Five years ago, not many people would have expected to see senior Chad Lavalais where he is today. He had trouble meeting the University’s enrollment requirements and almost lost hope. But then Lavalais met LSU coach Nick Saban, who laid out a plan for Lavalais that he was glad to follow.
Now the Tigers defense is reaping the benefits as Lavalais has become a steady player on the defensive line.
“We kind of just found Lavalais sitting on the porch in Marksville,” said coach Nick Saban. “He has become a pretty good player.”
Lavalais planned to attend junior college until he was able to go to LSU. Fortunately for LSU, he qualified before having to do so and played his first season in the fall of 2000.
During his time at LSU, he has grown into a leader. This season, the rest of the line will be looking to Lavalais, the lone senior, to set the example and tone for the line. Last year, he led the group with 66 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
Lavalais said he tries to lead by working hard and providing a good example.
“Chad definitely set the tempo for the D-line,” said sophomore defensive tackle Kyle Williams. “He goes out everyday and works hard.”
Junior defensive end Marquise Hill said the rest of the line also follows his intensity.
“He sets the tone and we feed off of him,” Hill said.
The line also looks to Lavalais because of the knowledge he possesses.
“Chad’s the leader,” said defensive end Marcus Spears. “He knows the D-line more than anybody else.”
Lavalais expects the D-line to be known as hard workers this season.
“We won’t give up,” he said. “We are focused.”
The youthful LSU defensive squad will be looking to the defensive line to lead the way this season. The front four is knee deep with veterans and freshmen who are ready to contribute.
“Up front, we’ve been really pleased,” said LSU defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.
Spears (6-foot-4, 295 pounds) and Hill (6-foot-7, 294 pounds) are expected to start on the ends. Williams (6-foot-3, 299 pounds) and Lavalais (6-foot-3, 289 pounds) plug the middle.
Muschamp also was happy because Spears and Hill lost weight, improving their speed and pass rush.
Spears, Hill and Lavalais have played together the past two seasons and they expect their chemistry to enhance their performance.
“We have just been in the battles together and that makes a difference,” Spears said.
Williams only played in one Southeastern Conference game last season, but he believes he is ready.
“These guys have helped me over the past year-and-a-half,” Williams said.
Lavalais is excited about the incoming class.
“We got guys coming in to help us this year,” he said.
Newcomers Kirston Pittman and Sean Merrill have impressed the coaches in camp and are expected to see playing time at defensive end.
Last year, LSU’s defense ended the season ranked eighth in the country and Lavalais believes the success of the defense this year will depend on the play of the front four.
Spears expects the experience of the line to show this season.
“We’ve learned a lot more and expect us to be quicker,” he said.
Hill also shares the enthusiasm.
“The sky is the limit for the D-line,” Hill said.