After he led the Tigers in tackles for loss and finished second in sacks all while starting only four games, LSU opponents this season will surely be keeping a close eye on junior defensive end Barkevious Mingo.
But opposing offenses might have an even tougher time formulating a plan of attack against First Team All Southeastern Conference end than they expect.
LSU coach Les Miles called Mingo the most improved young player on the team since last season.
Miles said Mingo made improvements routinely in his speed and strength since last fall, which could be scary news for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks.
Running backs might need to keep a wary eye out for Mingo as well because Mingo said his biggest improvement this offseason was in run defense.
“I didn’t get many runs my way last season, but I know it’s coming,” Mingo said. “So that’s something I really focused on.”
Senior offensive linemen Josh Dworaczyk, who regularly blocks Mingo in practice said he noticed the improvements.
“He’s always been a speed guy, but he’s really developed himself as a run-stopper as well,” Dworaczyk said. “He’s a guy who’s not going to let you get off the line [on a run] when you’re trying to get to the next level and block linebackers.”
Dworaczyk added that he appreciates the opportunity to go against a pass rusher like Mingo because he knows going against one of the best defensive linemen in the country each day is making him a better offensive linemen.
“I’ve seen Mingo pull a move from different set ups where I’m thinking he’s going to do a bull rush or I’m thinking he’s going to do a spin move, and then he rips and dips and he’s by me,” Dworaczyk said.
Mingo, known as a humble guy in the locker room, said he doesn’t know exactly why Miles would give him the most improved title, but he’s glad his coach has noticed his hard work.
And Miles isn’t the only one noticing Mingo’s rapid improvements.
Mingo is a projected first round pick in the next NFL draft and he’s on the preseason watch list for the Bednarik Award, given to college football’s best overall defensive player- a far cry from the tall, skinny, converted basketball player with the funny name he was hailed as during his recruitment.
During his redshirt freshman season in 2009, it wasn’t even clear if Mingo could play defensive end at the college level. LSU listed him as a linebacker until the 2010 season.
Three years and thirty additional pounds later, the 6-5, 240 pound Mingo is poised to make an even bigger mark this college football season.
____ Contact Spencer Hutchinson at [email protected]