LSU Defense Looks Strong in 2008 Despite Personnel Losses

Perry Riley and Kelvin Sheppard will replace graduating seniors Ali Highsmith and Luke Sanders at the Buck and Will (outside) linebacker positions.  Sheppard is probably most known for being confused for former LSU QB Ryan Perrilloux.  The two shared jersey number 11 last year.

It confused many announcers as well as many LSU fans, often posing the question, "Why is Ryan Perrilloux playing special teams?"  Luckily, this season we need not worry about that.

Riley and Sheppard both have to improve their games in 2008.  With the injuries accrued along the defensive line in 2007, the linebacking corps struggled at times.  If LSU looks to repeat as SEC, or even perhaps BCS champions, this is an area where improvement is extremely necessary.

The one area where the biggest questions arise for the 2008 LSU defense is the secondary. 

The only returning starter in the secondary is Curtis Taylor.  However, the talent is rich but unproven among the rest.  Backing up Taylor will be Harry Coleman, who had a solid game against Ohio State.

Getting the start at strong safety will be sophomore Chad Jones.  Jones follows in the mold of a Laron Landry hard-hitting safety type.  Danny McCray will back up Jones.  McCray needs to improve in pass coverage to get valuable playing time.

Cornerback will be the crapshoot.  Jackson and Zenon were very good cover corners.  Unfortunately, the guys backing them up in 2007 were not. 

Looking to fill the void at corner is redshirt freshman Phelon Jones and true freshman Patrick Johnson.  Johnson was perhaps LSU’s most highly touted recruit back in February.

Overall, there are some question marks for the 2008 defense.  However, I do think the Tigers can improve in 2008. 

A healthy defensive line will go a long way in determining how good this defense can be.  Although LSU lost some key guys in the secondary, I think it too can be better, most notably at the safety position.

That's no disrespect to Craig Steltz, who was tremendous for LSU, but at times was a liability in pass coverage.  I think better athletes at the safety positions will help the freshman corners transition into their starting roles.

But if this team is to improve from last season, it most look no further than its most glaring statistic—the Tigers ranked 101st in red zone scoring defense last year, something that is absolutely unheard of at LSU. 

This defensive unit will be called upon this season to make some key plays, especially with the inexperience at the quarterback position.  It will be no small order, but this defense must be up to the task for LSU to have the huge success that is expected of them.

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