LSU Football Under the Micro-Scope: Five Tigers Clawing Their Way Up

Spelling "Team" with an "I" is one of the first no-no’s you learn when playing a group sport. Star Treks’ Spock said it best: “the needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few.” 

Loosely translated? There’s no room for prima-donnas. 

The sacrifice and price you pay on every wind sprint, every sled drill, and every blow both given and taken, are for the team. Self becomes last; your family of brothers come before you, your stats, and your press. 

With that said, there are always a group of men who will shine a little brighter on the gridiron, and for Tiger Nation and the 2009 football season, I look for these five players to roar a bit louder this year and prove to be invaluable to the success of the Tiger’s quest for a stellar season.    

Drake Nevis

When you hear the name Glenn Dorsey, you picture a T-Rex in purple and gold…mean, nasty, and hungry to eat every play that was in front of him. 

What does Dorsey have to do with big Drake Nevis?

Dorsey, on several occasions, was singing praises to Nevis mid-way through his senior season for his "motor" and tenacity. Tiger Nation was hoping for "Baby Dorsey" to pick up where he left off. 

That never happened—at least not yet.

Nevis seemed to get in the "dog-house" of sorts with the coaching staff; the same coaching staff that is no longer the coaching staff.  

Nevis did have to deal with some injuries, but never seemed to get back in the graces of Peveto and Mallory. 

Now that the defense has a new general, Nevis is born-again.

"I feel great right now," Nevis said. "I'm having fun every day with the coaching. I really like the experience these coaches bring. These coaches are very focused and they have a lot of intensity on the practice field."

If John "Chief" Chavis is the new general, his colonel is Brick Haley and Nevis digs Brick—Mr. Brick of course.

"I'm glad with my progress," Nevis recently said. "If not for coach (Haley), I would not be better. Coach Haley has a great attitude. He's been a blessing to me with the experience he has."

Will Nevis realize his "Dorsey-like" potential this year? 

I wish I had that crystal ball, but I don’t. Until then, we have to wait and see. So cliché I know—but so true. 

My money is on Nevis to bring a lot of thunder and lightning on the D-line this year.  Look for double digit sacs and hurries this year. Baby T-Rex will be ready to eat.   

Jacob Cutrera

The time has finally come for Jacob Cutrera to move to the big boy’s table in becoming the starting middle linebacker. 

With Darry Beckwith having graduated, Cutrera looks to make his mark.

"I am definitely looking forward to this season," Cutrera said. "I have one year to go. I am looking forward to making it the best. It's been a good spring for me so far. I'm fine. I've stayed healthy."

Cutrera has been impressive this spring and has Defensive Coordinator Chavis impressed with his skill, work ethic, and determination.

Although making a lot of noise his first year on special teams by racking-up 20 tackles his first year, Cutrera has not thoroughly lived-up to his potential the last few season due to injuries.

"Injuries are one thing you can't do anything about," Cutrera said. "But, I don't regret anything that has happened to me at LSU. It has been a great experience for me."

Look for Cutrera’s experience to be that much better now that "Chief" has the defensive reigns. After LSU was embarrassed many times last year, Cutrera had a lot to say about what different this year compared to last.

"There are a few tweaks for the linebackers. We are going to be more downhill than in the past. We want to stop the run first and the pass second."

Cutrera added also that: “the makeup of the players is different. You can see it in the players' eyes. There is a different demeanor. I am sure the defense will be considerably better. I like what we're doing at spring. There is fire in our eyes."

If that fire stays hot, look for Cutrera and Co. to wreck many opponents’ game plans.

T-Bob Hebert

Anyone who goes by T-Bob is a guy I want to play on my team. Just his name alone is one that conjures up a vision of a guy who is big, mean, and an overall nasty fella’ on an offensive line.    

Hebert who was the second overall rated center coming out of high school, red-shirted his freshman season in 07’, and now is projected to replace two outstanding centers from years past in Brett Helms and Ryan Miller. 

Needless to say, he has some big shoes to fill.

The road to the starting center position has been a bit rocky however. Hebert has had to overcome and rehab from a knee injury from last year against the Gamecocks.   

"I was running down on a punt against South Carolina," Hebert said. "I planted my foot. It stayed put and my leg turned. So, I hurt my knee."  

The recovery process is ahead of schedule and has been much faster than expected. Hebert is practicing and doing everything except for full-contact "live" drills. He expects to be in contention for the starting position and excited for the opportunity.

“It is fun trying to win a job," Hebert said. "Mentally, I feel more confident now with what I'm doing. I have more of a grasp of the offense. Coach (Greg) Stud, Brett, and Ryan really helped me last season."

Keep up the good work Hebert.

I’m sure I speak for all Tiger faithful: we can’t wait to see that massive Hebert Tiger Jersey casting a shadow over the football on Saturdays.

Terrance Toliver 

Toliver, who is coming off a very positive and productive second half of the 2008 season, is ready to show why he should be one of the nation’s best receivers along with team mate Brandon LaFell.

Maturation and confidence has been a process, but the speed of the game compared to high school can be a big adjustment for even the best of athletes. 

"The pace of the game in the SEC is real fast," Toliver said. "It doesn't slow down. You have to work hard all the time and you have to learn the playbook. When Early (Doucet) got hurt my freshman year, they moved me around. That was tough." 

Now that Toliver is coming into his junior season, he is exuding the confidence on the practice field that has him expecting a break-out season.

"I'm ready to be the best receiver I can be," Toliver said. "I want to help the team be better. Our receiving group is coming along. I am so excited. I'm ready for this year.

"The main thing I'm working on is focusing and finishing. I want to finish off plays and finish off blocks. I don't want to take one down off."

When confidence meets expectations, don’t be surprised to see Toliver be the X-receiver who will keep many defensive coordinators up later than they would like Friday nights this fall.   

Charles Alexander

Alexander was an all-state player from Breaux Bridge High School. His redshirt freshman season lasted only one game. 

Alexander made one tackle in the 2005 season opener at Arizona State only to sit-out the rest of the season due to a foot injury suffered during practice the following week.

Nagging injuries to his foot, ankle, and knee have kept him from realizing his potential as one of the best defensive lineman in the nation.

Alexander was having a great 2007 until the knee injury in the fourth week of practice.  He never quite recovered to full health during the '07 campaign and was looking to improve in 2008. That improvement never materialized.

Because Alexander has been plagued with several injuries, the NCAA granted him a sixth year of eligibility. This year, he looks to contribute greatly to the Tiger’s defense.

"I have unfinished business here,” Alexander said referring to his sixth year of eligibility, and being the new old man on campus.

“I'm the new Kirston Pittman. I'll be 23-years-old when the season starts and will turn 24 during the year." 

Remember, age is best viewed as wisdom and Alexander should bring much wisdom to the table. He also will bring a much greater tenacity. 

When you factor in the new defensive coaching which has revitalized many players, his last year, and his health, there is no limit to his impact on the d-line.

"I had a scope after the Chick-fil-A Bowl," Alexander said. "I'm full-go right now. I feel like I'm at 100 percent. I just have to get better each day. Pretty soon, I'll be back to my old self."

If Alexander can sustain his "old self" for a whole season, that is bad news for whoever has to block No. 91—happy hunting Mr. Alexander.

Happy hunting Tigers—God’s speed in 2009.