It’s never easy to replace an All-American.
From leadership and experience to pure physical ability, former defensive tackle Drake Nevis left big shoes to fill on the LSU defensive line.
Nevis started every game on the interior line last season  and made every play count. He had 56 tackles, six sacks, four quarterback hurries and even an interception during his final season.
Sophomore defensive tackle Michael Brockers, who will compete for Nevis’ spot, said the Tigers already miss Nevis’ big plays. He often left teammates scratching their heads in disbelief, Brockers said.
“How did he do that?” Brockers said. “His spectacular plays, with him getting in the backfield so fast, the team misses that.”
Nevis has been projected as a high pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Until he meets that goal, Nevis said he hasn’t ruled out keeping an eye on his group of proteges.
“I definitely want to support them in spring practices and let them know that its their time to carry the tradition,” Nevis said at Pro Day.
The leadership role shared by Nevis and former defensive tackle Lazarius Levingston has been left vacant. In their absence, the role has gone to some unlikely sources.
Sophomore defensive end Sam Montgomery said he has taken it upon himself to step up despite his limited experience. The 6-foot-4-inch, 245-pound Montgomery started five games at defensive end last season before falling victim to a cut block against Tennessee.
“I saw it, I thought it was a dirty play, but it actually wasn’t,” Montgomery recalled. “I could have [seen] the guy, but I didn’t. It was a rookie mistake, which I learned traumatically from.”
Montgomery has been restricted to a green “no-contact” jersey since the fall, but he hopes the coaches will turn him play full speed in the summer. He has been on the sidelines because of limited participation.
Montgomery said the role has given him a new perspective, and he has noticed a change in team dynamics without Nevis and Levingston.
“They used to joke all the time,” Montgomery said. “They used to just rip and talk about everybody. Now people are trying to rip, and it’s not really that funny.”
Montgomery said he has been hard on the young players to improve, particularly sophomore defensive end Justin Maclin. He pushes Maclin because he wants him to be great, Montgomery said.
“I feel a little bit like [defensive line coach Brick Haley],” he said. “It actually makes you coach yourself. By teaching the young guys, you have to lead by example.”
The young defensive tackle group has been looking to define its identity. Among six members, only Brockers has ever started a game.
Brockers and junior Josh Downs have the most experience between them. Gunning for spots behind them are redshirt freshman Ego Ferguson and true freshman Anthony Johnson.
“The freshmen have been looking great,” Brockers said.
“Anthony Johnson, Ego Ferguson, they’ve been coming along … faster than when I came in.”
With a young roster, defensive coordinator John Chavis has used this spring to return to the basics.
“We’re young and we have to start from the bottom … running to the ball and getting lined up,” Brockers said. “We
play Oregon the first game, so our tempo has to increase.”
 
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Contact Katherine Terrell at [email protected]