The tough task of LSU repeating as both Southeastern Western Division and Conference champs will begin Aug. 31 in Blacksburg, Va.
But who will be suiting up for the Tigers?
Now that the deadline for declaring for the NFL draft has passed and the recruiting season is near its conclusion, fans are getting a better idea.
All-American receiver Josh Reed figured since he did not have much more to accomplish in college football, aside from winning a national title, he would leave Baton Rouge and declare for the NFL draft.
Reed said the idea of being able to financially secure his family and have a stable future made him certain this was the right decision for him.
“I’ve been in a unique position and been fortunate enough to examine my future athletic career,” Reed said. “After talking with my family, coaches, teammates and several NFL executives, I feel it is in the best interest of my family and me that I forego my senior season and make myself available for the NFL draft. “
The same is true for starting middle linebacker, Trev Faulk, a first-team All-SEC performer and a second-team All-American. His cat-like quickness and ball-hawking skills will be missed on the bayou.
Faulk also said he was acting in the best interest of his family. However, he said he will miss LSU.
“I sat down with my mom and my family, and we made the decision that we felt was best for us,” Faulk said. “My projections aren’t as high as I’d hope for them to be, but that doesn’t deter me. I’m going to miss my teammates. We were just a big family. And I have to say something about the LSU fans. We have the greatest fans and great support at LSU, and that’s something that I’m really going to miss. I just feel like now is my time.”
In addition to Faulk and Reed declaring early, the Tigers will lose a big-time leader in senior quarterback Rohan Davey to graduation. Other impact players lost to graduation include offensive linemen Dwayne Pierce and Jason Baggett, tight ends Joe Domingeaux and Robert Royal, defensive linemen Jarvis and Howard Green and Kyle Kipps and safety Ryan Clark.
But one Tiger that fought off the temptation to turn pro was linebacker Bradie James. The junior from West Monroe has decided to come back to help anchor the Tiger defense.
“I made a commitment a few years ago when I signed on the dotted line, and to leave — I just can’t do it. I’m coming back,” James said at a press conference in West Monroe. “It all boiled down to my priorities and the values and morals I was raised with, and I just came to that conclusion.”
This begs the question: Who will fill those slots?
Jason LeDoux, former West Monroe standout and a Texas A&M transfer, could slide into Faulk’s vacated spot. Suspended linebacker Tim Pope also could, if
reinstated to the team by head coach Nick Saban.
Another possibility, though a little more far fetched, could be current LSU commitment Cameron Vaughn from Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero taking over for Faulk.
Reggie Robinson, who was given a medical redshirt this past season with a neck injury, figures to bump back into the wide receiver picture. Michael Clayton, Jerel
Myers, Corey Webster, Reggie Robinson and Jack Hunt should be the top five receivers.
Sophomore Marcus Spears could figure to move back to the tight end spot where he would join Eric Edwards as the one-two punch at that position.
But the most compelling position battle could once again be at the quarterback position. Even though redshirt sophomore Matt Mauck did lead the Tigers to an impressive upset of Tennessee in the SEC Championship game, he was third on the depth chart behind redshirt sophomore Marcus Randall for most of the season.
Also in the equation could be Rick Clausen, whose older brother Casey is the quarterback for the Vols. Mauck will most likely be under center for the Tigers at Tech in August, mostly due to his experience and knowledge of the game. Still, Clausen and Randall cannot be figured out of the plans just yet.
The Tigers are returning many players at skilled positions. Thus, it would not be unreasonable to see LSU in the preseason Top 15 or even the Top 10.
After all, this past season did feature a frantic finish nobody in the college football world expected.