The LSU football team has developed a reputation for producing top-tier talent on the defensive line.
Ten defensive linemen represent the Tigers on current NFL rosters, five of whom have played for LSU in the past three seasons.
The unit entered a rebuilding year in 2013 after losing its entire starting four to the 2013 NFL Draft, but the loss of defensive tackles Anthony Johnson and Ego Ferguson has left the Tigers even more strapped for experience this season.
“They say we’re young and don’t have that much talent, but we have older guys at defensive end, and we’re growing every day,” said freshman defensive tackle Frank Herron.
Junior defensive end Danielle Hunter and senior Jermauria Rasco provide the most experience on the line. With a season as starters under their belts, the two have stepped into leadership roles this season.
“They help me out every day,” Herron said. “They always make sure I’m in my playbook and make sure I’m doing the little things. They’ll make me go back in drills if I don’t do them right — just the little things I need help with. I appreciate that.”
Hunter has emerged as one of the most athletic players — not just on the defensive line, but on LSU’s entire roster.
After an offseason in which he improved his strength and conditioning, Hunter leads the team with 14 tackles and 2.5 tackles for a combined loss of 11 yards.
“He’s just a freakish guy, and whenever he gets locked in and focused, he’s unstoppable,” Rasco said. “When he puts his mind to it, that’s what he’s going to do … I just want to keep him focused this season and make sure he has the best season he can have.”
While Hunter leads the unit in stats, he said it’s Rasco that leads it in practice.
“[Rasco’s] a guy that every day at practice, he tells me something I need to work on,” Hunter said. “He gives us objectives. Some days he’ll tell me to stay low and look at the guy’s hands. I’ve definitely seen him improve as a leader this year.”
But having two experienced defensive ends doesn’t change the fact that the Tigers have a significant lack of experience at defensive tackle.
Aside from sophomore Christian LaCouture, the unit will rely on the improvement of freshmen like Herron and Davon Godchaux to hold down the middle of the line.
“Yeah, we have something to prove,” Herron said. “We have to show people that we might be young, but came to play. We put our cleats on just like you put your cleats on.”
Herron said the key to success for the inexperienced line will be building on mistakes and improving every time it takes the field.
“You have to focus on the little things,” Herron said. “The small things carry over to big things, and the big things win championships.”