Which Position Has Biggest Question Marks Heading into LSU Spring Practice?

LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles needs to find an answer at quarterback. Miles also needs to find answers as to who will chase the opposing quarterback.

Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris were mediocre last season under center. In defense of Harris, he was not given as many opportunities as Jennings. The rising junior only had one 200-yard game in 12 starts.

Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's No. 1 priority heading into the offseason is improving the team's quarterback play. Jennings and Harris must play better next season for the Tigers to have a chance at winning the SEC.

But at least LSU has returning starters coming back under center. There are not, however, any returning starters coming back at arguably the most important defensive position.

The most, and biggest, question marks right now for LSU are at defensive end.

Where the Tigers Are Now

LSU lost both of its starting defensive ends, Jermauria Rasco and Danielle Hunter, this offseason. The duo combined for 144 tackles, 20.5 of which were for a loss.

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

The Tigers did not rotate Rasco and Hunter out of the game that often, which meant backups were not given many snaps. The next-highest tackle total belonged to Tashawn Bower, who only managed 16.

Bower will return as the most experienced end and a likely starter heading into spring. He was ineffective in the few snaps he was given last season, as only three of his 16 tackles were solo efforts.

Who will join Bower in the first group remains a mystery. The two most likely candidates are Deondre Clark and Sione Teuhema. Clark and Teuhema played some snaps as true freshmen last season, but neither made a difference.

Two other names that will get looks this spring are Lewis Neal and M.J. Patterson. Neal has seen more playing time than Patterson thus far in his career, though neither has been a major factor.

Gerald Herbert/Associated Press

Will Things Improve?

Miles made the decision this offseason to replace defensive line coach Brick Haley with Ed Orgeron, which was the right move. Orgeron's track record coaching in the trenches is astonishing.

LSU's defensive line played with lazy technique at times, particularly as pass-rushers. The Tigers' front four only raked in 11 sacks in 2014.

The lack of fundamentals was evident even in Hunter's game, as noted by Dallas Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus:

"

“@ColtManis: @BryanBroaddus how's hunter the DE from LSU?” Going to need a ton of technique work. Stands straight up off snap.

— Bryan Broaddus (@BryanBroaddus) January 18, 2015"

Against New Mexico State, LSU lost out on an opportunity for its third shutout of 2014 after allowing a 79-yard touchdown run. That touchdown accounted for the only points a non-Power Five school scored on the Tigers all season.

Bower took partial responsibility for the Aggies' touchdown run, as he did not complete his assignment, per The Times-Picayune. He wildly shot up field, which left a gaping hole up the middle:

Bower's error was one of many the Tigers had last season. Orgeron will have to reconstruct how the line plays up front. His expertise will improve LSU's lack of production returning at end.

LSU signed two ends for its 2015 class in 4-star Arden Key and 3-star Isaiah Washington. Unfortunately for Orgeron, neither will be on campus until the summer.

Conclusion

LSU has plenty of work to do up front.

Orgeron's forte is recruiting, which he has done plenty of since arriving in Baton Rouge. He is already working hard on getting more players for 2016, such as 5-star defensive tackle Edwin Alexander.

Hilary Scheinuk/Associated Press

But Orgeron's main goal this offseason is to have his defensive line prepared to play by fall.

LSU's uncertainty at defensive end is a massive concern. If they cannot hold the edge against the run or provide pressure to the quarterback, the Tigers will get eviscerated next season.

New defensive coordinator Kevin Steele could deviate from LSU's traditional 4-3 system. Linebacker Lamar Louis said to expect the Tigers to run some 3-4.

“We’ll have a 3-4 package. We’ll have a 4-3 package. I think we’re going to be multiple,” said Louis, per Ross Dellenger of The Advocate. “Coach (Les) Miles wants to move more to a multiple defense, and that’s something I’m all for.”

Running a 3-4 would change the dynamics up front and put less pressure on LSU's ends.

A 3-4 would allow LSU's depth and athleticism at defensive tackle to come to the forefront, as the tackles could play all three down-lineman positions. The Tigers' ends are good enough athletes to play outside linebacker if need be.

But no matter the defensive scheme, spring will be a crucial time for Orgeron and LSU's defensive ends. Players like Bower, Clark and Teuhema must step up if the Tigers are to have an elite defense next fall. 

Stats, rankings and additional information provided by CFBStats.com, ESPN.com and LSUsports.net. Recruiting information provided by 247Sports.

Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow me on Twitter at @CarterthePower.