LSU Football: Ranking the Tigers' 7 Best Returning Players

Coming off a 13-1 record, LSU will have an abundance of talent coming back for the 2012 season, a Top Five ranking and high expectations. These expectations, especially from the Tiger faithful, demand coach Les Miles reload each year and compete for titles. 

Some may see lofty expectations as a road to disappointment. Others may be motivated to overcome those challenges. 

Key losses off the 2011 team include: underclassmen cornerback Morris Claiborne, defensive tackle Michael Brockers and wide receiver Rueben Randle, senior quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee (although some may see this as a gain), cornerback Brandon Taylor, fullback James Stampley and guard Will Blackwell.

With the loss of so many NFL-caliber players, LSU would appear to be headed down that disappointing road. After examining the 2012 team, the "Magnificent Seven" stand out as the best of the best coming back, motivated to challenge in 2012. 

Alex Hurst, Tackle

Alex Hurst was selected to the first-team 2011 All-SEC team by the coaches. He is a monstrous 6’6", 340 lbs and is a force in LSU’s power running attack.  

Barring injury, Hurst should be in the running for All-American honors.  

Hurst, along with left tackle Chris Faulk, will be the key to protecting junior quarterback Zach Mettenberger. 

Anthony Johnson, Defensive Tackle

Anthony Johnson, aka The Freak, follows in footsteps of recent Tiger greats: Drake Nevis, Glen Dorsey, Kyle Williams and Chad Lavalais.

A freshman All-American, Johnson lived up to to accolades of being named consensus No. 1 defensive tackle prospect by all major recruiting services in 2010.

With the experience gained in 2011, his potential is unlimited.

Eric Reid, Safety

The second-team All-American made the biggest play of the year for LSU (and the most controversial).

He ranked third on the team with 65 tackles and had two interceptions. However, his instincts and leadership set him apart from statistics.

Reid will be in the running again for All-American honors in what should be the best secondary in the FBS.

Sam Montgomery, Defensive End

All-American Sam Montgomery should return with a vengeance in 2012.

His nine sacks led the team and rank fourth in school history for most sacks in a single season. His strength, technique and football instincts will only grow for the 2012 season.

LSU had better appreciate this season with Montgomery; it’ll likely be his last as a Tiger. 

Tyrann Mathieu, Cornerback

Where to start with the Honey Badger. The list of accolades is long for the Heisman finalist. However, his play on the field (and his mouth) back all of the awards given off of it.

The diminutive Mathieu plays with an eye of the tiger and the heart of a lion that resonates to his teammates and throughout Tiger Nation.

Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End

Keke Mingo is alleged to have run a 4.5-second 40-yard dash (at 6’5", 240 lbs). 

Mingo led LSU with tackles for loss with 13.5 and was second on the team in sacks with eight.

Size, speed and more speed—he should get bigger in the offseason and faster. 

Mingo, Montgomery and Johnson will combine to be a force on the defensive line in 2012. 

Brad Wing, Punter

Offense, defense, special teams—the proverbial third wheel in football is where All-American Brad Wing resides.

Some statistics: 23 punts inside the 20-yard line, 11 punts inside the 10-yard line and 18 punts of 50-plus yards.

However, his true value is hidden in the statistics. His uncanny accuracy directly affected the field-position battle and swung games in LSU’s favor.