Lonn Phillips Sullivan
Sep 25, 202041 min
#97
6'4
309
2019 STATS:
20 TOTAL TACKLES (5 SOLO)
2.5 TFL
1.5 SACKS
2 PD
Played in 9 Games
Logan came on hot at the end of 2019, fighting off an injury vs Texas which hobbled his contributions for much of the season.
#97 kept battling through the pain, making timely plays in the backfield and line of scrimmage, never receiving due credit for his pressures freeing up K'Lavon Chaisson, his partner-in-crime Tyler Shelvin, Breiden Fehoko and even allowing Grant Delpit to complete the sack on Trevor Lawrence during the National Championship Game.
Registering brutal hits on Tua, Jalen Hurts, Lawrence and more, Logan made his presence felt as one of the defining pieces of the 3-4 / 4-3 hybrid scheme Aranda began deploying late in the season, freeing Logan up.
He will be another benefactor of the Pelini emphasis on four down linemen, appearing to be a true contender for a starting role out wide.
However, since we haven't heard his name mentioned in any shape or form by Orgeron regarding options on the outside defensive end positions, his role may be tucked more inside as a bruising interior alongside Shelvin.
If the Joker has shed some weight, looks faster and more passionate in the upcoming practices, he can fight his way back into contention on the outside...but really, Logan could be damaging at either spot.
Finding a suitable role for Logan will prove to be more pick your poison than a head scratching annoyance:
The Joker should have his best ever season in purple and gold, regardless of position.
#97 will take off as a calculated lineman, operating in unorthodox positions all along the defensive front to gain matchups, slip double teams over and allow others to penetrate the backfield, yet we can see him becoming a dangerous player if LSU are to repeat as National Champs.
PROJECTIONS: 4 Sacks, 8.5 TFL, 2 Passes Deflected, 2 FF, 1 FR, 48 Total Tackles
#46
6'4
256
2019 STATS:
9 TACKLES (4 SOLO)
2 PD
1.0 TFL
1.0 SACKS
Anthony has become a celebrated name drop for Coach Orgeron or Bo Pelini, both meatball-rollers raving about the kid's abilities off the edge. This love for the senior includes a deep-rooted belief that he could start over freshman sensation B.J Ojulari, Phillip Webb, Glen Logan and Neil Farrell.
Andre was part of the title winning squad, although he'll be looking to finish his LSU career with a massive statement: becoming yet another Tiger who shocks the world.
2019 saw the metamorphosis of an irrational amount of "outsiders" transcending the boundaries and rising as legends, from Joe Burrow, Lloyd Cushenberry, Justin Jefferson & Ja'Marr Chase, Clyde Edwards-Helaire & Patrick Queen among a host of others...there were many astonishing transformations, and if we're to believe everything we hear outta the coaching staff, Andre Anthony is on the cusp of his own turnaround.
Before Bo Pelini or Coach Orgeron named Andre as one of their first choice 2020 defensive ends, or discussed his rapid development, there was no Twitter hype for Anthony, no clever photoshops, no certainty surrounding his inclusion...just doubts.
Now that Pelini has invoked his name, every LSU writer or commentator is blindly rushed to amend their list of players to watch, including #46 without reservation.
Will we see Andre Anthony starting for LSU beyond Week1?
Yes! From what we've seen during recent scrimmages, Anthony has solidified his talents, geauxing full beast mode.
Back in 2018 and 2019, Andre never lacked for speed, always able to catch tackles off guard...his deficiency was always his lack of girth and overwhelming physicality...Anthony was a total finesse edge-rushing 3-4 outside linebacker under Dave Aranda.
Thanks to Bo Pelini, Andre was instructed to bulk up, get more physical and violent on the outside, more deliberate in his movements and the first-choice DE has responded mightily: he gained 6 additional pounds over the past month and a half (a robust, though still rangy 256 currently) as well as dueling against Dare Rosenthal and Austin Deculus to a riveting degree during the two Tiger presesason games thus far (a third this evening).
Anthony could definitely become the breakout superstar edge-rusher 2020 LSU are screaming out for...and many fans are already believing in #46 due to Bo Pelini and Coach Ed Orgeron's unceasing, unwavering belief.
After his strength and leadership throughout the Tigers' protests and players' march (assuming a leading role alongside Jacoby Stevens), Anthony has grown as a teammate, an LSU captain and a man...becoming an extreme example of Tiger Greatness, no matter the outcome of his 2020 season.
But right now, he has a destiny to fulfill on the football field and Andre appears 100% ready to make the most of the chance.
PROJECTIONS:
5.5 Sacks, 44 Total Tackles, 7.5 TFL, 1 FF, Forced Safety
(at minimum, 10 game regular season stat projections only)
We Believe Andre is the improved talent Orgeron has hyped him to be: much is expected of Anthony, so much is to be delivered...thanks to opt outs and transfers, LSU has a depleted edge rush from this standpoint...but if Andre could explode for an even better campaign than we're projecting above, LSU would find themselves in fantastic fettle for the long haul against contending SEC teams (Florida, Bama, Georgia).
There's also every chance Andre's lack of mass could be exposed and we witness the rise of Ojulari / Webb straight up out of necessity; There's no doubt Orgeron & Johnson will find out whichever pass-rusher is best for the Tigers before the Florida game (in Week 4), that date must be the deadline for figuring out every position on the roster....most of all solidifying your starting pass-rusher
#49
6'4
246
2019 STATS:
3 Tackles (2 Solo)
0.5 TFL
0.5 Sacks
Played in 2 Games
Moore saw a sprinkling of reps throughout 2019 as he won a national title, but I expect the edge-rusher to see more of the field now that his role has been defined.
As a pure pass-rushing linebacker last year, Moore became a lost sailor, adrift in the saintly waters of his circumstance. Now, as he switches to a more natural 4-3 defensive end, Travez gives himself a strong fighting chance.
A great locker room presence who hasn't seen the field as much as he should due to the towering depth along the edge.
Travez transferred from Copiah Lincoln junior college and red shirted the 2018 season, although he appeared in three games, making a tackle vs the Gators.
Moore, like other seniors Farrell, Logan or Anthony is looking to finish his LSU career on a high note; Already packing a national title, Travez could very well break out due to his frenetic, beastly physique, providing a finesse option off the edge.
Moore will remain an enigma until he sustains playing time, in fact, it took some incredible searching to find out Travez only appeared in 2 games last campaign, yet that fact diminishes none of the possibility of what Moore could do now under the guidance of Bo Pelini.
If we suffer injuries on the edge, I could see Moore coming off the bench and becoming a playmaker... I could see Moore blockaded by the incredible competition on the edges in his path, let alone the hybrid LB/DE's such as Phillip Webb we could use to stack the line of scrimmage as extra edge rushers.
Moore may have his work cut out for him, but I never count a Tiger out.
PROJECTIONS:
12 Total Tackles, 1 FF, 1 Pass Deflected, 1 sack
#92
6'4
298
2019 STATS:
46 Tackles (15 Solo)
7.0 TFL
3 Sacks
1 Forced Fumble
1 Pass Deflected
Played in 15 Games
his is totally 2020 for us at LSUODYSSEY...writing one thing, sealing it with first hand sources and then bam, weeks later EVERYTHING changes...
What in the name of voodoo is geauxing on?
Opt outs...transfers...such little depth within the trenches (on both sides of the line) and yet here LSU were, poised and ready to take on the upcoming season.
There were no excuses made, the "next man up" mentality was being signed, sealed and espoused by every player, coach or team associate inside the program... even after losing the greatest player in college football Ja'Marr Chase, FS/CB Kary Vincent Jr (one of the top DBs in the nation, 4 INTs and 13 PDs last year), 90% of the offensive line caught Covid or were forced to isolate, 4 key D-linemen (Shelvin & Farrell opting out, Thomas and McLendon transferring closer to home in Alabama & Georgia respectively)....it seemed like LSU's roster was torn to shreds throughout August...and the names above weren't the only losses...we know about the Brooks, Parrish & Monroe transfers, the Donte Starks & Ray Parker suspensions...
Many across college football, especially those who hated the Tigers (or had their asses kicked in 2019 by Burrow & co) mocked LSU viciously, claiming their chances at SEC / CFP contention (or defending their title) were done.
But just like everything in 2020, things are never as they appear...
On Wednesday, LSUOdyssey were informed about the strong possibility that either Neil Farrell, Tyler Shelvin or both were OPTING IN...yes, that is now a 2020 thing....OPTING OUT...NOW OPTING BACK IN!!!
Once Neil's grandmother returned to health, we wanted to blast the internet with this news, however none of these "whispers" were even close to confirmed at the time, so we sat on it....we wanted Neil to be able to make his own decision once again.
We also shook our heads at the idea of dangling hope, only for these whispers to lay dormant and the failure of those findings stabbing Tiger fans in the heart again...yet, we should've remembered: this is 2020...there is no rhyme, there is no reason....only the madness of 2020's surreal horrors and intergalactic progress...all at the same time.
Over the weekend, Mike Scarborough and Are You Serious Sports first posted the possibility of the opt-ins and today Brody Miller confirmed the news:
NEIL FARRELL HAS RE-JOINED THE TEAM AS OF TODAY, appearing at LSU headquarters and taking part in some separate training led by Strength & Conditioning legend Tommy Moffitt....but as we were told loud and clear, "he's back with the team!"
Today was a victory for Neil & the Farrell family, those who love literal "comeback" stories, the entirety of the LSU football team, staff and of course, all of Neil's supporters across Tiger Nation...excepting some who really don't deserve the satisfaction of Farrell's return:
To anyone who went after and attacked Neil for his opt-out (via social media, none of those people would have the stones to say it to Farrell's face) I say to you with vengeful love:
You don't deserve to cheer or support #92 on Saturdays when he terrorizes every quarterback in the SEC...you still will and you'll forget alllll about some of the absolute garbage a few of you directed towards this young man for opting out (to be alongside his Covid-ailing grandmother).
But I don't write for the kind of people who would attack anyone, anyway...
I write for and represent real Tiger fans who embrace ALL Tigers: past, present and future...also, we write for people who understand at the end of the day, this is all just a sport...just a game, and the circumstances Neil's family were dealing with brought the sobering truth to a shocking reality for many college football fans.
Meanwhile, LSU's ten SEC opponents better get ready and buckle up...
Neil Farrell is a physically dominant, overpowering vendetta of trench warfare, a dynamo in combat with quick hands, a vast array of moves, and a steel-tipped tool box full of kick ass.
We projected 6.5 sacks in our powerhouse Neil Farrell 2020 Profile piece....and then literally a day later, Farrell opted out for the season....we felt we jinxed everything until we heard about his grandmother's health.
Now that things have reportedly turned for the very better concerning his family's health, Farrell is ready to continue his senior season and make his ascent.
We have no doubts Neil would've made an NFL squad if he'd left for last spring's NFL Draft; Concerning his playing time for this campaign, Orgeron has believed and backed Neil 100% on and especially off the field and Farrell will repay this belief by administering ultimate quarterback pain and breaking into the backfield many times throughout the upcoming season...and we believe when the lights shine brightest, he'll make the biggest of plays, in the end raising his stock enormously for the 2021 NFL Draft:
We're talking a 1st Round talent possessing grade A football IQ and most of all, Neil is a great young man who showed his sterling character and family values this summer... I would be shocked and dismayed if Farrell wasn't at least taken in the 2nd Round of next year's NFL Draft.
Now that Farrell has returned to his football family, our defensive line regains a priceless piece of its 2019 championship core. After listening to Pelini, Johnson and Orgeron discuss Farrell's position on the team, we feel he could easily be stationed on the interior or at defensive end, equally adept at the necessary brutalities (DT) and physicalities (DE) required along these vastly different D-Line spots.
Could we see a starting lineup of FARRELL, LOGAN, IKA & ANTHONY???
MOORE, FARRELL, IKA, ANTHONY???
Farrell's return is an absolutely colossal victory for the young man, his family and the LSU Tigers' chances at defending the National Championship:
Neil was critical to our pressuring of seven Top 10 quarterbacks, playing in big stretches during crunch time for the 2019 Tigers, leading all D-linemen in tackles (46), tackles for loss (7) and sacks (3), statistics #92 earned while receiving far less playing time than Rashard Lawrence, Tyler Shelvin, Apu Ika and Glen Logan.
Neil's reemergence, his presence, leadership and overwhelming suffocation against any offensive line is a massive boost for our depleted Tigers...just like a starving group of survivors stranded on an island, #92 has rode to shore on a boat stocked full of supplies....this D-Line is now hungrier than ever and the reinforcements may not be over....
PROJECTIONS: 44 Tackles, 6.5 sacks, 8.5 TFL, 1 FF, 2 PD, 28 Pocket Disruptions
6'6
262
JUCO STATS:
52 TOTAL TACKLES
1 FF
1FR
1 SACK
3 PD
2 BLOCKED FIELD GOALS
The 6'6, 262 pound monolithic inferno some call Ali Gaye (and we call "the most physically gifted lineman in Baton Rouge") has a fantastic story...one of overcoming hardship, language barriers and a gulf in education, arriving on American soil at the age of 12 from his native Gambia.
As an adolescent becoming acclimated to life in another country, Ali's test scores were lower than expected as he learned the world's most difficult language; Still, Gaye persevered, graduating from Edmonds-Woodway High and impressing anyone in his vicinity:
“You got a kid that’s 6-6 while weighing 265, 270 who moves like a basketball player,” said Gaye's mentor and Edmonds-Woodway football coach John Gradwohl. “Not a lot of those guys move that well. He’s competitive, he loves to learn, he’s coachable, he’s got all those qualities. He's just a warm-hearted great young man."
After Gaye's graduation, the former soccer player made his full commitment to Chris Peterson's Washington Huskies on signing day 2017.
Sadly, he soon failed to meet the Pac 12 school's academic standards and was forced to depart Washington and walk the JUCO path:
Playing as an interior for community colleges at Arizona Western and Garden City, Kansas the last two seasons, Gaye followed Head Coach Tom Minnick to both schools in consecutive seasons (Arizona Western's program shut down, forcing his move to Garden City). During this JUCO era, Ali racked up 52 total tackles (44 throughout 2019), blocked 2 field goals, forced a fumble (recovered another) and deflected 3 passes using his tyrannical, agile 6'6 length....but most of all he worked on mastering his academics...the football would come in time and reps.
Following his academic progress, Ali set his sights on LSU long ago, with Coaches Aranda and Bill Busch making the initial contact. The towering defensive lineman committed back in July 2019, but due to the tragic transfer rules, Gaye missed out on a National Championship season.
“I’ve always been interested in playing in the SEC, especially at a school like LSU,” Gaye said to Heraldnet.com, “It’s a place I can see myself being successful on the field, in the classroom and just as a person.”
During the summer, as Gaye geared up for his first LSU practices, he began his life as a Tiger just as he had as an American, being viewed as a contributor firmly on the outskirts of the defense....and there's many factors for his lack of high profile discussion.
First, Gaye needed to grow accustomed to the speed, athleticism and brute force of SEC football after two years adrift on the JuCo path....and he did quickly: his attributes are tailor-made for the Southeastern Conference. On May 27th, Coach Ed Orgeron finally name dropped the Gambian-American, Coach O quoted as saying he "loves what he's seen from Ali"....
Now with only 5 days until opening game against Mississippi State, the JUCO Junior is being given the nod along this much-changed Tigers' D-line.
Ali Gaye may just be another huge breakout star for LSU in a season who's glory rests or fades in the hands of currently unknown Division I players such as Gaye, Brennan, Ojulari, Flott, Cox or Clark...ever the eye for talent, Orgeron definitely likes him and mentioned Gaye yet again today:
I feel...right here and now, Orgeron must stick to this plan: Anthony or Ojulari on one side, Gaye on the other and we must stick to this plan throughout gameweek.
A month and a half ago, we dubbed Ali an "ambassador of quarterback shame" on the Mark Rogers show and we stick by that quote....it also appears Coach O & DL Coach Bill Johnson also agree with our assessment.
Gaye's length and intensity must be utilized off the edge in tandem with B.J Ojulari, who Orgeron already called "our best pass rusher" at every turn all off-season.
Anthony and Moore are a fantastic second group, and though we feel Andre has a legitimate chance to breakout, we haven't seen the steak to geaux with those potatoes just yet...we may not know exactly who'll be our true DL Alphas until after the Florida game....but you have to feel Orgeron is getting closer.
We've watched B.J Ojulari, Phillip Webb and Ali Gaye really take on and beat our best O-linemen (Deculus, Ingram and Rosenthal) delivering more consistency, physicality and energy than Anthony or Moore, despite the latter players' vast improvements. Anthony has the pace, the moves and the engine, but he doesn't possess the size to break on through to the othhha side, while Travez Moore's qualities are unknown until we see what he can do on the field.
Pelini, Johnson and Orgeron must utilize their bountiful young athleticism on the edge to make up for whatever D-line deficiencies exist overall, and it seems they've already received the memo by promoting a stud like Ali Gaye.
PROJECTIONS:
Ali Gaye's promotion as our new starting defensive end indicates the Tigers' reliance on younger, speedier play-makers....edge destroyers and backfield consumers (such as Gaye) who can provide looming bulk, vicious pace as well as extreme punishment off the edge...and it doesn't get better than the Gambian international's exquisite athletic range.
Ali is poised to become an imperious fan favorite, a constant Orgeron Enforcer off the edge and an obvious mismatch every time he scoops inside on a stunt....watch for Ali to make more of a dent rushing the passer through the interior rather than the edge.
We predict & discuss Ali Gaye's 2020 season here during our appearance on Mark RogersTV:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DK41t5_O7s
#47
6'4
287
LSU CAREER STATS:
1 Total Tackle (1 Assisted, in 2018)
-Coach Orgeron said Jenkins would "play back-up DE/DT"
Jenkins saw time on the field during 2018, however he red-shirted the rest of the season due to Orgeron's belief the "kid wasn't ready for the college level yet".
Throughout 2019, Nelson featured on the practice squad and Scout team, earning his way up the ladder with each stripe.
If we see Jenkins play considerable time during 2020, this early in his development, it'll be a highly rewarding pit stop on his journey to becoming an LSU dependable.
PROJECTIONS:
11 Tackles, 1 Pass Deflected, 1.5 TFL, 1 Sack
#55
6'3
264
2019 STATS:
Played in 3 Games
Finishing 1st in the 4x200m relay in 2018, Dallas Carter High School defensive end Jarell Cherry is a returning national champion, albeit an inexperienced one.
Appearing in a trio of games during the 2019 National Championship run, Cherry failed to register a statistic, but we have to make sure everyone recognizes the depth chart this then-freshman, had to contend with: Chaisson & Michael Divinity as pass-rushing LB/DE hybrids, Fehoko, Rashard Lawrence, Apu Ika, Neil Ferrell Jr, Glen Logan, Justin Thomas, Andre Anthony, Travez Moore, Nelson Jenkins...even with Burrow and the juggernaut offense putting up a disorienting number of points, Cherry hardly found any time on the field.
This campaign, I have an odd feeling Cherry will push for game time, leaning on his capability for unrelenting brutality...
Despite the lack of considerable game footage over the course of his 1 year LSU career, when he appeared, we've seen a vicious, mean, distillation of heinous mobility, an uncontainable hell's fury swimming towards the quarterback.
If Cherry receives reps, look for him to really instigate bruising, calculating pass-rushing whatever way he can...a True Tiger, Jarell is must-see D-Line TV.
To be incredibly risque, but accurate, we think this Cherry might pop.
PROJECTION:
Meaningful contributor: Officially Moved to DT on 8/24/2020
2 sacks, 5.5 TFL, 33.5 tackles
#62
6'4
354
2019 STATS:
17 Tackles (11 Solo)
1.5 TFL
Played in 11 Games
Carrying on the Polynesian torch passed down to him by LA Chargers and 2019 LSU's Breiden Fehoko, this true gap-clogger / run-stuffer found frequent snaps throughout the championship campaign, although any credit for his contributions has been minimal at best....such is the life of a nose tackling girth of decisive harm.
Ika took to the field more than would've been expected of a freshman nose tackle out of Salt Lake City, Utah, but due to Aranda's 3 man D-line front needing a punishing anchor to back Tyler Shelvin, "Apu" featured in 11 games because he fit the 0 nose bill & performed admirably.
Only being flagged once on the season, during the critical 2nd quarter of the National Championship Game, Ika has proven himself to be a reliable force on the interior.
Will Ika have trouble moving from a 0-nose to life as a 3-technique?
Well...I recall seeing some footage of Ika at DT during the 2019 Spring game, torching right guard Anthony Bradford from the interior of a four man front, putting the O-Line's Michigan-born Paul Bunyan to sleep. His backfield entrance also hilariously freaked Myles Brennan out so bad, #15 chucked the ball away and ran to his left in fear (even whilst wearing the yellow "two hand touch" jersey).
Short answer?
As a former youth player, I can tell you there isn't too much difference between playing 0 technique or 3 technique, it's merely a shade away, it's not a big deal... unless you don't have the energy to get off the line quick enough, are over 370 pounds and absolutely need that split second head start from the center...neither of which are problems for the quick, confrontational Ika.
From the same piece of Spring game footage:
Much like fellow Polynesian Breiden Fehoko, Apu Ika holds a treasured calculus and precision in his jump off the snap, bursting forth while fellow linemen Thomas and Farrell were still daydreaming about ice tubs and bags of Fritos, Ika was ripping through future NFL Draft picks along LSU's line as if they were an untamed, vengeful Tiger in a room with Carol Baskin and Joe Exotic.
In 2020, many fanalysts have been excited about the East High Salt Lake City native (my hometown boy from my hood, SLC = LSU baby):
A rash of hosts, writers and YouTube jesters are already penciling Ika as a starter now that Tyler Shelvin's 2020 campaign is over; Shelvin and Ika together would've anchored LSU's 2020 D-line, a partnership which easily could've become legendary. occupying the A-C gaps along the 4 man Pelini front.
Since Glen Logan will be moving inside, due to his growing asset as a DT (given his penchant for deflecting passes or run-stuffing within the C or B gaps during the Aranda era) Ika will need to shed some excess weight, get faster in the hand movement and quicker in his reactions to seal the LDT or RDT spot for himself.
But Apu is ignoring suggestions of 2020 being his breakout campaign.
He already had a breakout season, over-achieving like crazy within 2019's nexus of enthralling wonder.
As a freshman from Utah, things didn't look so well for the East High product (directly mined from the Dave Aranda, Bill Busch, Corey Raymond-Utah pipeline).
But when the opportunities arose, as injuries occurred to Glen "The Joker" Logan, Rashard Lawrence, Michael Divinity Jr, and Shelvin temporarily banged up, Siaki Ika slid into his 0-nose spot and plowed ahead, desecrating opponents as if the second they snapped the ball they'd entered a meat grinder splattering bodies, thrusting / flailing limbs crashing into one another like a torrid burlesque dance at a midnight barn party...this was where centralized destruction was born.
I believe Tyler Shelvin and Siaki Ika would make a devastating tandem, as would Glen Logan and Tyler Shelvin, or Ika and Logan, whichever combination...this all goes without including freshman sensation Jacobian Guillory, a throttler who just may snake the job out from under a few of these upperclassmen himself...
This is where iron sharpens iron, great players turn one another into elite creators of O-line / QB psychosis...
PROJECTION: Ika will start vs from the launch ...after that is up to him.
4.5 TFL, 2.5 Sacks, 22 Pocket Disruptions
#8
6'3
218 lbs
MARRIETTA HIGH SCHOOL STATS:
328 TOTAL TACKLES
280 SOLO
31 SACKS
5 FUMBLE RECOVERIES
4 FORCED FUMBLES
Decommitting from Tennessee after only 2 months was the smartest decision B.J Ojulari ever made...which just geauxs to show how much team performance during a season can affect the recruiting process at the final hurdle.
Losing an SEC Championship for to a rival for a 5 Star's signature (for example) could mean a double jeopardy defeat for any program, losing on the field in the present and future in one stroke.
Tennessee's loss was LSU's gain as the bombastic, beautiful, clinical, soul machine of 2019 LSU didn't just make history on the field currently, they created a dynasty for the future of Orgeron's Tigers:
Arik Gilbert arrived, Eli Ricks signed early on that season (tweeting how proud he was to be apart of the Tigers after the Bama victory) and highly sought B.J Ojulari also signed hot on the heels of many recent Georgia-natives to play at LSU (single season sacks leader Arden Key, 7th all time tackler and current Director of Player Development Kelvin Sheppard, corner Jay Ward, DE T.K McLendon, DE Phillip Webb, FB Tory Carter, former Tiger drafted by the Miami Dolphins Blake Ferguson and the "Heir to The Ferguson Throne" long snapper Quentin Skinner, and 2021 commits Khari Gee and Zavier Carter).
Ojulari didn't just slip right outta Tennessee's hands: even with B.J's older brother Azeez starting at LB for the UGA (and is on the 2020 preseason Butkus watch list), Georgia coach Kirby Smart somehow still had no chance.
For a kid who's older brother plays at an NFL level, who's family descends from a Nigerian king and who's famous grandfather was famous artist Prince Twins Seven-Seven, it's not much of a stretch to expect some kind of brilliant impact from the freshman in 2020.
I expect big things from Ojulari, yet another Georgia-native prized away from Kirby Smart thanks to LSU's formidable national brand. Learning under LSU's D-Line staff will be massive, especially with new additions Christian LaCoutoure and Bennie Logan on the staff.
Already considered a prime contender for the two starting defensive end roles alongside Andre Anthony, Phillip Webb or Travez Moore, the freshman has an emphatic edge over his teammates.
Ojulari is a massive warrior-drone, a seething abyss of medieval rampage, a Pandora's box of turbulence not to be reckoned with...unless you want an eye, an arm and a face removed.
Not merely a pass rusher, B.J is a true defensive force, making his name across from current LSU teammate Arik Gilbert as an intuitive, transcendental defensive end on Marietta High's powder keg D-line.
Posting historic numbers during his four year stint on varsity, Ojulari averaged a disgusting 7.6 tackles per game, acting as both Marrietta's Ray Lewis at LB and their K'Lavon Chaisson (when rushing the passer)....adept at either spot.
We feel Ojulari will start vs Mississippi State Week 1, proving himself to be of maximum ass-kicking quality on contact, on demand...keeping a firm eye on SEC Freshman of the Year honors.
In a press conference today, Orgeron said he believed Ojulari "looks fantastic, had 5 or 6 sacks in practice and we believe he'll start for us on 3rd down"...and I have to say that sounds like high praise for a freshman, however from what we've witnessed Orgeron is blowing smoke:
They know just how damn good Ojulari is and what an incredible weapon he'll become. We feel once Orgeron sees the inefficiency of leaning on Andre Anthony and Travez Moore to rush the passer for 10 SEC games (probably a game or two into the season), Ojulari and Phillip Webb will see much more of the field along the D-Line rotation.
I hate hype-killing a player's game...however this is just an inherent truth one must reckon with when discussing Ojulari: When judging the former Marietta High superstar's attributes, his personality, energy, stamina, hand movement, his pace off the line, the fact he pursues the play until burying the ball-carrier yards down the field, I see nothing but greatness and no ceilings for the young man.
He storms across the field like a dragon, detonating opponents into the ground with sandwiching tackles, slamming bodies down left and ride like this was the Sands of Iwo Jima...Ojulari, doesn't play football, he attacks the very nature of "the game".
There's a snap against the McEachern Indians (from Powder Springs, Georgia) where Ojulari blows by the left tackle as if the highly ranked LT has "Casper the Friendly Ghost" written on the back of his jersey and dissects the read option, attempting to consume the running back upon arrival had the McEachern QB handed it off; Once the quarterback fakes the give, he looks as if he has a patch of daylight to fly out of the backfield, away from this terrifying scenario in which B.J Ojulari may wreak havoc upon your poor soul. Instead, Ojulari executed the destruction of the play so well he arrived just in time to somehow move around the running back, not bite on the fake and also grab hold of the rushing quarterback from behind and literally toss him to the ground like a piece of used toilet paper.
It is a quite thrilling view: play beginning at 1:02.
He faced some of the best players in the country, as Georgia constantly ranks as one of the highest producers of collegiate or NFL talents, and yet he ostracized the faces of these opponents, clearly out-matching them physically, athletically, intellectually as a football player and mentally after the humiliation of having the ball smashed out of your grasp by Ojulari or your field goal blocked or right as you caught the ball just beyond the line of scrimmage, nothing but open space in view, you were derailed by B.J flying out of nowhere and administering brutal punishment.
There's a way he can dominate a game which excites me as he plays on the same squad with Derek Stingley Jr, Cor'dale Flott, Eli Ricks, Damone Clark, Jabril Cox, Tyler Shelvin and Jacoby Stevens all on the same team at the same time.
There are no excuses for LSU's defense this season, with a rapture of endless talent including the best secondary in college football and the four best defensive players in the country (Stingley, Stevens, Shelvin and Cox), led by wise fox Bo Pelini, Bill Johnson now entrenched at D-Line Coach working with Orgeron, Christian LaCoutoure, Bennie Logan and Keith Sanchez while Corey Raymond and Bill Busch watch over DBU, assisted by DBU Alum Dwayne Thomas.
There are no excuses: this is a championship defense already, it will be even better in 2020...it must be.
And unless Ojulari receives marginal playing time (ala Marcel Brooks), there are no excuses for Ojulari being unable to deliver a play-making, history-taking, legendary, incendiary season of crowd-pleasin', Saban-wheezin' QB treason.
PROJECTIONS: 9.5 Sacks, 14.5 TFL, 34 tackles, 3 deflected passes, 2 forced fumbles
#99
6'4
293
#1 Ranked Recruit out of Louisiana 2020
2x Undefeated ULab seasons in 2017-18
Ascending from LSU farm University Lab high school in Baton Rouge, Roy always had the technique, wide-ranging athleticism, bruising size, quick hands and multi-dimensional skill to stake a place as a Tiger...Coach Orgeron has been following Roy since the kid was in 9th grade.
Jaquelin famously committed, then de-committed before finally returning to the fold once Coach Ed Orgeron was appointed head coach....saying Roy "always had eyes for LSU and LSU only" isn't being fanciful or protecting the brand, it's just the truth...24 other schools, including Pete Golding desperately representing Alabama, shouldn't have wasted their time:
“I always knew I wanted to go to LSU, but I wanted to enjoy the process and take my trips and visits and see how different things were around other states,” said Roy. “But I knew LSU was the place for me to go. Coach O always preached to me that the game is won in the trenches and the D-line is where it starts and I’m just ready to play my role.”
“It’s home,” Roy told 247Sports in the summer of 2019. “It’s a home feeling. I love it. I’ve been real cool with Coach O since he was D-line coach. Once he turned head coach it was easy for me to be under LSU more and be around more. Coach Meatball (Dennis) Johnson is a real cool coach, he’s more like a big brother. Hopefully they’ll be a top five team after the season and be playing in the playoffs trying to win a championship.”
Beginning with a powerful push off the line, a surgical precision in his ability to dissect protections, and a macabre height advantage which affects all passing lanes, Roy could become the chief disruptor within Pelini's Death Force One schemes.
For a defensive tackle, Roy displays tenacious pursuit and a scary pace rarely seen as part of a defensive tackle's toolbox, completing side to side tackles in or out of the backfield....and while DEs Neil Farrell and Justin Thomas have vacated their spots on roster, there's an absolute possibility we could foresee Roy on the edge, such is his blinding pace.
Although many feel Roy's trajectory is a year away, I feel #99 could compete mightily for one of the two DT positions ans fill time outside; even if he fails to grab the starting role, Jaquelin will find himself flying after quarterbacks, terrifying running backs and administering propulsive pain up the middle.
However considering recent developments on the defensive line, Roy's versatile attributes could offer Pelini and D-line Coach Bill Johnson hardcore reps on the inside or off the edge.
Considering the path taken by recent Tigers, such as Tyler Shelvin's near departure / having to earn his stripes back in 2018/19 or linebacker Patrick Queen adapting the skills of a LB after years at RB in high school, both of those examples (as well as a long, long list of Tigers playing on Sundays) continues to prove the premium development which supersedes all else under Coach Orgeron....see how solid Roy is now and imagine how freakish he could become...
The University Lab DT would still evolve: physically thanks to Tommy Moffitt & Shelley Mullinex and mentally from the Bo Pelini school of Hard Knocks, always in the mood to fly into the game and contribute at any time...
Moreover, Roy is physically ready to start immediately for LSU against tough SEC opponents.
As he develops, his ceiling is infinite as a defensive lineman, honing in on every move or fake in the backfield, never over-reacting, sprinkling a surreal combination of "effortless aggression", Roy consumes the entire space the runner or passer were about to attack using little more than a whistling wind as he latches on to what remains of their torso.
Whether in 2020 or the years to follow, Roy will play alongside Guillory in the middle of Bo Pelini's four man front...shifting outside, playing all over the line as Pelini experiments.
These two, Roy and Guillory, are LSU Bash Brothers, dual vagabond mercenaries now tied to the hip like Butch Guillory and the Bodyslam-dance Kid.
PROJECTION: a surprise starter after a few games: 6.0 Sacks, 7.5 TFL, 39 Tackles, 1 FF, 3 PD
#90
6'2
337
ALEXANDRIA STATS:
Senior Year:
76 TACKLES (57 Solo)
27 TFL
7 SACKS
2 FF
Guillory, much like his current teammate Jaquelin Roy, tore up Louisiana football in 2019...and the two were always lined up to break through at LSU.
Jacobian Guillory pulled a Glen Dorsey act at Alexandria High School, climbing and clawing his way to becoming the fifth best prospect in Louisiana and ninth overall defensive tackle in the nation.
It's been a long time since I've seen a high schooler pummel through centers or guards as if they were Curious George, treating double teams as minimal detours along the way to a brutally omnipotent play in the backfield.
I've heard a lot about Tyler Shelvin, Siaki Ika, Glen Logan or Neil Farrell, but nobody among the LSU media or staff have boasted about Guillory's explosive, decisive potential up the gut, especially alongside Shelvin's veteran, championship presence....finally, Coach O applauded Jacobian's work ethic and intensity using an episode of Off The Bench, dubbing him: "Ice Box
Immediately enraptured by Guillory's versatile, tenacious profile, I'd already penciled Guillory in as starting DT next to Tyler Shelvin once the Alexandria product signed and arrived on campus....just think about the possibilities:
With the speed of our ends, the range of LBs in behind like Damone Clark, Jabril Cox or Marcel Brooks, how could any guard-center-guard combo move Shelvin or Guillory's 300+ lbs in tandem?
Both Shelvin and Guillory possess unique athleticism and quick reactions for defensive tackles of such mass.
I can't quite explain this...but I have this feeling, this innate sense that both Jacobian Guillory and Jaquelin Roy have been playing at LSU for five years already...just in another life or spirit world, such is their comfort and confident ease in which they carry themselves, specifically our new #90.
We should expect an all out summer battle between Shelvin, Roy, Guillory, Apu Ika, Neil Farrell, and Glen Logan for the starting defensive tackle positions.
Defensive tackle will surely become yet another hotly contested spot on the roster, improving each and every player in the process of their development, rise and success...yet, we expect youth to win here:
Jacobian Guillory will at least take the 3rd string DT slot...but we have a feeling this cat could very well just take the position for himself if others aren't careful.
PROJECTION: 3rd string DT: Dealing with a small injury prior to Week 1, Guillory's status is questionable for the Mississippi State game...however, that means nothing: EXPECT GREATNESS: 2 FF, 32 Tackles, 3.5 Sacks, 5.5 TFL,13 QB Pressures
#96
6'4
292
HEWITT-TRUSVILLE STATS:
77 TACKLES (58 SOLO)
3.5 SACKS
1 FF
1 INT
Any Alabama-native who defects to the LSU side is always a welcome catch....if they happen to be as good as Eric Taylor, even better.
Totaling 77 career tackles, 58 by his own hands, Taylor became a playmaker for Hewitt-Trussville High, averaging 3.1 tackles per outing, creating 3.5 sacks, forcing a fumble, and ripping an interception out of the air.
A four star recruit ranking as the 25th overall defensive lineman in the nation, Eric Taylor still zoomed under the national radar.
When Taylor committed 11 months ago, few media outlets surrounding Baton Rouge noticed how crucial his capture may turn out:
Stealing a "homegrown D-line diabolical" out from underneath Alabama and Auburn is a huge victory in and of itself for the Tigers (becoming normalized with each defection), let alone the fact Taylor could end up becoming a significant contributor to the LSU defense.
PROJECTIONS: 9 Tackles, 1 Pass deflected, 2.5 TFL
#19
6'4
233
ND STATE CAREER:
258 TACKLES (158 SOLO)
32 TFL
14 SACKS
18 PD
6 INTs
2 INT RET TD
3 FR
1 FF
-3x FCS CHAMPION
-50 Offers from other schools in 2020
Thanks to Joe Burrow's 2019 advertisement, becoming a champion and NFL Draft pick at LSU was always a destination / destiny Cox imagined....but when Jabril watched nearly every LSU linebacker on the historic 2019 squad get drafted or join an NFL team, he knew where he needed to geaux to make his future a reality.
When people hear about Cox's trio of years at North Dakota State, they wonder "why? Was he not good enough for division I? Was he soft??? Was he...overrated???"
Anyone who's seen Jabril knew none of the above were true, anyone who's seen him play football wondered what they were missing: 7 career INTs from linebacker in 3 seasons??? 11 created turnovers, 18 PD, is this guy a linebacker or is he a safety???
Many high octane programs courted Jabril out of high school, immediately dropping off once he suffered a nasty knee injury in his final year at Raytown South.....while many players suffer these ACL tears, the necessity for Cox's knee surgery greatly wounded the senior's chance at a promising career.
All these years later, Jabril Cox is now the first player to refrain from visiting their new school before transferring...it seems Jabril Cox already knows what he'll be capable of in purple and gold. 2020 is prime time for the linebacker to mutilate defenses: physically, as well as psychologically and no one was happier when Cox joined than Bo Pelini.
When Bo first recruited the Kansas City native LB as he coached FCS' Youngstown State, he lost out to North Dakota State in the battle and he knew what losing a player such as Jabril would mean.
Failing to score more than 17 points across the last two meetings vs Jabril Cox's NDState and only 24 when Cox was a freshman, Jabril's move to North Dakota State over Pelini's Youngstown State effectively cost Pelini (and his trusted assistant Donald D'Alesio) an FCS National Championship for three years.
Pelini knew the outcome once he lost the recruiting battle: this was the best linebacker to ever play outside the power five...any team possessing a game-changer like Cox were winning the title.
LSU's 2007 and now 2020 defensive coordinator remains chill whenever Jabril Cox's name is brought up in conversation, almost as if Bo has to take a break every time he considers how much fun it'll be to coach #19.
Pelini's usual fiery ways are tempered when dealing with his new star LB: Bo knows exactly what he's liable to get out of Cox...he doesn't even need to coach Jabril up....Bo has seen how Cox operates following three years of getting his ass deleted by the new 2020 Tiger.
During his illustrious career with the Bison, Cox racked up 258 tackles, (158 as a Solo artist), 32 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 18 pass breakups, 7 interceptions (elite level coverage numbers for DBs let alone a LB), 3 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble and 2 INTs taken to the house...these are Pavlovian numbers...
In addition, he's racked up 190 return yards from those 7 interceptions, including 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns; in addition, Cox missed only a single game during his three seasons at NDState, starting 45 of 46 games, including a 31 consecutive appearance streak.
For a linebacker...these are crazy numbers...but keep in mind, he is a playmaker more than a hard-hitting destroyer.
At LSU...this is normal, Cox won't just adapt and acclimate to the SEC, Jabril will dominate and hold those who doubt him in perennial anguish & defeated contempt.
Winning a title during every college campaign, Cox jumps to another program built on title-winning pedigree, arriving with his ballhawking mentality in full flight...and his addition in Pelini's squad came just at the right time for LSU's linebacking corps.
If Cox had declared for the draft or went elsewhere, junior LB leader Damone Clark would be taking the reigns with little experience in behind, nearly going it alone alongside a deep lack of talented bodies or proven starters.
But now that Cox has fully integrated himself into the squad, Orgeron saying Cox "was looking like the best player on the field" recently, every other LB hits harder, runs faster, covers better and plays stronger...all because of the competitive bar set by Jabril and Damone, a truly dynamic duo.
We'll be seeing him run guys down with his side to side speed, witnessing his disruption of the short passing game, and as long as he's an LSU Tiger, Cox will make plays.
I guarantee Cox will catch 3 interceptions and return 1 for a TD during 2020, such is the threat of his anticipation and the great players surrounding him in the secondary: no quarterback (especially the inexperienced shitheels left in the SEC) wants to throw at Mo Hampton or SEC opposition completion percentage leader Cordale Flott or Eli Ricks and you sure as hell aren't throwing the ball anywhere near Derek Stingley...so, look for those moments across the middle or in the flat where Cox has an opportunity to make a big play on the ball.
The fear of his unknown quantity / chameleonist ways will do him wonders when fooling QBs within Pelini's 4-3 system.
More than anything, Cox's leadership, coupled with his playmaking ability will decide how far LSU's defense can take the Tigers....outside of Stingley and Stevens, Cox is our most important defensive player.
PROJECTIONS: 73 Tackles, 1 FF, 7.5 TFL, 2 Sacks, 3 INTS (1 RET TD VS A&M)
#43
6'3
227
LSU CAREER:
32 APPS.
40 TACKLES (12 SOLO)
1 SACK
1 PD
1 FR
2019 STATS:
9 TOTAL TACKLES (3 SOLO)
-FR, QB Hit & Hurry vs Alabama
Played in 14 Games
Ray Thornton, much like Micha Baskerville is a young man who's been at LSU for what feels like light years and at the same time, a lifetime....where have all the snaps gone?
For years Ray was caught up in a maelstrom on the sidelines, glued to the fringes of the squad; but under Coach Ed Orgeron he's experienced a slight revival. Still, Thornton has failed to completely capitalize on these chances.
He found massive playing time vs Alabama, recovering Tua's red zone ghost fumble on the opening drive, one of the most legendary and psychologically critical plays I've ever witnessed happen during an LSU vs Alabama game.
Thornton needs to back that up by providing more crucial moments, avoiding the toll of the nasty niggling injuries which have plagued his LSU career, and strengthen his body during this time in preparation for a full slate of intense summer practices.
As a 2020 senior and returning National Champion, we're looking for Thornton to deliver as a leader, both on and off the field.
PROJECTIONS:
29+ Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Pass Deflected, 3.5 TFL
#23
6'1
228
LSU CAREER:
33 TACKLES 4.5 TFL, 1 SACK
2019 STATS:
15 TACKLES (10 SOLO)
4.0 TFL
1 PD
1 SACK
-Blocked Punt Ret TD vs Vanderbilt
-Onside Kick Return to the 2 yard line vs Vanderbilt
Played in 12 Games
He put up some good tape against Bama on a goal-line lay, filling his gap and crushing Tua on the end of the sequence for a QB Hit, QB hurry and forced incompletion. But then, Baskerville's lack of speed or strength was exposed on the next play when he failed to tackle Najee Harris (Micha in solid position to make the play).
I'm not going to sit here and say tackling Najee Harris is an easy thing to do...of course it isn't, the man is a monster. But Baskerville's job is to hold Najee up just enough for his Tiger friends to help him get Harris on the ground... and it was obvious in that moment why he couldn't pull that off: due to being undersized, when he arrived late to make the hit, his slow trajectory threw off the mano e mano balance and Micha was bulldozed by the Alabama running back.
But with Micha becoming the center of Bo Pelini's public obsession, our 2007 title-winning coordinator uttering his name far more than a few times during interviews, there's a rash of whispers that 2020 will finally be Baskerkville's time at LSU.
I mean hell, he had a solid 2019 season, nearly scoring 2 TDs on special teams, the only player other than Trey Palmer to score from the third phase....
...but can Baskerville perform as an every down SEC linebacker?
We need to see him ascend....we need to be convinced. Come on, Micha, let's geaux!
It appears he will be starting Week 1 at SAM linebacker...
PROJECTIONS: Micha will have to show us...I want to see him explode....but I can't trust him until I see it.
#18
6'3
239
LSU CAREER:
52 TACKLES
2019 STATS:
50 TACKLES (17 SOLO)
4.0 TFL
3.5 SACKS
-Hits on all Top 10 QBs faced in 2019
Played in 15 Games
Posting 5+ tackles on 4 occasions from the bench, Clark's sophomore year proved substantial, as the young LB protege still gained the trust of Orgeron and Dave Aranda:
Clark started vs Alabama in the biggest game of the season, dehumanizing Tua on one occasion with a leperish hit...although Patrick Queen's interception and game-changing theatrics would take the job back #8's way, Damone Clark still stood up, throttling opponents throughout every appearance this season.
Learning from the best, Mr. Devin White, Damone followed #40 around everywhere and soaked up as much as he could learn from the legendary Tigers linebacker.
Now, wearing #18, we feel Damone is the secret weapon and underrated commander of LSU's 2020 defensive gumbo; just by listening to how enthused Orgeron is about the linebacker, you'd think Clark was a new recruit Orgeron needed to impress. There's been tons of quotes about his friendship alongside fellow LB Jabril Cox, the pair dissecting film on Saturday mornings together at LSUHQ and already making plays during LSU's scrimmages.
But Orgeron is a no bullshit guy...Damone Clark was highly touted coming out of high school, but he's had to earn his way at LSU...and he's done just that, posting an incredible contribution to the 2019 title-winning squad, 3.5 sacks, 4.0 TFL, 50 tackles, hitting or pressuring every Top 10 QB LSU faced (sandwiching Trevor Lawrence between his bristling authority and K'Lavon Chaisson's NFL guile under the hot Superdome lights, taking out Jake Fromm twice himself, defacing Jalen Hurts etc).
Expect a titanic campaign from Damone Clark....get ready, buckle up...
PROJECTIONS:
97 TACKLES, 3 FF, 2.5 SACKS, 3 PD, 8.5 TFL
#53
6'3
268
MESA CC STATS:
Sophomore Year:
114 Tackles, 4.5 Sacks
Freshman Year:
63 Tackles, 9.5 TFL, 4.0 Sacks
2019 STATS:
Played In 4 Games
Soni is a hard-tackling chaos machine, hailing from East High in Utah, he was recruited thanks to Bill Busch and Dave Aranda's Utah connections, the exact ties which nabbed Siaki Ika from the same high school later on.
As a member of the 2019 National Championship team's Polynesian contingent, Breiden Fehoko, Fonua and Apu Ika, Soni waves the flag proudly, demonstrated through the "warrior manner" in which he plays.
We feel Fonua will turn on the heat in his final two years of eligibility, displaying an incredible stamina coupled with intense strength.
Coming off an injury that kept him from spring practices, Soni will persevere in 2020, BUT as a back-up defensive tackle
PROJECTIONS: 27 Tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 Sack
#41
6'3
237
LSU CAREER:
9 Games Played
2019 STATS:
1 Tackle, 1 Assisted Tackle
Played in 8 Games
Smith joined the Tigers as a walk-on during the 2017 season of turbulence, entering the LSU framework for his third straight season in 2020.
Carlton may impress Pelini enough to get on the field, following Aranda or McMahon giving him time within certain situations on special teams and late-game defense last year, gaining experience as a returning National Champion.
PROJECTIONS: Smith should prove to be another quality option in Pelini's linebacking corps:
6 Tackles, 1.5 TFL
#58
6'0
213
LSU CAREER:
Appeared in 4 Games in 2018
2019 STATS:
1 Total Tackle (1 Solo)
Played in 5 Games
As a high school teammate of fellow Tigers Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Aaron Moffitt, Small enters his third straight year on the Tigers squad.
Despite a proven self-defense incident keeping him away from the squad before the 2019 Fiesta Bowl, he's returned to the team admirably and practiced / played / performed hard for the 2019 Tigers title-winning adventure.
Small looks to have a breakout 2020 year under Bo Pelini, though the competition in front of him could keep him off the field unless he's prepared to usurp their talents, geauxing above and beyond.
PROJECTIONS: We decline to project, only that we support Small fully in his endeavors....oh what the hell:
11 tackles
6'0
216
JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL STATS:
-100+ Tackles during his career
2019 STATS:
Played in 1 Game
Redshirted in 2018, before playing on the 2019 Tigers' title winning team, making one appearance. With his 6'1 232 slighter size, Faust will have much work to do in order to pass the guys in front of him.
However...Bo Pelini isn't just the Defensive Coordinator...he doubles as the Linebackers Coach...you know what that means, right?
Bo has a propensity for sending blue collar badasses like Will Compton, Craig Steltz, Tyson Jackson, Ricky Jean-Francois, Ndamukong Suh and Prince Amukamara (among many others) to the NFL...could a guy with the under-appreciated, newly developing, gap controlling attributes of Hunter Faust become LSU's Will Compton?
PROJECTIONS: 4 Tackles at a minimum during a season of learning and trial by fire in which Faust has moments of intense necessity upon the field.
Stats aren't always indicative of a player's effectiveness, in fact for some positions, we've had to come up with our own statistics based upon what truly effected the outcome of any given play (homegrown stats as can be seen for Stingley, Myles Brennan, among many many others: counting targets compared to completions allowed, pocket disruptions, double teams drawn, 3rd down conversions etc).
#6
6'1
224
2019 STATS:
-27 Yards, 2 Catches (28 yard pass)
Played in 13 Games
-Switched to LB in 2020
Orgeron knew the unorthodox WR to LB switch was possible after seeing Lee play on both sides of the ball masterfully during the 2018 Louisiana State title game, describing Lee as "the best defensive player on the field that night".
As an extremely confident, charismatic, extremely intelligent and vivacious young man, it was clear to us (even when we thought he would be a WR) that whatever he attempted in the future, on or off the field, Devonta Lee would most likely be successful doing anything...this cool cat is just a prism of power.
We're looking forward to his time at linebacker, and in fact, so is Bo Pelini and Coach Orgeron, calling his three practices at the position "spectacular", both agreeing Lee will become a sure-fire contributor to the linebacking crew, immediately strengthening the versatility, depth and athleticism at that position due to his switch.
PROJECTIONS: He won't get as much game time as he'd like, but Lee will push for a starting job, nipping at the heels of Micha Baskerville.
22 Tackles, 2 FR (1 RET FOR TD),
0.5 Sacks, 2.5 TFL
#54
6'2
230
E.D WHITE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STATS:
Junior Year:
102 TACKLES
Playing Offensive Guard, Center and Fullback at E.D White Catholic High School, Benfield shows a knack for multiplicity, especially given his immediate movement from offensive line or fullback over to the linebacker position.
Much like Devonta Lee's switch from WR to LB, I'm beginning to realize LSU had an acute "lack of LB fright" coming into the season minus Divinity, Chaisson, Patrick Queen and Jacob Phillips.
Now, Benfield's move to LB is an astute alteration, given the fact he can always return to the offensive line if need be...which is why, if I'm Coach O, I'm having him stay alert to the offensive line's protections as much as possible.
Benfield shows a great ability to smash opponents fiercely and with much drive....beyond that, Aaron becomes an enigma.
Remember, he's still a freshman...plenty of room to grow...and he happens to be at the right place.
PROJECTIONS: 4 Tackles, 3 Games Played.
#59
6'5
218
VIGOR HIGH SCHOOL STATS
Senior Stats:
14 Sacks
The basketball star from Alabama's Vigor High School also led the football squad to the Alabama state title game, recording 14 sacks as a brilliant edge-rushing specimen.
Boasting length and terminal velocity at 210, Desmond has incredible pace, venomous hits and a nasty dip move...all apart of his rip-roaring devastation upon the backfield.
Yet another Alabama defector, we're excited about Desmond's prospects...but "little" isn't the word we'd use to describe his chances.
PROJECTIONS: A season of more learning than big plays, but hey...Little is one or two injuries away from considerable playing time.
2.5 TFL, 0.5 Sacks, 9 Tackles
#44
6'1
265
RANCHVIEW HIGH STATS:
52 TACKLES
6 HURRIES
3 SACKS
1 FF
The freshman out of Ranchview High will be committed to making an impact within the linebacking corps of LSU straight out of the gates.
Although he's used to lining up as an interior D-lineman on a 3-4 defensive formation, Thompson may need time to adjust to the change of the 4-3 defense's hell on wheels savagery.
PROJECTIONS: 2.5 TFL 7 Tackles
#10
6'0
215
CYPRESS CREEK STATS:
350 TOTAL TACKLES (180 SOLO)
7.5 SACKS
1 INT
7 FF
3 FR
As a fully committed early signee, White amassed 188 solo tackles (350+ total), 7.5 sacks, 1 interception, 7 forced fumbles and 3 recoveries.
Ever the stat stuffer and jack-of-all-trades, Josh White even blocked a pair of punts in his senior season at Cypress Creek; White's enthusiastic LSU commitment (against the oil-rich resources of the major Texas programs) shows the expansive recruiting clout of Orgeron's Tigers and the badass waiting for us:
"Mr. Rough Rider" Josh White...a player we're extremely excited for.
PROJECTIONS:
1 Blocked FG, 2 PD, 27 Tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks
#39
6'3
226
LANIER HIGH (SUGAR HILL) STATS:
32 Games Played
216 TOTAL TACKLES
159 SOLO
26.5 SACKS
1 INT (RET. FOR A TD)
4 FF
54 TFL
9 PD
1 FR (RET. FOR A TD)
4 BLOCKED PUNTS
2 DEF. TDs
Though we should include Phillip Webb among the defensive linemen as well: at 6'4 and 210 pounds as a freshman, this dual threat philistine of vicious and mean is a large, massive ent in the trenches who can also drop in coverage: was it ever easy throwing a pass or layup over Mutumbo?
Did anyone ever try to dunk on Dikembe?
Either way, the vibe from Phillip Webb is the same: we will see Webb wag his finger and say "No Mas!" many times from here on out.
Even though wives and girlfriends will tell us otherwise, at least we know size matters in the SEC....or well....size at least alters the flight or trajectory of a pass or whether the ball comes out at all...and Phillip Webb is sure to be a monster for any quarterback to contend against.
PROJECTIONS:
22 Tackles, 6.5 TFL, 3 PD, 1 Sack, 1 INT, Blocked Punt
#34
6'1
205
WOODBRIDGE HIGH STATS:
140 Total Tackles
The Virginia high school star has an unbelievable motor and hit, we just haven't seen Sampah at 100% for a sustained length of time since 2018, when the linebacker suffered a torn ACL.
Still, as he recovered from the nasty injury, the workhorse Polynesian cobbled up 140 combined tackles while featuring in limited action.
Sampah is cut from the same mental cloth as many Pelini favorites at LB, yet it will be the safety measure-ables which will need expanding to prevent another injury relapse...we want to see him at 225 by September.
PROJECTIONS: May have to watch most of the season as he recovers, but he'll be a willing competitor and fantastic addition to the growing Polynesian representation at LSU. We believe in Sampah's future as an LSU Tiger and see him as a 100+ tackle guy for the next 3 years...2020 may come too early, but he still has a big part to play if he takes his opportunities. 10 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 FF, 2.5 TFL
by LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
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