LSU’s offensive line heads into the 2013-14 season with youth across the table and questions still remaining after an injury sidelined senior left guard Josh Williford.
With Williford presumably gone for the season after a concussion, the Tigers will rely heavily on the performance of the line’s three returning starters, especially junior left tackle La’el Collins. Collins expressed optimism following Williford’s injury and emphasized the importance of not letting fears or second thoughts affect the performance of him and his teammates.
While Collins enters the season with formidable expectations after being selected pre-season first team All-Southeastern Conference, he concentrates on keeping his mind focused on the upcoming season and distancing himself from any kind of early praise.
“The pre-season accolades are something that I don’t really pay attention to,” Collins said. “I turn everything toward my team because I work hard with those guys. I’m just trying to be the best teammate and best player I can be.”
Similar to the rest of the offense, the offensive line was forced to adjust in the new system installed by offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. Cameron’s system, which ushers in an aggressive style with a wider variety of pass plays, warrants adjustments that the line has seamlessly executed.
“Our offensive line has continued to do the things well they’ve always done well,” Cameron said. “Anything that we’ve tweaked or anything that we’ve added, they’re open to getting done what we need to get done. There’s no resistance from anyone.”
Williford’s injury also brings a change at positions for sophmore Vadal Alexander. Alexander, a right tackle in 2012, will take over at left guard while freshman Jerald Hawkins will take Alexander’s place at right tackle.
The idea of responding to injury and quick change is nothing new to Alexander. As a freshmen in 2012, Alexander and right guard Trai Turner stepped in midway through the season after the loss of Chris Faulk and Alex Hurst and performed admirably through the rest of the season.
“I believe that we come to work as a whole offensive line ready to work each week,” Turner said. “If you don’t have that mindset that you’re a starter, then you’re not gonna get yourself better week by week. … I believe anybody can step in and take somebody’s position.”
Perhaps the most intriguing battle is between junior Elliott Porter and freshman Ethan Pocic to replace P.J. Lonergan at center. Porter is the favorite after getting a majoirty of starting reps in practice, but the competition in practice has helped both players improve as the season’s inception nears.
A sentiment echoed by all the lineman is the tight chemistry the line displays, promising to bring focus and discipline when the game, or season, is on the line.
“We are close, you know, we always hang around each other. O-Line is one of the closest groups on the team,” Alexander said. “On the field, it’s real easy because off the field we’re close. … When one lineman mess up on a play, all five of us made a mistake on the play.”