UF this year. For all the RB by committee the past 2 years, we've still had one main guy. I can't figure out who that's going to be. For all the fans that love Keiland, the guy still has a ways to go before being a complete back. Richard Murphy's PT keeps going up... LaFell & Byrd will be our top 2 receivers, with Toliver 3rd IMO. As a true freshman Toliver has already pressed past the other guys on the depth chart for most plays. Honestly, I don't have much faith in the Mitchells, Dixon or RJ Jackson developing into top flight WRs. Even Richard Murphy plays at WR before these guys on some plays. Dixon will not have a break out year... He's at the bottom of the depth chart & he just isn't fast enough to climb it. With Crowton at the helm, I believe! Without looking at any stats, I'd say we'll end this year average about 450 yards and 35pts a game. Next year should be even better.
Scott is a bit further along, I think. He's usually my vote for first guy to come in. We need to get Murphy into the game, even if it means making him a full-time receiver. Eric Martin, Josh Reed and several other top LSU wideouts started here as running backs.
No one mentioned Quinn Johnson at FB. He is returning and is quietly having a very good year busting out holes for the backs this year. The O-line will be improved. I don't see any weaknesses in the offense for next year. It should be pretty explosive with the keys firmly in RP's hands. I don't see next year as being a rebuilding year when you look at who we have returning on both sides of the ball.
Some people question the defense next year but I think it will be fine. There is plenty enough talent to fill the spots that will be vacated.
Florida has plenty of talent too, but young/inexperienced guys make mistakes, and mistakes mean points for the opposition.
I agree with you on this. It won't have the top level talent of a Dorsey, but it will have great depth (rotating defensive lineman keeping everybody fresh). The sophomore version of Jones will be better than the senior version of Steltz. Taylor should improve as well at SS and make for one of the best SS/FS tandems in any given year at LSU. Beckwith leads the LBs along with the emergence of Perry Riley (he will be a beast). Sheppard should do an admiral job replacing Highsmith. Phelon Jones will emerge at one corner, with the other corner position being fought for between Eugene (who must improve) and Hawkins/Williams. We'll be just fine.
