Since 2005, LSU coach Les Miles has signed nine blue-chip defensive linemen according to recruiting Web site Rivals.com, causing many analysts nationwide to refer to LSU as “Defensive-Line University.”
But despite the team returning two preseason All-Southeastern Conference performers from this past season’s squad and being heralded by many as one of the nation’s top overall units, LSU senior defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey said the Tigers’ defensive line will not let lofty expectations alter the way they prepare.
“It’s good to get recognized for the hard work that you put in,” Dorsey said. “But we’re not sitting back and thinking that [success] is just going to come to us. It motivates us to come out here and work just a little bit harder.”
This past season, LSU had one of the nation’s best statistical defensive fronts, allowing less than 100 rushing yards per game while recording just over three sacks a game.
Despite the Tigers’ dominance in the trenches in 2006, Dorsey said this year’s unit may be the best since he has been at LSU.
“It’s our third year in [LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini’s] system so we are just adding to what we already know,” he said.
Dorsey will be joined by fellow All-SEC selection, junior defensive end Tyson Jackson on the left side of LSU’s defensive line.
Dorsey and Jackson combined this season for 11.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for losses, both among the best in the nation among defensive line duos.
Jackson said the tandem’s longevity has been a factor in their success.
“We’ve been playing together for about three years under [Pelini’s] defense,” Jackson said. “Our chemistry level is just really building up from playing together so long.”
On the right side of the line, junior defensive tackles Marlon Favorite and Charles Alexander are expected to split time as the Tigers’ other defensive tackle.
Favorite and Alexander shared the same position this past season, with each player starting at least four games for the Tigers.
At right defensive end, sophomore Rahim Alem and senior Kirston Pittman are expected to compete for the starting position left by seventh round draft pick Chase Pittman.
Kirston Pittman was a 2003 Freshman All-SEC performer but has had his past two seasons ended because of Achilles’ tendon and foot injuries.
Miles said he is anxious to have Pittman back on the field.
“I just wish the very best for him,” Miles said. “It’s taken some time for him to get back on the field. I only hope that his health continues because he is certainly very deserving.”
Miles also has a full depth chart at his disposal if injuries were to strike the Tigers’ front-four.
LSU has 17 defensive linemen listed on the team’s roster, giving Miles and Pelini several options for this season and seasons to come.
“It’s always good when you have other guys who can come in and give you a blow if you have your hands on your knees and are sucking wind,” Dorsey said. “With us, it’s never a drop off no matter who gets into the mix.”
Early in summer practice Miles moved Rivals.com five star defensive tackle Joseph Barksdale to offensive tackle. Miles said the move was to allow Barksdale an opportunity to earn playing time early in his career.
“We always had confidence [Barksdale] could be a solid defensive player,” Miles said. “But now he fills a need and can possibly get on the field a little quicker.”
Sophomore Al Woods and freshmen Lazarius Levingston, Sidell Corley, Kentravis Aubrey and Will Blackwell are expected to compete for backup minutes along the defensive front
With the complete mixture of experience, youth and depth, Pelini said he expects the defensive line to anchor what he hopes will again be one of the nation’s best defenses.
“We really feel good about our front line guys,” he said. “We’re in the process of trying to develop our depth in a lot of areas, but we feel good about where we are.”
Junior offensive guard Herman Johnson agrees with Pelini. Johnson said the LSU front-four has been difficult to contain all throughout summer practices.
“It’s frustrating when we’re in practice because we sometimes can’t run the plays as well as we’d want,” he said. “But then at the end of the day you just realize that we’re lucky that they’re on our side.”
—-Contact Casey Gisclair at [email protected]