LSU’s defensive players said spring practice this season has a different feel to it — a difference they attributed to LSU’s new coaching staff.LSU’s new defensive coordinator John Chavis said he, secondary coach Ron Cooper and defensive line coach Brick Haley are implementing a new system that will take some time to get used to. But Chavis said the coaches are enjoying the process along with the players.”These guys are outstanding young men, and they want to win,” Chavis said. “As coaches, we have the responsibility to help them do that and lead them in the right direction, and they have the responsibility to give us great effort. When that happens, you create a great relationship.”Chavis came to LSU in January after spending 20 seasons at another Southeastern Conference school — Tennessee. Chavis led the Volunteers to the No. 2 defense in the SEC and No. 3 in the nation last season, and Tennessee has ranked in the top four in the SEC in total defense 10 times.Chavis said it was an easy decision for him to take the job as LSU’s defensive coordinator because of the Tigers’ winning tradition.”I was impressed with coach Miles and his great staff here,” Chavis said. “Ultimately, the decision was easy because they have an opportunity to become one of the best programs in the country and compete for championships, and that is very special.”Chavis said when he arrived in Baton Rouge, he was most enthused about the athletes and their work ethic.”It’s nice to be on a staff where everybody’s focus is in the same direction,” he said. “When you start looking at LSU and study the history of the state of Louisiana and the athletes that you’re able to recruit here, it gives you the opportunity to be in the mix in any given year. That’s the thing I’m excited about.”The players agree with Chavis’ assessment after a week of spring practices. Junior safety Chad Jones said he is enjoying the opportunity he has to move around in the secondary.”I like faster defenses, everybody running around to the ball,” Jones said. “I feel really comfortable back there at safety. In nickel and dime last year, I was only in certain spots. Now I can roam around and control the whole field.”Defensive tackle Rahim Alem said the technique the coaches enforce is what defines this year’s defensive system from last year.”Technique up front is different. We are much more attack-oriented and going downhill,” Alem said. “Last year, that’s where we were in theory, but now we’re going to actually play like that.”Jones said the playbook in the secondary has many similarities, but he agreed the main difference is the attacking nature.”In the new secondary, the same plays are out there, which is good because we know how everybody plays,” Jones said. “With this type of defense, we’re jumping routes and playing more aggressive on the receivers. We feel pretty confident we can handle that, and we look forward to having everybody see.”Alem said the new coaches are “yellers,” but he said their yelling is not a bad thing.”We’re football players; we’ve been cursed out and fussed at before,” Alem said. “We trust our new coaches are going to take us where we have to go. Coach Haley lets you know he’s on your side and is going to get you better so you can win. It’s not a feeling of separation when they yell at us; they let us know it’s all about us and us moving forward.”Senior safety Danny McCray said the defense is adjusting to the demanding level of spring practice, and the unit is eager for a fresh start in a new season.”Everybody’s anxious to find out how it’s going to be,” McCray said. “We’ve been learning and picking up [the system] pretty well. There’s a lot of competition going on, and with the new staff in, there’s some pressure there. Everybody’s trying to prove a point, so it’s fun.”Chavis said his time with the LSU defense is just beginning, and he said he will enjoy getting to know the players more.”This is what I expected from guys at LSU — they understand what it takes to win in the SEC,” Chavis said. “They understand the level of war. As far as us meshing, that takes time, even time off the field. We’ve been all business, and we haven’t had time to enjoy each other off the field. I’m looking forward to spending some time off the field with them after spring practice.”—-Contact Rachel Whittaker at [email protected]