What a difference one year makes.The 2009 LSU defense featured an experienced group of linebackers that excelled under the guidance of first-year defensive coordinator John Chavis.But starting this spring, Chavis must find two new starting linebackers from a group of unproven underclassmen.The Tigers must replace three of the top four tacklers from 2009 — linebackers Harry Coleman, Jacob Cutrera and Perry Riley — who combined for 52 career starts.Senior Kelvin Sheppard is the only starting linebacker to return from last season. The 6-foot-3-inch, 239 pound middle linebacker from Stone Mountain, Ga., started every game of the 2009 season and led the team with 110 tackles.Sheppard said he opted against the NFL draft and returned for his senior season in order to earn his degree and compete for a national championship.”It just felt like the right decision when I sat down by myself and didn’t listen to anyone else,” Sheppard said.Joining Sheppard at linebacker on the first team defense this spring are Ryan Baker, a 6-foot 221-pound junior, and Stefoin Francois, a 6-foot-1-inch 201-pound junior. Both appeared in at least 10 games in 2009, but neither player has recorded a start at linebacker for the Tigers.Sheppard said working alongside the new faces at linebacker has increased his responsibilities on defense.”I have to be on top of my game, whereas last year I had those older guys around me,” Sheppard said.Sheppard also said Baker and Francois have benefitted from spending an extra year in Chavis’ system.”Ryan and Stefoin are way ahead of where we were last year. The defense is way ahead of where we were last year when Chavis got here,” Sheppard said. “Guys are flying around. They understand the scheme a lot better, and they’re moving around a lot faster.”Francois is transitioning to strongside linebacker from safety, where the Tigers initially recruited him to play.He said his experience playing linebacker at East St. John High School in Reserve has helped him in making the transition, but he also said he has yet to complete the position switch.”The hardest part in the transition from safety to linebacker is defeating the blocks because you really have to use your hands now,” said Francois.Sheppard said Francois has looked comfortable in his new role this spring.”Stefoin is a very smart guy,” said Sheppard. “We can communicate on the field. He talks to me and gives me a lot of good feedback.”Francois began the position switch last season to address injury issues at linebacker. He said during his time as a backup he and Baker formed a bond which will benefit both players as they work to supplant themselves in the starting lineup.”We always said once we get that chance, we’re going to grab it and run with it,” Francois said.Baker has been working at weakside linebacker since the beginning of spring practice. He recorded 16 tackles as a backup last season, the most memorable being a goal line stand on fourth down to secure a victory at Mississippi State.Baker said he has focused on becoming a “complete player,” heeding each word of advice he receives from Chavis and Sheppard.”We don’t want to have a drop off from last year,” Baker said. “We want to come in and compete and have a good year.”____Contact Cory Boudreaux at [email protected]