We need some football conversation, so here goes: Which Tigers will break on to the national scene and surprise the country? There's lots of possibilities here between new starters, guys that didn't get much national pub last year, guys who will break-out into better players... Will any Tigers disappoint (ie Justin Vincent in '04)?
guys who will surprise the country: RJF, Richard Murphy, Patrick Johnson, John Williams, Jarrett Lee guys who will disappoint: D-Byrd Don't get me wrong. D-Byrd will be the undisputed best receiver on the team. But I don't see him being this Heisman candidate, etc... that some here project him to be.
My picks to surprise: Charles Alexander & Ricky Jean Francois on the DLine - both because they were out the majority of last year & will be first day picks (I still consider it the top 3 rounds). Joseph Barksdale at RT, will get All-SEC consideration. And three other Tigers, which will come somewhat at the expense of others: Coleman at SS, Murphy at RB, and LaFell at WR. Chad Jones, Keiland Williams & Byrd will be considered somewhat dissapointments, because they better known nationally than their counterparts but won't end up being the better players next year. Jones will play a lot, but many people will be dissapointed he isn't a starter - same story with Williams. Byrd is not a complete WR, and I see LaFell succeeding more in the offense that will be very dependent on shorter routes. However, our OLine is very strong so we may be able to get it down field more than I expect. It all comes down to the QB.
Surprise = Charles Scott. I just have that feeling. Other surprise, Keiland also has a great year. Scott is more versatile, with power and blocking, but Keiland makes some great runs. LSU! running back by committee is the talk of the SEC. Disappointment - quarterback play. If we don't have a creditable passing threat, the running game will get stacked up in the big games, and we get "rohskayed" (anybody play marbles in the 50's at school?).
Nobody is expecting much from our QB's, so it'd be tough to disappoint. If anything I'm hopeful they will impress, based largely on the talent around them & Crowton's playcalling.
Agreed. Another guy who will be more important to LSU this year will be Colt David. Dude has to be money this year because LSU might not be able to finish drives off as well as in the past with the freshman QB. But anytime I have a team with: 1. Strong running game 2. Strong defense I like their chances.
Simple and to the point. I like it! If Tyson Jackson continues to commit stupid penalties and not keep his head in the game and lead this defense, I will consider him a disappointment. Surprise - I am waiting to see some more of Curtis Taylor. All the talk has been about Chad Jones. But Taylor came on strong late last season, and I think will emerge as key leader/playmaker in the secondary this season.
Surprises: Quinn Johnson--Catching out of the backfield Ryan Baker--Will help in a big way with the thin LB unit Hatch Taylor Murphy Disappointments: Lee--think he will struggle the 1st half of the season dealing with pressure and pick up steam the 2nd half. Toliver--Will show flashes again but can see him struggling with his plays again this year.
