SEC PREVIEWS LSU

Talent remains at reloaded LSU

LSU coach Les Miles speaks Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, on the sidelines during the second quarter against Arkansas at Razorback Stadium.
LSU coach Les Miles speaks Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, on the sidelines during the second quarter against Arkansas at Razorback Stadium.

HOOVER, Ala. - LSU’s defense took a big hit in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Of LSU’s school-record nine players drafted, eight were on defense, including linebacker Barktevious Mingo and safety Eric Reid in the first round and linebacker Eric Minter in the second round.

So how will the Tigers compete with two-time defending national champion Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M and Florida after losing so many players to the pros?

“It’s funny, I get that a lot from my family and friends - ‘Oh, you lost Reid, Mingo, Minter and all those guys,’ ” LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger said at SEC media days. “It’s still the SEC. There’s a reason Coach [Les] Miles has a private jet, so hecan go to New Jersey and recruit a defensive end.

Tigers At a Glance

LAST SEASON 10-3, 6-2 (tied for second) in SEC West

COACH Les Miles (85-21 in eight seasons at LSU, 113-42 in 12 seasons overall)

RETURN STARTERS 8 offense, 3 defense

KEY PLAYERS QB Zach Mettenberger, RB Alfred Blue, LB Lamin Barrow, SS Craig Loston

SEC TITLE SCENARIO LSU could be a surprise contender for the SEC title if Mettenberger has a big senior season and the defense gets a lift from several new, but talented starters. It should be helpful the Tigers have open dates before playing Alabama and Texas A&M.

“We’ve got talent,” Miles said. “By Week 5, a lot of those guys you haven’t heard about yet are going to be household names.”

Tashawn Bower, a freshman from Sommerville, N.J., rated by ESPN as the nation’s 11th-best high school defensive end, may be among the LSU newcomers to have an impact this season.

Outside Kendall Beckwith, from Jackson, La., and rated the nation’s No. 41 overall player by ESPN, is another highly-touted freshman to help the Tigers reload on defense.

Junior defensive tackles Ego Ferguson and Anthony Johnson and junior end Jermauria Rasco will be first time starters, but have a lot of playing experience. Johnson had 10 tackles for lost yards last season.

“I think we’ll be fine,” said LSU senior strong safety Craig Loston, a returning starter on defense along with senior linebacker Lamin Barrow and sophomore cornerback Jalen Mills. “We have young guys that played last year, and they played in bigtime games.

“I don’t think it will be a problem with them filling in and helping us win games week in and week out.”

John Chavis is going into his fifth season as LSU’s defensive coordinator and 24th season in the SEC, including 19 years at Tennessee as assistant - the past 14 as defensive coordinator. He won the Broyles Award in 2011 as the nation’s top assistant coach.

“I like what John does with our defense,” Miles said. “Maybe as talented a coach as I’ve been around.”

Five of LSU’s draft picks from last season’s defense were juniors, and Miles said the Tigers recruited with the belief they would lose several underclassmen.

“I like the position of our program,” said Miles, who has an 85-21 record in eight seasons at LSU, including the 2007 national championship. “I think we’ve made our mark over time. We’re looking forward to this fall.”

Mettenberger, a fifth-year senior who passed for 2,609 yards and 12 touchdowns last season as a first-time starter, said he’s excited to be working with new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, whose resume includes coaching 14 seasons in the NFL.

“Just knowing his pedigree, the guys he’s worked with, makes you pay attention and really want to learn everything you can from the guy,” Mettenberger said. “If I’m fortunate enough to play in the NFL, this is just a chance to get me prepared for that.

“There’s been a lot of studying and getting to learn a new playbook, but I’ve definitely embraced that challenge and enjoy it.”

Mettenberger said Cameron has worked on subtle changes on his throwing style, such as making sure he has his big toe pointed in the right direction.

“Nothing that dramatic,” Mettenberger said. “It’s not like I’m Tim Tebow and have terrible mechanics.”

Miles said he expects to see major improvements from Mettenberger under Cameron’s direction.

“We’re looking forward to this offense,” Miles said. “We feel like we’ll have an opportunity to be very dominant there. Certainly we’re playing much more confidently.”

Mettenberger said he’s more comfortable heading into this season.

“I learned a lot of tough lessons last year, but also a lot of good ones,” he said. “The ups and downs of the college football season is just something I’m more prepared for and ready to take on.”

Loston said he could see the improvement in Mettenberger going against him inspring practice.

“Zach is smarter, wiser. He’s a vocal leader now,” Loston said. “He’s doing all the right things.”

Sophomore tailback Jeremy Hill, LSU’s leading rusher last season with 755 yards and 12 touchdowns on 142 carries, remains suspended indefinitely for disciplinary reasons after an offseason arrest for punching a man outside of a bar. Hill’s status with the Tigers will be determined after his Aug. 16 court appearance.

Mettenberger said while he’s hopeful Hill will return to the Tigers, the team has plenty of confidence in senior Alfred Blue, who started the first three games at tailback last year and rushed 40 times for 270 yards before sustaining a season-ending knee injury.

“We all wish the best for Jeremy, but if Alfred Blue didn’t get hurt last year, a lot of people wouldn’t know who Jeremy Hill was,” Mettenberger said. “He was put in a situation last year where he had to play young, and he played very well. But having Alfred back as a senior, and showing what he’s capable of doing, is something I’m going to enjoy watching.”

Blue went through spring practice and Miles expects him to be full speed this season. The Tigers also have junior Kenny Hilliard, who rushed for 464 yards last season on 82 carries.

“I think Alfred Blue and Kenny Hilliard are good as there is,” Miles said.

LSU was picked to finish third in the SEC West by 243 voters at media days behind Alabama and Texas A&M, and the Tigers received just one vote to win the conference’s overall title.

“I think everybody enjoys being the underdog,” Mettenberger said. “It gives you extra incentive to practice harder and play harder.

“We’re a team that could care less what the rankings are, especially in the preseason. It means absolutely nothing.”

Miles said the Tigers may be young at some positions, but they don’t lack for talent anywhere.

“I like us,” Miles said. “I like us in any game.”

Sports, Pages 15 on 07/30/2013

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