LSU’s four starting linebackers against BYU will have a combined two career starts at their current positions.
With junior outside linebacker Arden Key out due to injury, the Tigers will be starting a freshman in his place. Either redshirt freshman Ray Thornton or true freshman K’Lavon Chaisson will start in Key’s place at the buck position.
In the middle of LSU’s defense is senior Donnie Alexander and sophomore Devin White. Alexander started LSU’s final two games last season after former Tiger Kendell Beckwith tore his ACL against Florida. Alexander finished the season with 45 tackles and one interception.
Alexander spent the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery, and increased his playing weight to 230.
With Alexander replacing Beckwith, White is replacing LSU’s 2016 team MVP in Duke Riley. The 6-foot-1, 248 pound, sophomore ended last season with five tackles and a sack against Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson and Louisville.
White and Alexander will be replacing the duo of Beckwith and Riley, who combined for 184 tackles and 15 tackles for a loss in 2016.
The oldest member of the group is sixth-year senior Corey Thompson. Thompson returns to lineup after missing last season with a broken ankle.
It was the second time in his career Thompson missed his true junior season in 2014 after suffering a torn ACL late in 2013 season.
Thompson slides down to outside linebacker after spending his first four years at safety. Thompson made five starts at strong safety in 2013 and started three games at free safety in 2015.
LSU junior linebacker Donnie Alexander (48) and freshman linebacker Devin White (24) celebrating after a big play on Saturday Oct. 22, 2016 during the Tigers' 38-21 victory over Ole Miss at Tiger Stadium.
