HOOVER, Ala. – With superstar corners Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu earning LSU the nickname “DBU,” defense has become the identity of LSU football during the Les Miles era.
“We’ve had 24 defensive players [drafted] since 2010, which ties the most in the SEC during that span,” Miles said. “We’ve had at least one defensive lineman taken in every NFL draft for the last 12 years. The five defensive players selected in the first round since NFL draft since 2010.”
Miles doesn’t anticipate the talent level to drop any time soon with the addition of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and defensive line coach Ed Orgeron, who are both proven top-shelf recruiters.
Although the talent level in 2014 was a high as ever, the Tigers were not consistent despite topping the conference in total defense last season. LSU’s defense allowed an average of 432.6 yards of offense and 28.6 points per game in its five losses.
Looking forward to the 2015 season, the Tigers hope to continue to play consistently dominant defense by building on their experience gained during last season and adjusting to the new coaches.
After two years of being mentored by John Chavis, it was odd for junior linebacker Kendell Beckwith to hear the “Chief” would not be no longer be at LSU after he took over the defensive coordinator position at Texas A&M.
“Coach Chavis was like a father figure for me,” Beckwith said. “It was strange not having him there but then with him and Coach Steele being so close they’re just like brothers. He (Coach Steele) came in and filled that role well.”
The closeness between Steele and Chavis made the transition easy because Beckwith said Steele is not establishing an entirely new system. However there is some type of adjustment because Beckwith said that everyone has a particular way that they do things.
Steele isn’t the only new face making a difference on the defensive sidelines during the spring and offseason.
As a former defensive end, Beckwith has also seen the impact Orgeron has played in improving the defensive line, whose returning starters combined for only 5.5 sacks last season.
“They have responded to [Orgeron] well,” Beckwith said. “They really enjoy working with Coach O. He takes them out to eat every week, so they love Coach O.”
After earning the starting spot at middle linebacker in the seventh game of last season, Beckwith heads into his first full season as a starter.
Beckwith said he is working to develop into vocal leader this season despite that kind of leadership not coming naturally to him.
Along with vocal leadership, Beckwith aims to become an every down player.
“For me personally, I don’t want to come off the field unless I absolutely have to,” Beckwith said. “I’ve been doing a great job of making sure I’m in shape. I’ve been running extra and just making sure that I’m prepared to play lights out every Saturday.”