Redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Michael Brockers and junior defensive tackle Josh Downs  are confident they can replace All-American Drake Nevis.
The Tigers lost both of last year’s starting defensive tackles to the NFL. The Indianapolis Colts drafted Nevis in the third round, and the Seattle Seahawks drafted defensive tackle Lazarius Levingston in the seventh round.
“Drake was a brilliant individual,” Brockers said. “He made plays that guys would be like, ‘How did he do that?’ I’m really trying to fill in the role my own best.”
A healthy Sam Montgomery returns this season after persevering through a knee injury. Montgomery still earned Freshman All-SEC honors, despite missing the final eight games of the season.
“I will tell you that he’s healthy, he’s full of speed and he isn’t missing a beat,” Chavis said.
Chavis said Montgomery, Adams and redshirt sophomore  defensive end Barkevious Mingo will get most of the snaps. According to Mingo, all three run the 40-yard dash in less than 4.5 seconds.
The 240-pound Mingo put on 20 pounds in the LSU offseason because he said he wanted to be better prepared to stop the run. Mingo garnered freshman All-SEC honors in 2010.
Montgomery recorded 18 tackles and two sacks in five games last year, while Adams compiled 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Mingo recorded 35 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season.
Chavis said juniors Lavar Edwards and Chancey Aghayere will also rotate in at defensive end. Edwards started seven games last year after Montgomery’s injury and recorded 21 tackles, an interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Aghayere notched 21 tackles including 1.5 tackles for a loss, starting twice.
“When you bring in five guys like that, you have to think that’s going to be one of your strongest positions on defense,” Chavis said.
The defensive line rotation is loaded with talent, according to the players.
“This is a great rotation,” Brockers said. “The best defensive fronts in the nation, they’re dominant in the pass, they’re dominant in the run, and you can’t get away from them since they’re all over you. That’s what we’re trying to do, and that’s what we’re