Perhaps the most significant adjustment LSU is undergoing during spring practice is taking place on the defensive line.
The Tigers are looking to fill a gaping hole left by four linemen declaring for the 2013 NFL Draft, and the defensive line’s performance will be vital to LSU’s success.
“Ultimately [our goal] is to get better, not only as a player, but as a leader as well,” said junior defensive tackle Anthony Johnson. “… If we want to get better as a team, we have to take charge because we are where it starts at.”
What the LSU defensive front lacks in experience, it more than makes up for in confidence. LSU defensive tackle Ego Ferguson said he uses people’s skepticism as motivational fuel.
“I hear everybody saying that we are not going to be a defensive line this year, and that motivates me a lot,” Ferguson said. “I feel like a lot of people are doubting us because we are young and lost a lot of people. I understand that. We are just trying to prove them wrong.”
Johnson and Ferguson will provide most of LSU’s experience in the trenches next season. The duo played in all 13 games in 2012, combining for a total of 44 tackles and three sacks.
As roommates, the two have developed a strong connection during the past couple of seasons, both on and off the field.
“[Johnson] is like a brother,” Ferguson said. “When I play I feel like I can’t let him down, and I have to make the play. He feels the same way. We keep each other motivated and when one is falling down, we pick the other up.”
Former defensive ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo left some big shoes to fill, combining for a total of 75 tackles – 23 for a loss – and 12.5 sacks.
Junior defensive end Jermauria Rasco has emerged as a virtual lock to start one of these positions. Rasco finished last season with 10 tackles in 13 games.
With the other position still up for grabs, the Tigers have moved sophomore Ronnie Feist from linebacker to defensive end.
“I played defensive end for most of high school, but I got a little rusty after playing linebacker for so long,” Feist said. “… I just want to help this team succeed the best that I can and get the opportunity to play on Saturday and make a name for myself.”
Feist continued by saying he looked forward to the challenge of competing at the position at the college level.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound sophomore would normally be considered small for the position, but Johnson displayed nothing but confidence in Feist.
“He was always a good pass-rusher, but he’s learning his technique now,” Johnson said. “… It is not really about the size. It is about the heart and the technique of the player, and if they want to do it, they will.”
Ferguson said he thinks these transitions at the defensive line will actually benefit the Tigers by the start of next season.
“With all these people leaving, you have a lot more people hungry right now trying to prove themselves,” Ferguson said. “That is what we are coming to do.”
