LSU Defense Looks Strong in 2008 Despite Personnel Losses

The 2008 LSU defense looks to rebound from its worst performance statistically since 2001—no easy task considering what LSU has to replace in 2008.

Gone from last year's national champions are All-American defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, safety Craig Steltz, linebackers Ali Highsmith and Luke Sanders, and cornerbacks Chevis Jackson and Jonathon Zenon.

Plenty of Tiger fans, including myself, were willing to help Bo Pelini pack his bags for Nebraska midway through the 2007 season.  But what us spoiled LSU fans seemed to forget was that the 2007 defense suffered some major losses on the D-line that affected the team's play throughout the season.

First, let's start with Charles Alexander, who missed basically the entire season due to injury.  Then there's Ricky Jean-Francois (RJF), who was suspended the entire regular season due to academic problems.  RJF would play in the SEC and BCS Title games and make a huge impact.

Oh, and let us not forget that Dorsey played much of the second half of the season hurt due to a bad back and bad knee.

The injuries, combined with what I felt was Pelini's inability to adapt to different personnel, were what hurt the defense last season. 

All that said, the season ended with LSU raising the crystal ball.  Okay, so let's move on to 2008.

There's no doubt that Dorsey leaves the biggest void on defense, but ironically, I think LSU's defensive line will be every bit as good as last season, if not better.  How can that be, you ask?

Well, as I stated above, Charles Alexander was out for the year.  RJF did not play until the final two games of the year.  And Bo Pelini will not be roaming the LSU sidelines thinking about whom he is going to add to his coaching staff at Nebraska.

Okay, I joke about the last sentence.

In 2008, the defensive line will once again be LSU's strong point.  Tyson Jackson, a potential first round pick, comes back at right defensive end.  Kirston Pittman, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility, will start at left defensive end.

Prior to 2007, Pittman spent much of 2005 and 2006 on the bench with injuries.  When healthy, he has been a solid performer at the defensive end position for the Tigers.

Alexander and RJF will start at the defensive tackle positions.  Both men had strong 2006 campaigns serving as backups and look to make a huge impact for LSU in 2008.

Behind this starting four are a number of able-bodied backups, some of whom are guys who saw a fair amount of playing time in 2007.  The others are highly touted recruits vying for playing time in 2008. 

The depth on the defensive line is awesome.  I am not trying to speak like a homer, but it is the absolute truth.  One thing that Pelini did well was rotate a number of guys in and out, giving everyone good experience against quality competition.  The key backups who figure to get the most playing time are defensive tackles Marlon Favorite and Al Woods, and defensive ends Tremaine Johnson and Rahim Alem.

Senior Mike (middle) linebacker Darry Beckwith looks to rebound from a subpar junior season to lead the LSU linebacking corps.  Beckwith, along with Pittman, are the returning leaders in tackles for LSU.  Beckwith had 65 tackles a year ago, 6.5 for loss.

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