Editor’s Note: This is the sixth in an eight-part series previewing each position heading into 2012.
The 2012 season ushers in new blood for the LSU linebacking corps after the departure of seniors Ryan Baker and Stefoin Francois, leaving large question marks in the core of the defense. The Tigers return four linebackers who have seen playing time in the college ranks, including one starter. “Beyond those four, we won’t have a guy that has taken a snap,” said defensive coordinator John Chavis. “Today it is not etched in stone what guys will be giving us some playing time.” Junior Kevin Minter will line up at middle linebacker as the only returning starter from last year’s team, as well as aligning himself as the group’s leader for the 2012 campaign. “I feel like we can contribute a lot more [this year],” Minter said. “Last year was pretty much all the secondary and the D-line. This year we have to make more of an impact.” Minter is referring to the fact that the starting corps of Baker, Francois and himself recorded less than 14 percent of all tackles last season and only combined to force one turnover. But Minter is optimistic about this season’s linebackers. “Me and Tahj [Jones] are way more athletic than some of the linebackers we’ve had in the past,” Minter said. “No knock against them, they were great, but these dudes … they may look small, but they pack a punch.” The 6-foot-2-inch, 245-pound Minter recorded 61 tackles last season, one sack and the corps’ only forced fumble against Florida. “Minter played half the time last year,” Chavis said. “He did a very adequate job. He has improved his game. He is becoming a leader for us; he is a physical guy that can run.” Jones is expected to step into the strong side linebacker role after receiving limited chances on the outside in 2011. At 6-feet-2-inches, Jones looks like he wouldn’t weigh his listed 205 pounds soaking wet, but he brings a burst of speed on the outside. Jones is the only other linebacker to have significant playing time on his résumé after seeing more snaps at the end of last season. “All the linebackers [this season] are focused,” Jones said. “Everybody is just in it instead of being selfish. The older guys are helping out the younger guys.” Junior Lamin Barrow is expected to get the nod on the weak side, but Chavis and LSU coach Les Miles have alluded to more of a rotation at the position since Barrow is the greenest of the three. The youth at the linebacker position is what stands out the most when looking at the depth charts. The Tigers have 10 freshmen at the linebacker position this season, and many of them are expected to receive significant playing time. Freshmen Lorenzo Phillips, Ronnie Feist and Kwon Alexander are expected to lead the way for the future of Tiger linebackers. Chavis claims his group of greenhorns can fit in with the veterans to make major contributions on the defensive side of the ball. “With [the younger guys], even if they don’t know exactly what to do, you can expect them to go 110 percent, which you can’t say about a lot of people,” Minter said. “They have a motor. They try to be in every play.”
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Contact Mike Gegenheimer at [email protected]