LSU Football: Projecting Tigers' 2013 Offensive Depth Chart

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LSU is a program that has been defined by its dominant defense over the past couple of years, but this 2013 team has the potential to be outstanding on the offensive side of the ball as well.

First-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger had his ups and downs this season, but now, with one year of experience under his belt, he should have this offense flying high next season.

But who else should play a large role in the LSU Tigers' offensive game plan in 2013?

Will freshman running back Jeremy Hill maintain his starting role with a healthy Alfred Blue back in play next year?

Let's find out as we go ahead and project the Tigers' 2013 offensive depth chart.

Quarterback

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1. Zach Mettenberger

2. Stephen Rivers

3. Rob Bolden

The quarterback depth chart should stay the same for LSU heading into next season, baring any injuries, transfers or dismissals.

Mettenberger showed a ton of improvement over the second half of the season and appears poised for a breakout year in 2013.

Rivers will continue to learn from Mettenberger, and Bolden, a transfer from Penn State, will do much the same.

The Tigers signed two talented freshmen this year as well in Hayden Rettig and Anthony Jennings, who should also help push the reserves and learn from the veterans.

This is one talented group of quarterbacks if everything plays out right in 2013.

Running Back

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1. Jeremy Hill

2. Alfred Blue

3. Spencer Ware

4. Kenny Hilliard

5. Michael Ford

If you thought this backfield was loaded this past year, wait until next season.

All five running backs from this year's team are expected to return in 2013, including starter Jeremy Hill, who came out of nowhere to lead the Tigers in rushing this season.

Hill will likely maintain his role as the lead back, although a healthy Alfred Blue could push him for that title. Blue was the Tigers' top rusher before a season-ending injury cost him the majority of this past year.

Also, don't forget about Ware, Hilliard and Ford, three guys all capable of breaking out at any point. Ford led the Tigers in rushing in 2011, while Ware and Ford tied for the lead in rushing touchdowns.

This backfield is simply as good as it gets.

Wide Receiver

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WR1: Odell Beckham Jr.

WR1: Jarvis Landry

WR2: James Wright

WR2: Kadron Boone

Much like the running back group, this wide receiver should stay intact for next season.

Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry are the stars of the group.

Beckham Jr. led the Tigers with 673 receiving yards this season and an exceptional 16.8 YPC mark. He is electric with the ball in his hands once he gets into the open field.

Landry is another big-play threat who got better as the season went on, capping the regular season with one of the top catches throughout the college football season in LSU's win over Arkansas.

Wright and Boone are both solid and should get more opportunities next season when Miles opens up the offense a little more.

This group is as solid as it gets.

Tight End

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1. Nic Jacobs

2. Travis Dickson

2. DeSean Smith

Tight end was a position of weakness this year for the Tigers, at least from an offensive production standpoint.

After the graduation of DeAngelo Peterson last year, this was supposed to be Chase Clement's job and his time to shine.

That certainly didn't happen, as Clement hauled in just four passes for a measly 44 yards this season, despite being the team's starting tight end.

Sophomores Nic Jacobs and Travis Dickson caught five passes apiece this season, which isn't much to write home about either.

Those two should split time at tight end next season with Clement graduating, but keep an eye on true freshman DeSean Smith at the tight end position.

This kid has great size and is as talented as they come at that position. If the Tigers want to get more catches from this position, then I wouldn't be surprised in the least bit to see Smith being worked into the offensive game plan, certainly sooner than later.

Offensive Line

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LT Chris Faulk

     Chris Davenport

RT Vadal Alexander

     Ethan Pocic

C   Elliot Porter

     Ben Domingue

LG  La'el Collins

      Josh Boutte

RG  Trai Turner

      Josh Williford

This group was banged up this year but should be back and ready at full health for the start of the 2013 college football season.

Josh Dworaczyk and P.J. Lonergan are the only seniors on this offensive line who have received significant playing time.

Faulk, who was lost to injury early on this season, should form a dominant offensive tackle duo with Alexander, who had a standout season as a true freshman.

Collins and Turner will maintain their starting spots at guard, while Elliot Porter is expected to take over the role as the Tigers' starting center.

True freshmen Josh Boutte and Ethan Pocic are talented enough to come in and compete for playing time right away.

This group has the potential to be one of the top offensive lines in all the nation next year.