It’s no secret the LSU football team’s offense ranked 112th in the nation last season, and many would argue the problems began with the big men up front.
 
The LSU offensive line allowed 37 sacks in 13 games last season, which tied the Tigers with South Carolina for the most in the Southeastern Conference.
 
LSU coach Les Miles said he believes this year’s O-line has the perfect blend of older leadership and young talent to mesh as one strong unit.
 
“The group is a great mix between the veterans that know what to expect and the very talented young men that allow some of the leadership from these veterans to take place,” Miles said. “I think the chemistry is really good.”
 
The anchor of the offensive line comes in the form of a 6-foot-3-inch, 318-pound Joseph Barksdale.
 
The senior left tackle made the switch from right side of the ball, where he has played the last three years.
 
Miles said Barksdale has adjusted to the position switch quickly and smoothly, and he could soon become one of the best in the business.
 
“[Barksdale] has really started fast. I think he has really worked hard to operate and recognizes that the chemistry is a significant issue,” Miles said. “I think he’s going to be a postseason honors guy.”
 
Barksdale said he was very open to the change, and it came fairly easily to him.
 
“It wasn’t difficult at all,” he said. “It took a little bit extra after practice and a little more work in the weightlifting sections and off days, but it wasn’t that difficult.”
 
Along with Barksdale, junior left guard Josh Dworaczyk has established himself as a leader on the offensive line. A starter at left guard in all 13 games last season, Dworaczyk’s presence next to Barksdale solidifies the left side of the offensive line.
 
Dworaczyk said the offensive line has been working hard to perfect the small fundamentals to make themselves a better unit as a whole.
 
“One of the things we’re trying to do as an offensive line is to focus on the little things —  taking the proper steps and using the proper technique,” Dworaczyk said. “If you use the right technique and you’re able to be coached, you will go so much further.”
 
Joining the two veterans on the offensive line are a few younger yet familiar faces.
The competition for the starting position at center continues, with sophomore P.J. Lonergan and junior T-Bob Hebert both returning.
 
Miles said Lonergan has the slight advantage at the moment, but the competition is occurring daily.
 
On the right side of the ball, junior Will Blackwell is preparing to make his first start on the O-line.
 
After two years playing in 25 games as a backup, Blackwell is stepping in as starting right guard, replacing graduated senior Lyle Hitt.
 
Redshirt sophomore Alex Hurst takes over where Barksdale left off at right tackle.
 
The 6-foot-6-inch, 329-pounder played in 12 games last season with no starts. Offensive Coordinator Gary Crowton said Hurst is developing and maturing every day, and he has confidence in the way the offensive line is shaping up.
 
“[Hurst] has shown a lot of promise, a lot of athleticism and a lot of size and intelligence,” Crowton said. “I feel like he’s going to be a real good one for a long time. It’s been very positive, and I’m pretty optimistic about the front right now.”
 
Another position that needed some tweaking in the offseason was the tight ends.
 
The Tigers return juniors Mitch Joseph and Deangelo Peterson, both of whom saw significant action last season.
 
With the departure of senior tight end Richard Dickson to the NFL, LSU turned to former defensive end Chase Clement to help fill the void.
 
Clement played in all 13 games last season as a defensive end and was asked to make the switch to tight end this offseason.
 
“I was kind of bummed out in the beginning because I had always played defensive end,” Clement said. “I really had no say-so in it. I just had to go out there and try a new position and do my best to get good at it.”
 
Clement said he enjoys playing on the offensive side of the ball now, and the change was good, both for himself and for the team.
 
Peterson was another player asked to transform himself into a tight end upon entering LSU.
 
Recruited as a wide receiver, Peterson said the toughest thing for him to pick up was the blocking techniques.
 
“The switch to tight end was pretty hard in the beginning,” Peterson said. “You have to learn the run plays and the tight end techniques as a run blocker. My hardest thing was learning how to be a run blocker. I had to get the footwork down and learn the difference from blocking a 210-pound cornerback to a 270-pound defensive end.”
 
 
 
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Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]