LSU senior defensive end Lavar Edwards is having a breakout season again.
Edwards emerged in 2010 after Sam Montgomery’s season-ending knee injury. Edwards started seven games, had a 29-yard fumble return for a touchdown, and added 4.0 tackles for a loss of 23 yards, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Limited to one start, Edwards didn’t make near as big of an impact last season.
Now Edwards finds himself in a similar playmaking position as his sophomore year.
Five games into his senior season, Edwards is also on track to quickly pass his career number of sacks, tackles for loss and game starts. A more focused Edwards credits his breakout to this being his senior year at LSU.
“I’m trying to work as hard as I can and do whatever I need to do to help my team to stand out,” Edwards said.
Being motivated is nothing new for the defensive line. Members of the line said they were more focused this year not only because they want to “win that game we didn’t win last year,” but because motivation is instilled in their characters.
“Everyone on the d-line is hungry,” said senior defensive end Chancey Aghayere. “Everyone wants to do great things for the team.”
Edwards’ 1.5 sacks in LSU’s game against Towson ignited the nonchalant Tiger defense. The team’s defense woke up after Edwards’ sacks, but Edwards said he just did what he was taught to do.
“I just beat the tackle around the edge and got to the quarterback,” Edwards said.
While Edwards is proud of his individual improvements this season, he said there are major mistakes that have been made, including missed tackles and the defense allowing the most points scored on it since the 2011 season opener.
“We just missed a lot of tackles — that’s what really hurt us,” Edwards said. “I missed a couple. When you miss tackles, they get yards that they shouldn’t get.”
Though the team is 5-0, Edwards said there are aspects of the team that need improvement.
“A victory is a victory and we understand that,” Edwards said. “We just know what we gotta do and we gotta get better.”
