When he was recruited, LSU defensive lineman Lewis Neal was just over 6 feet tall and weighed in at 238 pounds.
After redshirting his freshman year, Neal put on 17 pounds and switched from defensive end, the position he was recruited for, to defensive tackle. This transition proved to be difficult in a multitude of ways.
In a position that has an average height of 6 feet 3 inches and an average weight of 302 pounds, the Wilson, North Carolina, native doesn’t fit the part physically. Neal has tried to put on pounds to close the weight gap, but when he does gain weight, he has a hard time keeping it.
Because his size pales in comparison to other defensive tackles, Neal uses other skills to succeed at the position, one being his strength.
“Lewis is a tough guy, very strong,” said junior linebacker Lamar Louis. “You might look at his size and say that he can’t play defensive tackle, but he has some of the strongest arms that I’ve seen here. I think Lewis is going to be good, of course he’ll have to battle with his size, but the strength and physicality is there.”
The switch from defensive end to defensive tackle was prompted by a bicep injury to junior Quentin Thomas and a lack of depth at the position. During fall camp, LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis approached Neal and proposed the transition.
Several other former LSU defensive linemen have made a similar switch when transitioning from the high school game. Bennie Logan and Michael Brockers — two players currently plying their trade in the NFL — were both recruited as defensive ends out of high school, only to switch to defensive tackle upon their arrival in Baton Rouge.
Traditionally, LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis has valued speed over size in his defensive tackle rotations, leading the Tigers to recruit big high school defensive ends and convert them to defensive tackle. True freshman Davon Godchaux made the switch and is now the Tigers’ starter at the position.
Since learning of the position switch, Neal has been eating as much as he can to build up his 255-pound frame, spending extra time learning the defensive tackle position and working out. The LSU training staff applied a similar method to Logan, who would often eat seven meals a day in an attempt to pack on weight.
“He definitely has a great work ethic,” said junior cornerback Jalen Collins. “I see him and [junior defensive end] Danielle [Hunter] after practice knocking out pushups, getting bigger. And I know that the defensive line is always working together in the film room, putting in extra time because we have some guys out and some people, like Lewis, are having to step up.”
The defensive tackle unit is one of the youngest on the Tigers’ squad. With Thomas out, the most experienced player at the position is sophomore Christian LaCouture. Every other defensive tackle is a freshman.
Although Neal has a year of college football under his belt, his transition from defensive end to his new position is pitting him against freshmen for playing time.
He’s been battling true freshman Davon Godchaux — along with redshirt freshmen Frank Herron, Greg Gilmore and Maquedius Bain — to see the field.
Even against players who are 50 pounds heavier than he is, Neal has stepped up to become a leader on the defensive line.
“He leads by example,” said sophomore defensive back Tre’Davious White. “He doesn’t say much, but the way he practices and prepares speaks volumes. People look to him as an example of hard work.”
So far this season, Neal has racked up three tackles and has played snaps in all six games.
Neal might not be able to put on the weight that other defensive tackles have, but his physicality could help set him apart and solidify his role at the position.
“I think his transition has gone pretty well,” said sophomore linebacker Kendell Beckwith. “He likes it, because he’s a physical guy for his size and he likes that kind of stuff. He likes being physical and beating up on those big offensive linemen.”