Tinker:

I can't help but feel impressed by the quality of the LSU coaching staff recruiting. These very good football players seem to be coming from far and wide just to have the chance to play football in LSU tiger stadium.

LSU is ranked 14 in the latest AP college football top 25 2013 Poll. The LSU fighting tigers have slipped out of the first 10 picks in the AP writers eyes. The AP writers seem to feel that Les Miles college football program simply suffered too many experience junior LSU football players going into the pro draft in 2012. Leaving the rest of the LSU football team holding the bag for the up and coming 2013 football year.

So never the less the big time arena of LSU tiger stadium will be the battle ground that they want to play college football on. If you are a true LSU football fan you can't help but feel these young men fighting spirit filing into the fold for the final tiger roll call.

This spring training camp is only the first step before their desires become realized. What awaits, is the price of war, so be brave, be strong, be true LSU fighting tigers, we will be very glade to be cheering beside you once more to be victorious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueHb4YJa0-o...Lsu Tigers- Vengeance
------------------------------
http://www.lsusports.net/

Video

Read More »

Les Miles' Spring Practice Preview

------------------------------
http://www.tigerrag.com/?p=251512

BLOG: Les Miles Spring Press Conference

Miles has positive outlook on spring ahead

By CODY WORSHAM
Tiger Rag Editor

Editor’s Note: Below, you’ll find a chronological blog of Les Miles’ spring press conference.
Plenty was covered, and we’ll come back later with full quotes, but reading what I have below will give you a nice overview of what was said.

If you’re pressed on time, here are some bullets.
Read on past the bullets for details and quotes. We’ll update later with a full transcript and hopefully video.
For now, here are the biggest points I took away:

La’el Collins gets first shot at left tackle

Because Collins didn’t slide out there last season when Faulk went down, many assumed he’d stay at guard, where he was dominant more often than not last season. But the former five-star high school tackle is going back to that spot. I don’t think the hesitation to move him there was because of his talent — he’s got plenty of that. I think they felt he needed more time to adjust to the nuances of tackle, after having spent all of last spring, summer, and fall engraining himself at guard. I think Collins shines there, and that frees up an experience senior in Williford to start at guard. I give this move an A+.

Lamin Barrow gets first shot at mike backer

Let’s be honest…you don’t replace a Kevin Minter. The guy was a stud in 2012. But he taught his heirs well, apparently, because Les is very high on this linebacking corps. Barrow gets the first look at the mike spot, but even if he doesn’t nail it down, he’ll start. Kwon Alexander could get the next look, and D.J. Welter or Ronnie Feist will have their say, but look for Barrow to nail it down this spring, with Tahj Jones at SAM and Alexander at Will. Then, you have Lamar Louis, Deion Jones, and Feist all backing up — and all those guys got good time last year. No wonder Miles is excited about this group. Talk about a fast bunch. Going to be a strength of the LSU defense.

FG kicker spot is up for grabs

Don’t overlook this. Miles has always seemed to have a guy waiting in the wings, but he doesn’t seem confident that James Hairston is the replacement to Drew Alleman. Colby Delahoussaye might very well win the starting gig on field goal kicks. I think Hairston has a stronger leg, but as good as he is on kick offs, he has trouble with consistency when kicking for three. As much emphasis as Miles puts on special teams, this a big hole to fill.

Williford will return to left guard

I thought we might see Williford become a plug-in player in the mold of Josh Dworaczyk in 2012 and T-Bob Hebert in 2011. But with Collins sliding out, it’s looking like Williford moves from right guard, where he started at the beginning of 2012 before a season-ending concussion against Florida, to left guard. He’s also reportedly been taking snaps at center in case Elliot Porter can’t stay there. But a starting line of Collins-Williford-Porter-Turner-Alexander is one that Tiger fans will enjoy seeing.

Young guys will get plenty of PT

Of the eight early enrollees, Miles seems highest on Avery Peterson at WR, Anthony Jennings at QB, and Logan Stokes at TE. Jennings will bide his time behind Mettenberger, but I think he could push Stephen Rivers at No. 2. Miles likes his athleticism, and Jennings, to me, is a more natural passer than Rivers, although Rivers’ height and arm ability might get him the nod. Miles seems very high on the freshman QB out of Georgia, while fellow frosh QB Hayden Rettig’s name didn’t really come up. Stokes will play from the get-go as a blocking TE, with Travis Dickson as the pass-catching option. Peterson, brother to former Tiger great Patrick Peterson, will get a chance to play immediately, as well, as LSU’s WRs didn’t impress in 2012, outside of Jarvis Landry.

Dural, Blue healthy; Maclin, Bolden out

Miles was really excited about Dural’s health. This is a guy who would have been your starting X last season as a freshman if not for a knee injury in the preseason. I’d like to see what he does now that he’s back in the fold. Alfred Blue is good to go, too. To me, he’s an even better back than Jeremy Hill, but Hill got it done as a freshman and can only get better. Justin Maclin and Rob Bolden will miss the spring with injuries. I don’t expect either to factor much into the 2013 plans for anything other than depth purposes.

Live Blog

The weather’s warming, the clocks have jumped forward, and the crawfish boils are in full swing.
Spring is here.

Of course, in Baton Rouge, spring also marks the end of a winter-long football hibernation, as LSU takes to the field Thursday for the first spring practice of 2013.

Before all that, Tiger head coach Les Miles will speak with the media to preview the coming weeks, as LSU will take a look at eight early enrollees and a large number of returning players who will make up the core of the 2013 squad. Add in new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron and the departure of nearly a dozen underclassmen to the NFL Draft, and there are more than enough interesting storylines to watch out for before April 20th’s Spring Game.

As always, we’ll be on top of the entire practice schedule all spring, and that starts today with live coverage of Miles’ press conference here and on Twitter. You can follow along by refreshing this page every five minutes or so during the event, or you can simply follow our new assistant editor Luke Johnson on his personal twitter feed (@lukejohnson44) and on our publication’s feed (@Tiger_Rag).
Stay tuned.

12:07 p.m. update

New season, new spread. LSU provided some pretty fancy dining today. We’re talking bacon-wrapped green beans and fruit. That’s right. Fruit.
We also have a Kent Lowe cameo.

12:35 update

Les opens by congratulating Johnny Jones and Nikki Caldwell on their seasons on the hardwood.
Miles then moved on to the business at hand: Spring Practice. Miles indicated there would be a change in personnel, but not in focus.

“We’ll practice as we always have,” he said. “We’re going to look to identify those guys who can be elite players.”
Miles also opened his comments with some attention to the need to replace a horde of players gone early for the NFL Draft.

“We lost 13 three-and-outs,” he said. “It’s a positive thing. I don’t think there will be a number like that in the future. But we’ve tried to offset that with eight newcomers in January. I think that’ll give us a very nice group of young guys.”

12:40 p.m. update

Onto the personnel. Miles began with the defense, as is fitting the program.
The first name out of his mouth was Danielle Hunter, the sophomore defensive end who got plenty of reps in the 2012 season on special teams. Miles also has Anthony Johnson, Ego Ferguson, and Jermauria Rasco penciled in as starters.

Then, Miles talked about the linebackers.

“We think our linebacking corps, though young, may be the most talented on our team,” Miles said. “We have a lot of linebackers who have played a lot of football in our conference. That may be the strongest group we have.”

Of those names Miles mentioned Lamin Barrow as the leader but didn’t name other specifics. Look for Kwon Alexander and Tahj Jones to be your other two starters, with Lamar Louis and Ronnie Feist pushing them.

In the secondary, Miles pointed out Craig Loston as the leader, with Corey Thompson and Ronald Martin pushing opposite him. Mills, Collins, and Dwayne Thomas are his first three corners.
Now, to the other side of the ball.

La’el Collins will get first crack at left tackle, and Williford will be the versatile plug guy like Dworaczyk and Hebert have been in years past. Turner and Alexander will secure their spots on the right, and Elliot Porter is first team center.

Beckham, Landry, and Boone are the leaders in the receiver corps, but look for Avery Peterson to make some noise there.

Runningback depth is no problem with Hill, Hilliard, Blue, and Magee all in the fold.
“I like the group. I think we’ll be improved.”

Colby Delahoussaye and James Hairston are battling for the extra point honors.
Miles wrapped up his comments by saying this team “can compete for the title.”
“That’s always the mark here and certainly will always be,” he said.

12:45 update

Now to questions, Miles was first asked what his spring checklist is.
“Spring is a time to evolve your talent,” he said. He also talked about wanting to work on killing games with a lead in the final four minutes, something that cost LSU a shot at the national title last year against Alabama.
Asked about the left tackle, Miles said Collins “is more ready” for the position.
“He’s lighter than he’s been,” Miles said of Collins.

On the middle linebacker battle, Miles said it’s Barrow’s to lose, if he can continue to improve. His first task is to find the mike backer, and that Barrow gets the first look. D.J. Welter (and possibly Kwon Alexander) will get looks there too.

12:50 p.m. update

Miles then took on a question about Cam Cameron’s priorities developing both the LSU young QBs (Anthony Jennings and Hayden Rettig) as well as the returners.

He said Jennings and Rettig will get to work with the first unit, but “the priority is certainly Mettenberger.”
“We’re going to have to develop that position,” he said. Miles also mentioned that Jennings could bring an athletic dimension to the position. I don’t know if he’ll get any snaps next year, but if LSU wants another look, he could provide that.

Miles next fielded a question about Rickey Jefferson.
“This is new information to me,” he said. “We did not know.”
Because of that, he doesn’t care to comment at this point.

Asked about Fehoko Fenaika, Miles seemed to have good things to say.
“He’s very physical, very quick for, I want to say, 370 pounds,” he said. “We want to get him down to that 330, 350 range.”

Miles said he’s a right-sided player and won’t feature at left guard if Collins slides to left tackle. That would be up to Williford.

On Alfred Blue, Miles said “he’s ready to go. That’s very good news for us.”

12:55 update

Miles moved on to Mettenberger, saying he expects better leadership from his quarterback in his second year.

On the DT position beside Anthony Johnson, Miles named Christian LaCouture, Mickey Johnson, and Quentyn Thomas as guys who can push Ego Ferguson.
Regarding Cam Cameron, Miles called him “personable,” adding that “the players enjoy him.”
Miles also said he expects to see more emphasis on involving running backs and tight ends in the passing game.

“He’ll take our better players and devise those things to give them the opportunity to have touches,” he said.
Next, Miles spoke to Kenny Hilliard, saying he had “a great offseason” after a tough sophomore slump.
“He should have his opportunities,” said Miles.
Miles also called Jeremy Hill “an elite back” and said Terrance Magee will return to the backfield after some WR play last year.
Speaking of depth at running back…

“When you have quality backs, it doesn’t do you any good to use just one,” Miles said. “If you have the one very dominant back…then you’re only talking about fresh legs. You play the very best guy you’ve got. But you would like to have 16 carries for 150 yards as opposed to 35 carries. You don’t want to wear anyone out.”

On the field goal kicker position, Miles said James Hairston will get a look there but stated clearly “there will be other guys who get looks there.”
Hairston will stay on kickoff duty, however.

1:05 p.m. update

Anthony Johnson will be a leader in the team, Miles said. Miles said Johnson showed leadership in all the offseason workouts, giving “championship effort.”
Johnson is getting a “battlefield promotion” to the top of LSU’s leadership core.

“He has a lot of natural leadership ability,” Miles said. “If he wants it, he can be a key leader for this team.”
Asked about the NFL attrition, Miles said he’s recruited to that every year.

“We’re fortunate we have good long vision. This last year, we recruited well,” he said.
Miles said being back on the sidelines “is a natural spot” for Greg Studrawa, who will return to the offensive line after two seasons as offensive coordinator.

“He will enjoy being a very quality offensive line coach,” Miles said.
I want to see how this offensive line matures. I want to see how this secondary comes to play. I’m excited about our receiving corps.”

Miles said Travin Dural, who excited him greatly last year, is back with the team “with an extra gear. He’s a guy I’m looking forward to.”

Miles also mentioned Anthony Jennings and John Diarse as players he’s looking forward to seeing in the mix.
To finish, Miles said LSU will have three scrimmages, with the rest of the practices not necessarily being full contact.
------------------------------
http://www.tigerrag.com/?p=251322

PALMER: Big spring starts Wednesday

2013 is Les Miles’ most important spring at LSU

By HUNT PALMER
BBI Senior Writer

Somewhere along the line we lost control of the hashtag.

For those of you not fluent in ‘Twitter-ese’, the hashtag originated as an easy way for people to link together with those with similar interests. For instance, if you’re watching The Bachelor on ABC and want to hear from those watching around the country (including my sister with the chair pulled close enough to the television to wipe the tears off the heartbroken one’s eyes), you could search #TheBachelor on Twitter and read reactions.

As Twitter blossomed into the brilliant yet baffling monster that it has become, the hashtag lost that backbone and began to morph into a way to emphasize a punchline or accent a comment.

As a lifelong Cubs fan, you might see me use the hashtag like this: The Reds just signed Mark
Prior to a minor league deal #GoodLuckWithThat #BartmanSucks.

Understand?

The reason I bring this up is because the LSU football team took over my timeline from January to November tweeting things like #MissionMiami and #SeeYouInSouthBeach. Anything less would be a failure, and no one in that locker room seemed to acknowledge that anything less was possible.

For a team that had just cruised through the SEC like Sherman through Georgia, that type of attitude didn’t really feel all that unreasonable.

It’s also not that unreasonable for me to believe that once that dream died in the arms of T.J. Yeldon, the team sleepwalked through the final four uninspired efforts of the season.

I haven’t seen a single mention of Pasadena or the next BCS Championship Game on my timeline this spring, and I can’t help but believe that a good thing. It’s a good thing for one reason.

This is the most important spring of the Les Miles era.

Not because he’s on the hot seat. Not because the program is in danger of collapse. Not because championships are won in March.

It’s that important because of the amount of turnover, both on the roster and coaching staff, and because of the refocusing effort last season’s finish calls for.

Offensively, Cam Cameron has to take every day to communicate his concepts and coach his quarterbacks, both young and old.

Zach Mettenberger has to receive his fourth offensive coordinator in five years and lead his offense like a fifth year senior should. Stephen Rivers, Anthony Jennings and Hayden Rettig have to absorb everything tossed their way because they’re one year from a series three man race at one position.

Somebody better figure out who the left tackle is because the games in Auburn and Gainesville proved how important that position is behind a quarterback whose mobility is well…not so good.

On defense, Ego Ferguson better come to work every day. Same goes for Jermauria Rasco and Danielle Hunter. The teams that take the field in the purple and gold boast proud, angry defensive lines. None of those guys have proven they belong in the conversation with the greats of recent memory. They haven’t had the chance. They’re guys with immense potential, though.

Kevin Minter made 130 tackles last season. Who’s next?

James Hairston and I are tied in career field goals made, and I can’t kick a lick.

All I’m saying is that there is work to be done this month even though the game at the end doesn’t count. It would be wise for this assembled group of talented young men to approach this spring session as if it were October instead of March.

So instead of talking about titles and chatting about championships, it may be time to #WorryAboutWork.

For more of Hunt’s work, visit www.BayouBengalsInsider.com. To subscribe to the BBI-Tiger Rag bundle, click here.
------------------------------
http://www.dandydon.com/

Dandy Don's LSI sports Report

Good morning, Tiger Fans,

Spring Football is finally here and at 12:30 today Coach Les Miles will hold a press conference to let everyone know what's in store and what to expect. The team will practice tomorrow and Friday at 4 p.m. and on Saturday at a time to be determined. Throughout the five week spring session, the team will practice a total of 15 times, including two closed scrimmages and the open Spring Game in Tiger Stadium at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 20.

I look forward to heading out to the practice field tomorrow to get an early look at the team and give you a report on what I see. On most days, members of the media are only allowed to watch practice during the individual drills when the team is divided into groups according to position, but occasionally they keep the practice open to us a little longer. I'm hoping that we’ll also get to see the Big Cat drill like last year, where an offensive player is matched up against a defensive player in a battle to see who can get drive the other off the line. That drill always gets the players fired up and is a lot of fun to watch. If last year is any indication, the Big Cat drill probably won’t take place until next week.

Yesterday LSU announced the dates for it's upcoming Tiger Tour. The tour, which features head football coach Les Miles and other members of his staff along with men’s basketball coach Johnny Jones, will make 10 stops this year, starting with Shreveport/Bossier City on April 22. Miles is scheduled to speak at seven of the 10 sites, which include Shreveport/Bossier, Monroe, Lake Charles, Houston, Jackson, Miss., New Orleans, and Covington. Jones, who is winding down his first season as LSU’s basketball coach, will make appearances at all 10 Tiger Tour stops this spring. First-year offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will address the group in Alexandria and Lafayette, while defensive coordinator John Chavis will be the featured speaker in Baton Rouge. LSU recruiting coordinator and running backs coach Frank Wilson will make appearances in Alexandria, Lafayette, and Baton Rouge. Below is the complete tour schedule:

2013 LSU Tiger Tour Schedule
April 22 - Shreveport/Bossier - Les Miles and Johnny Jones
April 23 - Monroe - Les Miles and Johnny Jones
April 24 - Alexandria - Cam Cameron, Frank Wilson and Johnny Jones
April 29 - Lafayette - Cam Cameron, Frank Wilson and Johnny Jones
April 30 - Lake Charles - Les Miles and Johnny Jones
May 01 - Houston (lunch) - Les Miles and Johnny Jones
May 07 - Jackson, Miss. - Les Miles and Johnny Jones
May 13 - Baton Rouge - John Chavis, Frank Wilson and Johnny Jones
May 21 - New Orleans - Les Miles and Johnny Jones
May 22 - Covington/Tammany - Les Miles and Johnny Jones
Read more...http://www.dandydon.com/
------------------------------
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9048282&categoryid=2378529

ESPN Video

Mathieu Makes His Case

Former LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu discusses why an NFL team should take a chance on him in the draft, how his rehab is going, what he has learned, and what his role in the NFL could be.
------------------------------
http://lsufootball.net/

LSU Football - Geaux Tigers!!!

Bayou Bengals Insider

Spring football feels different at LSU this time around

FOX 8 Sports

Rickey Jefferson charged with resisting arrest by violence | Video (2 min)

Times Picayune

Rickey Jefferson charged with resisting arrest in Mardi Gras incident

LSU Sports

LSU sets dates for 2013 Tiger Tour

Athlon Sports

Spring Preview: Florida Gators

ESPN Radio

Audio (25 min, 22 sec): Ivan Maisel talks with Dabo Swinney about Clemson | .mp3

Columbus Ledger

Brian Vogler among Tide tight ends ready to step up

Everything Alabama

Dameyune Craig brings principles learned coaching QBs to new receivers role

Associated Press

Florida, QB Jeff Driskel begin spring practice looking to make significant strides

Missouri Sports

Missouri started spring camp Tuesday

------------------------------
http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2013/03/returning_lsu_receivers_to_get.html

Baton Rouge

Returning LSU receivers to get challenged by newcomers: spring football preview

By Jim Kleinpeter, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
on March 13, 2013

Latest LSU football stories

All Photos | All Videos

LSU returns its top four wide receivers from 2013. It remains to be seen if that is going to be a positive.

LSU receiver Jarvis Landry led the Tigers with 56 catches for 576 yards last season. AP

There is little doubt the Tiger wide receivers underperformed last season, whether it was dropped passes, poor route running or an inability to make plays. While they had their moments, it was an inconsistent lot from the North Texas season opener through the Chick-fil-A Bowl loss.

When spring practice begins Thursday no group will be under the coaching staff microscope or under pressure from newcomers moreso than the receiving corps.

Neither Coach Les Miles nor offensive coordinator Cam Cameron would come out and say it, but the hints were there that competition at wide receiver might be a little more wide open than other groups.

Juniors Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. and seniors Kadron Boone and James Wright will feel the heat from early enrollees John Diarse and Avery Peterson. Redshirt freshman Travin Dural is also expected to make a spring impact after a pre-season knee injury kept him on the sideline in 2012.

"John Diarse is going to be a nice addition," Miles said. "(He's) big and strong with really good hands, who can catch it and run. Avery Peterson may be as fast and (have) as good a (set of) hands as we've had, but he's very green and freshman-like. Travin Dural, we're hoping he comes to life. He's 100 percent healthy. They're right in there and going to be a factor."

The key for all three newcomers is size. Each is 6-feet-1 or taller and have excellent leaping skills that can translate into big plays, something the Tigers lacked after losing Rueben Randle to the NFL.

To be fair, some of the wide receiver struggles can be traced to those of quarterback Zach Mettenberger. His early-season inaccuracy on top of the drops kept the two ends of the passing game from developing any confidence or chemistry. The LSU passing game had a three-game spurt late in the season but was awful against Clemson, netting 120 yards.

Landry (56 receptions, 573 yards, 5 touchdowns) and Beckham (43-713-2) were the Tigers' top two statistically. Landry was the most reliable and Mettenberger's favorite target, especially on third down.

While Landry is capable of highlight-reel receptions, such as his touchdown catch against Arkansas, he had some key drops, including a third-down muff in the end zone against Clemson that forced LSU to kick a field goal.

Beckham averaged 16.6 yards per catch but scored only two touchdowns and had a crucial fumble in the 14-6 loss to Florida. Boone scored four touchdowns on 26 catches but disappeared after a nice 29-yard diving grab for a score to help beat Texas A&M. Wright was a starter at the beginning of the season but finished with 18 catches and had trouble at times staying on his feet.

The positive-thinking Cameron could be a big help here and with Mettenberger, who often overthrew open receivers on deep passes. It's clear the Tigers will need improvement on both ends to prevent opponents from sitting on the LSU running game.

"We've got a lot of experience coming back, that's a huge plus," Cameron said of the wide receivers. "I see a lot of athletic ability and speed as a group."
------------------------------
http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/colleges/lsu/post?id=8551

Spring preview: Storylines to watch

March, 13, 2013

By Gary Laney | ESPN.comAs LSU prepares to begin spring practice March 14, GeauxTigerNation will take daily looks at aspects of the spring camp. This is the eighth in the series:

BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU begins springs football practice Thursday with plenty of question marks, from adjusting to a new offensive coordinator to replacing the entire defensive line.

Here are the big story lines as practice gets set to start Thursday and continue until the spring game April 20:

1. What's the Cam Cameron effect? It's really going to be hard to pinpoint the Cameron influence on the offense until the Tigers start taking snaps in games next fall.

But if we start seeing Jeremy Hill taking swing passes from Zach Mettenberger and tight ends getting targeted repeatedly in passing drills, we'll know where that came from.

Patrick Green/Icon SMIWill La'el Collins move over to left tackle from left guard this spring?

2. Who's at left tackle? All indications are that La'el Collins will get first shot at replacing Josh Dworaczyk at left tackle.

But how sold is LSU on moving Collins from left guard, where he started last season?

Will Collins take all his spring reps at tackle or does LSU swing him between tackle and guard and give freshman Jerald Hawkins a shot? How about moving Vadal Alexander from the right side?

It will be interesting to see how the reps appear to be divided at the position and what the first-team line looks like in position drills.

3. Juco impact? Tight end Logan Stokes and offensive guard Fehoko Fanaika, both junior college transfers, are being brought in to make an immediate impact at their positions.

Will they?

Stokes should be able to contend for the starting tight end job, but both junior Travis Dickson and sophomore Dillon Gordon will compete for those spots. At guard, Fanaika theoretically gives LSU the luxury of being able to move Collins to tackle. But Fanaika would still have to contend with two experienced starters -- Trai Turner and Josh Williford -- if he's going to win the starting job.

4. Defensive line?: This is a rebuilding job if there ever was one.

Junior Anthony Johnson, the former top-rated prep defensive tackle in the country, is set to be the centerpiece despite not being able to beat out Josh Downs for the starting job last season. Now's the time for Johnson to step his game up.

Aside from him, everything seems up in the air. Ego Ferguson played a lot at tackle, but is he ready to move to being a starter? Jermauria Rasco was among the top four ends last season, but is he ready to be a starter? Is end Jordan Allen healthy after a knee injury ended his 2012 season?

And are any of the young defensive linemen ready to step up to make an early impact?

5. DBU?: LSU annually gets defensive backs drafted high in the NFL draft, the reason why the secondary likes to dub itself "DBU."

Will the Tigers have that kind of player this year?

Craig Loston, the oft-injured strong safety, needs to have a big senior year. The two cornerbacks, Jalen Mills and Jalen Collins, need to take the next step at their positions. It's up in the air who will start at free safety.

This spring is the first in a long while where LSU won't enter the season with an obvious star, and high draft pick, in its secondary. From Patrick Peterson to Morris Claiborne to Tyrann Mathieu and Eric Reid, the Tigers always seem to have an all-star candidate back there.

This year, LSU is looking for that guy.

------------------------------
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1564288-lsu-tigers-in-great-position-to-flip-4-star-s-michael-johnson-from-louisville?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

bleacher report

LSU Tigers in Great Position to Flip 4-Star S Michael Johnson from Louisville

By
Andrew Kulha

Via 247Sports

4-star safety Michael Johnson is currently committed to the Louisville Cardinals, but a recent offer from Les Miles and the LSU Tigers could drastically impact that commitment.

In fact, there appears to be a very good chance that Johnson will eventually flip his commitment from Louisville in favor of the Tigers. Check out this report from William Weathers of TigerBait.com in regards to the LSU offer:

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Johnson committed to the Cardinals earlier this month, but the arrival of LSU's offer last Friday has admittedly shaken things up a bit concerning his recruiting process.

"Right now I'm committed to Louisville but down but I don't know," Johnson said. "Down the line I may change it up because it's going to be a tough decision because I've always liked LSU. I never thought I'd get this offer. I don't know what I'm going to do, but it's going to be a close one."

Johnson then had this to say about the Tigers, dropping a very noteworthy line at the end:

"After the Badger 7-on-7 they were talking about me but that hadn't offered," Johnson said. "When I talked to Coach Raymond, he said they were offering and that I was the kind of guy who come in and play nickel my first year and move to free safety the next year.

"When it comes down to it, I might be a Tiger, that's all I've got to say," Johnson said. "They want to me to come to camp in July, and I plan to be there."

There's not much that's certain in the world of college football recruiting, but one thing seems very certain in regards to Johnson's recruitment—his commitment to Louisville is not certain.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Affinity to a certain team or program is huge in recruiting, and for Louisville, Johnson's affinity for LSU football is bad news. He committed to Louisville before he received this offer from the Tigers, and for all intents and purposes it has drastically altered his recruitment. Johnson had actually talked to his high school football coach about LSU before he received any offers, per Weathers' report:

"I told him before I got any offers that I'd love to play for LSU," Johnson said. "They've had great defensive backs and they're the only team I watch when I watch defensive back drills. I'm also a big Honey Badger (Tyrann Mathieu) fan."

Will Johnson flip to LSU?

As a defensive back, Johnson fits the Tigers scheme perfectly.

He has great size at 6'3'', 190 pounds and that's a must at LSU. According to the above quotes in Weathers' report, LSU would want to play him as a nickel corner in year one and move him to safety. He may have to compete with 2014 5-star safety recruits Edward Paris and Devin Voorhies, but there's still plenty of time for things to shake up.

Patrick Peterson
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

He has the size to be a dominant nickelback, and he's ranked and projects as a safety. He could carve his own path at Louisville, but at LSU he could have the chance to follow in the footsteps of great defensive backs that have come through the program before him and continued on into the NFL: Morris Claiborne, Patrick Peterson and LaRon Landry to name a few.

Throw in the fact that Les Miles' program is known for great defense and the Tigers should be a perennial contender in the SEC and nationally, and there's not much to dislike about LSU if you're a top-notch safety recruit.

Johnson may be committed to Louisville, but the LSU Tigers are in a great position to get a flip.
--------------------------
http://www.sportsnola.com/sports/lsu/593923-lsu-hopes-several-spring-forward-as-reliable-performers-in-2013.html

Share on google Share on linkedin Share on print More Sharing Services

LSU hopes several 'spring' forward as reliable performers in 2013

Monday, 04 March 2013
By: Rene Nadeau
Category: LSU News

One of many young LSU players under the spotlight this spring, Deion "Debo" Jones did not look out of place as a true freshman linebacker and special teamer last season.
LSU's spring drills will be in full swing in just a couple of weeks. These sessions will give everyone a peek inside the 2013 football campaign.

There are a few areas on the depth chart where the maturation of a handful of players is paramount to avoid a drop-off this fall.

With the defection of so many key players from last season's roster, many true freshmen and redshirt freshmen will be counted upon to ratchet up their game a few notches.

A few additional prospects are at the stage in their college career where the upcoming season may be their last. This opportunity is not only affording them a chance to lift their team to the elite level in college football but could prove to be an audition for countless NFL scouts whose binoculars will be trained on their every move with the 2014 draft in mind.

With the arrival of offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, Zach Mettenberger will certainly have even greater expectations as a senior. Yet, there are a number of candidates vying for the backup role and playing time.

One player of intrigue is senior Rob Bolden. He has now digested the LSU offensive expectations. With a year in the system since arriving from Penn State last summer, Bolden (6'4-214) has a unique skill set that is unmatched among his Tiger counterparts.

Bolden has two years of starter's experience while with the Nittany Lions and the abilities of a dual threat behind center. It would be a mild surprise if the offensive staff doesn't install a specific package to utilize his talents. I'm not predicting a two-quarterback system, but Bolden has earned the confidence of the coaches with his patience and work ethic since joining the program.

Meanwhile, most are ready to anoint sophomore running back Jeremy Hill as the starter, but keep in mind that the 2012 opening day starter is a true 'blue' talent as well. Alfred Blue returns with a truckload of skill and a point to prove following his injury-shortened season. He and Hill are almost 1A and 1B on the depth chart if Blue can return to full strength. A relentless warrior who uses every ounce of talent he has everyday, the Hahnville alum has a bright pro future.

With Michael Ford and Spencer Ware moving on to pursue NFL careers, the carries could also increase for junior Kenny Hilliard. Don't discount the contribution that junior Terrence Magee can make with reps increasing for every back. Wunable to break through in recent seasons because of the numbers game with the Tigers, Magee could be a special player in most other offenses.

Junior tight end Travis Dickson recorded just six grabs for 2012, making a couple of cameo appearances as the season wound down. More will be asked from the brother of former LSU start Richard Dickson. Yet one player who might be stepping into an excellent spot is 2013 JUCO transfer Logan Stokes. Already on campus as an early entry recruit, the 6-foot-4, 250 pounder is still a novice at the position, having moved over from defensive end a year ago. Stokes possesses the toughness and desire required to man the spot. His productivity in spring will have a profound affect on the tight end position moving forward.

The offensive line will be under close scrutiny. A player that teammates affectionately call "soldier" because of his toughness , will be a key to the line's success. Junior center Elliott Porter flashed ability in spot duty last fall. Since he lines up in such a key spot, his improvement and leadership is vital.

Senior OG Josh Williford (6'7-324) returns to the field after his concussion issues last season and is ready to reclaim his starter's role. However, sophomore Trai Turner represented himself well during Williford's absence. With the former St. Aug product in the lineup, there was little noticeable drop-off.

Another player I believe will be a factor with the starting five in the trenches is JUCO arrival Fehoko Fanaika. It appears that the 6-foot-6, 340-pound mauler is exactly what the coaches are seeking at one of the guard spots.

Unless I'm way off base in my assessment, you can expect to see La'el Collins get many meaningful reps at left tackle. He is the best athlete with the best skill set to step into that key role. But one new player that I feel you will see a lot of this spring is redshirt freshmanJerald Hawkins, who has great potential to be the long term answer on the edge. New signee OT Ethan Pocic arrives with a barrel full of talent and physical skills to potentially make an immediate splash if veteran options do not step up to the plate.

Most every Tiger fan is anxiously awaiting the emergence of more playmakers at wide receiver. A pair of juniors, Odell Beckham, Jr. and Jarvis Landry, along with senior Kadron Boone have arrived at a point in their collective careers where it is time to display consistent, game-changing skills.

Keep an eye on redshirt freshman Travin Dural, who was ready to jump into the fray last season until an injury short-circuited that plan. Also, JUCO arrival Quantavious Leslie is being compared to former LSU playmaker Demetrius Byrd. Both could step into the lineup right away to provide deep-threats.

On defense, three players that I expect to hear a lot about during spring drills are sophomore DE Danielle Hunter (6'4-245), junior DT Ego Ferguson (6'3-308) and a 2013 signee, early arrival Christian Lacouture.

Hunter has, quietly, demonstrated the talent to be a solid contributor, if not more, with impressive physical attributes. Lacouture (6'5-290) is expected to be afforded opportunities at both DE and DT due to a solid mix of strenght and quickness with a hot motor. Ferguson steps into a spot where there is a pressing need. He has seen minimal playing time the last two seasons behind Michael Brockers and Bennie Logan. The much-heralded 2009 signee out of Frederick, Maryland in line to start with a chance to justify all the previous lofty expectations.

Hopefully, senior LB Lamin Barrow will assume the leadership baton from Kevin Minter. The former John Ehret product has made a steady ascent since he stepped foot on the campus in 2009. He will be heavily counted upon not only by contributing with on field statistics, but more importantly, as a team leader. Prior to last season, Barrow was a spot player with his primary contribution coming on special teams. He could move into Minter's vacant middle linebacker spot.

Debo Jones was a special teams dynamo in '12, demonstrating playmaking skills periodically on defense when given spot duty. Fellow sophomores Lamar Louis, Ronnie Feist, Kwon Alexander and Lorenzo Phillips join Jones in a young group with a bevy of athletic talent and speed necessary to build a national top ranked defensive unit.

Despite losses in the secondary like Tyrann Mathieu, Eric Reid and Tharold Simon, the '13 version could prove to be equal, if not better in the long run.

Sophomores Jalen Mills and Jalen Collins man the corner spots, with senior Craig Loston expected to carry on the tradition of outstanding safeties produced in Tigertown. Sophomore safety Micah Eugene has apparently only scratched the surface and could emerge as a gladiator that attracts accolades nationwide. He has special skills. Ronald Martin is another sophomore who far exceeded expectations in 2012 and will be a key component in the defense's improvement this spring.

Two 2012 signees, cornerback Dwayne Thomas and safety Corey Thompson, gained more experience last fall on special teams, but both are said to be ready for the next step.

Thomas (6'0-178), an O.P. Walker High product, is extremely confident with playmaking skills and a 'Honey Badger' swagger on the field. Thompson will receive ample opportunity to showcase his talent at safety this spring. He has top speed (4.5) with a 39 " vertical yet brings a physical presence and a football I.Q. to the table.

Not yet on campus though may be the most talented member of the LSU secondary. Tre'Davious White from Green Oaks High in Shreveport is described as a natural cornerback with the ability to change games. It would not be a shock if he forces his way into significant time as a true freshman despite the established youth already at that spot. But he cannot make his mark until August.

The rest of the 2013 incoming class, expected to arrive in June, along with the players previously mentioned will make the prognosis for the perhaps underrated current Tigers even more enticing for 2013.

< Prev		Next >

--------------------------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYOFygjOzxg
LSU Football 2013 - The Return
--------------------------

Tinker Town Tiger

Thursday, March 14, 2013