Most fans associate defense during the Les Miles’ era with the reign of “Defensive Back University,” highlighted by Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne.
But a less glamorous position group has thrived during the past decade: the defensive line.
For the last 12 years, the Tigers have had a least one defensive lineman drafted, including first round picks Glenn Dorsey, Michael Brockers and Barkevious Mingo.
Despite the constant turnover, LSU’s defensive line remained consistent by adjusting to new roles and taking advantage of every opportunity.
“It’s a blessing,” said junior defensive end Lewis Neal. “Everyone knows that when you come to LSU, it’s a possibility of you playing early because somebody is going to go the league. We already knew we needed to play big roles early, so when that happens we are ready.”
The roots of this mentality stem from the beginning of Miles’ tenure with the success of Dorsey from 2004 to 2007.
After rotating behind two All-American tackles during his sophomore year, Dorsey stepped into the spotlight recording 64 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in 2006.
Dorsey became the most decorated defensive player in program history when he brought the Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award, Nagurski Award and the Lott Trophy back to Baton Rouge in 2007.
Three years after Dorsey was drafted fifth overall, Brockers followed in Dorsey’s footsteps by becoming the second defensive lineman taken in the first round under Miles.
In 2011 and 2012, Mingo and Sam Montgomery emerged as one of the top defensive end duos in country for the Tigers.
The pair combined for 17 sacks and 28.5 tackles for loss during the Tigers’ run to the 2011 BCS National Championship Game.
In total, 17 defensive linemen have been drafted, and five defensive linesmen have been named first-team All-Americans during Miles’ decade at LSU.
While following this legacy is daunting, the current linemen embrace the challenge and look to continue the tradition.
“It’s a lot to step up to the plate, but I’m looking forward to it,” said sophomore defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. “Guys like Glenn Dorsey, Michael Brockers, Bennie Logan, guys like that, it’s a tough challenge to try to fill those guys’ shoes but I can do it.”
Along with the talent on the field, coaching has played a vital role in keeping the defensive line on track despite the constant turnover.
Brick Haley served as the Tigers’ defensive line coach from 2009 to 2014 before taking the same position at the University of Texas. During his tenure, Haley mentored nine of the Tigers’ 17 defensive lineman drafted under Miles.
“We’ve had some good defensive line coaches,” said junior linebacker Lamar Louis.” Playing with new defensive lineman, it’s really not a struggle because they always seem to do their job. Now we have a transition with [ LSU defensive line coach Ed] Orgeron, who’s a very capable coach.”
Another key to creating a seamless transition from one player to another lies in the Tigers’ practice method.
Unlike offensive players, who normally practice according to their spot on the depth chart, defensive players rotate through practice together allowing them to get to know each other’s game no matter their placement on the depth chart.
“We’re all getting an equal amount of reps, almost in different situations,” Louis said. “Most of those guys we’ve already played with. If it’s a two guy or maybe even a guy with the [third string], we’re all rolling in and out. That’s going to be good to transition to the game because we’re going to need some of those guys to play in the game, too.”