I love our stable of running backs. I wish we could use all of them a lot more often. I am afraid that by spreading the wealth, we will dilute the expertise. At the same time, and I admit, talking out of both sides of mouth, I want them all to play, a lot.
i agree--- he only works out bc when lsu comes with the blitz- he takes chances and or cleans up the trash--- man to man- he gets burned waaaaaayyyy more than u think-- go back and watch the ala championship game
The biggest position battles will definitely be at WR and LB, though I think there is a chance that we see good competition for playing time in the secondary. I am also very anxious to see which players switch positions. I think Alfred Blue, who is 6'2" and a very physical guy, would make an outstanding WR if he has the hands.
I expect Landry to take over at the X WR position as our 3rd WR. I am shocked you have Hilliard starting, with Ford 2nd string at RB. I understand that Ware was the 3rd best back at the end of the season, but he was still starting. At this point, I think it's entirely up to Ware - he's got the talent to start, but we'll see if he prepares like it. We have a sick amount of depth at RB, Hill will definitely be redshirted, and I wouldn't be surprised if we moved Blue to LB. Josh D has been and will be ready to play. Collins will be the T-Bob (except more talented) of 2012's line, filling in wherever and whenever needed. At Center, expect Porter to be 2nd string (although I know Dominque and wish him the best). At DE, I have a hard time imagining Lavar Edwards starting over Mingo, except against a big OL like 'Bama. They will likely split time pretty evenly, but Mingo could become a break-out star with another 15lbs of muscle. At DT, it will be a good battle between Downs, Freak, and Ferguson, but I think Downs will start if (a big if) he's healthy. If not, my gut says Freak as well. Tahj Jones and Minter definitely 2 of the 3 LB starters. The other one will be a true fight, but I think there will be more contenders than just Muncie & Borrow - look for a RB or DB to be switched to LB, and a freshman or two to compete heavily as well. Randle is no longer on the team. One safety spot is up for grabs. Loston is obviously the favorite, but he will have to earn it. I'm not sure why you have Martin at CB, I think he played Safety in the Ole Miss game - he'll be the backup/competing with Loston to start. Miles burned Martin's redshirt for essentially a half of play in a blow out, but he looked good and passed up Gibson on the depth chart. At CB, look for Jalen Collins to fill-in whenever Mathieu moves to nickel. A couple of this past year's DB's have said he could be the better than Patrick Peterson/Claiborne/Mathieu.
Hopefully, Miles will give others a chance to compete. His track record has shown that he is too loyal to the upperclassman. I would think that some of the OL talent like Collins, would be more of a talent to start over the current roster. WR should be wide open! LB should be wide open!
Keep an eye on Hill, Les and the guys like to start the RB's (Like he did with Hilliard) at FB, the big guys. This can be a start for Hill. Word is hes a little heavy. Collins on the OL is one to keep an eye on also, he may play a little OG and OT, Hurst is a Sr and Faulk with a good year, may have a shot to go out after his Jr year. If the 5* Davenport makes a move, this is the year to do it. Many of these OLmen will get a shot in the Spring and during the season. Many will spend time on Special Teams, a thing the staff likes using them in.
True. In the NFL, he projected as a Safety. Thats where he'll play. Martin has a good shot to get a ton of playing time. Remember, we won't have a Sr. Safety or CB on the roster this year, not saying we won't have one leave, the NFL teams are looking at DB's every year from LSU, Cooper and Chief have these kids NFL ready. TM7, Reid and Simon could all have a shot to go out early. Reid with another good year, looks to be the most likely. This year Brandon Taylor is the guy I'd like to see have a shot in the NFL, Ryan Clark is winding down at Pitt. BT would fit into the LeBeau system.
