5 LSU Tigers Poised for a Breakout Season

The difference between perfection and losing in the BCS National Championship Game could come down to the evolution of five LSU Tigers.

The Tigers proved in 2011 that with their young talent they are good enough to beat any team in the nation—they beat eight ranked teams, including the Orange Bowl Champion, Rose Bowl Champion and BCS national champions.

So, if young talents like Tyrann Mathieu, Tharold Simon, Eric Reid, Bennie Logan, Barkevious Mingo, Spencer Ware, Odell Beckham and Chris Faulk can continue to produce—along with breakthrough performances by five other Tigers—this season could be another magical one.

Here are five Tigers poised for a breakout season in 2012.

Kenny Hilliard

Some might believe 2011 was a breakout season for Kenny Hilliard, but I believe he's only scratched the surface of his true potential.

Hilliard can run defenders over with his size and power. He also possesses incredible speed to break away from defenders.

Last season, Hilliard rushed for 336 yards and eight touchdowns, and with more carries in 2012, Hilliard should gain over 500 rushing yards and hit double digits in rushing touchdowns.

Anthony Johnson

With Michael Brockers gone, Anthony "The Freak" Johnson is going to have to step up his production.

As a freshman, Johnson showed glimpses of greatness, but failed to make a tremendous impact on the game. Johnson totaled 10 tackles with three of them being for losses.

The man that broke the Louisiana career sack record in high school with 67 needs to translate that dominance to the collegiate level.

Jarvis Landry

Jarvis Landry became well-known for his devastating hits on special teams, but the Tigers need him to step up at the wide receiver position.

Landry has all the tools to be a great wide receiver, and that's a great thing considering that the Tigers top receiver Rueben Randle left for the NFL draft.

Landry made a few catches in 2011, but with Zach Mettenberger throwing him the rock in 2012, expect Landry to become a go-to-receiver this fall.

Craig Loston

Because of the brilliant play at the safety position by Brandon Taylor and Eric Reid in 2011, Craig Loston's playing time was limited.

However, with Taylor graduating, it's time for Loston to step up and become that hard-hitting safety that every Tiger fan knows he can become.

Loston will need to improve his coverage skills a little bit, but fans can expect Loston to pick up right where he left off as a redshirt freshman—when he had 22 tackles and an interception.

Zach Mettenberger

For the love of every LSU fan, Zach Mettenberger has to break out in 2012.

Mettenberger will get competition from Stephen Rivers for the starting job, but if Mettenberger's abilities hold true, he should be the starter undoubtedly, according to the Athens-Banner Herald.

Mettenberger has a cannon for an arm, and with a great offensive line protecting him in the pocket and more weapons than he can account for surrounding him, Mettenberger is ready to give the Tigers their first elite quarterback since Matt Flynn.