2010 LSU Tigers Football: A Preview

As the 2010 season looms near for Head Coach Les Miles and the rest of his coaches, it also brings many unanswered questions with it as well.

Many of the unanswered questions start with how the Tigers plan to replace the recently drafted and departed stud receiver Brandon Lafell in their offense.

Lafell quickly became new starting QB Jordan Jefferson's favorite target last year, as they hooked up nine times together for scores. He also lead the LSU receiving corps with 792 yards on the season.

The Tigers' answer to the loss of Lafell lies in the 6'5 frame of Terrence Toliver, who amassed 735 yards last season while reeling in three touchdown catches as well.

Miles and Co. also are counting on other receivers to step up including sophomore Rueben Randle among others, who was fourth on the team in receiving yards last season.

As for the running back position, LSU will have to replace a lot of production, including the loss of Charles Scott, who accounted for about 1/3 of LSU's rushing offense last season.

The Tigers think they might have an answer in the tandem of junior Stevan Ridley and senior Richard Murphy, after he heals from injury.

Ridley has been very impressive so far this spring and could catapult his way into the No. 1 running back slot.

At quarterback, the Tigers are counting on Jefferson to continue to improve his game from last season into the '10 season.

Les Miles recently said at his team's spring game that his quarterback's play were not on of the highlight reels but he is seeing some progress in Mr. Jefferson.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers lost some fire power with safety Chad Jones entering the draft and linebacker Perry Riley exhausting his eligibility as well.

Miles looks to have the perfect answer for the loss of Chad Jones by inserting in freshman safety Craig Loston, who was only the No. 1 ranked safety in the nation for his 2009 high school recruiting class.

Cornerback and second-team All-American Patrick Peterson will also be returning for the Tigers and with him and Loston, should gave LSU a very potent secondary unit.

As far as the front seven, the defensive unit will definitely miss the presence of Rahim Alem, Al Woods, Perry Riley and Harry Coleman, but a new group of Tigers look to emerge to rightfully take their place including defensive tackle Drake Nevis, defensive end Lazarius Levingston and linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, who led the team in tackles with 110 last season.

LSU will have its work cut out for them trying to find a new kick and punt returner that will be as productive as Trindon Holliday was, but junior Ron Brooks looks to step in and provide some of the lost production in these two important areas.

LSU has already begun spring practices for the 2010 season and will begin their season on Saturday, September 4th on national TV at the Georgia Dome against North Carolina.