The LSU linebacking corps practically knows the refrain by heart.
Despite the Tigers’ wildly successful defenses during the last several years, there have always been whispers that the linebackers are the weak link.
“I’ve been hearing we’re going to be the lesser group, that we’re not on the elite level ever since I’ve been here,” said LSU junior linebacker Lamin Barrow.
The chorus of concern hasn’t died down this offseason, as LSU will effectively lose two-thirds of its starting linebackers in seniors Ryan Baker and Stefoin Francois along with reserve senior Karnell Hatcher.
Four freshmen also enter the linebacking fold for the 2012 season.
But LSU does have experience ready to provide the big hits this fall, led by junior middle linebacker Kevin Minter.
Minter started 11 games last season, was fifth on the team in tackles with 61 and recorded 3.5 tackles for loss.
Those numbers alone won’t be good enough next time around, Minter acknowledged.
“Of course it’s on me to make plays but also be a leader, too,” Minter said. “I’m the only returning starter and have more starts than all of them. The coaches and my teammates are looking to me next.”
Minter won’t be tasked with quieting the naysayers alone, with two familiar running mates working alongside him.
Barrow and junior Tahj Jones each started one game in 2011 and spent enough time working in LSU’s various nickel sets to quell Minter’s concerns.
“To be honest, I’ve always had Tahj there,” Minter said. “We did a lot of rotating last year, so it won’t be completely new with them. You miss Bake’s leadership, Stefoin making plays, but we’ve got great replacements.”
Jones was a quiet standout on last fall’s stifling defensive unit, making 27 tackles - 3.5 for loss - intercepting a pass and recording a sack in limited action.
“Tahj is one of the hardest hitters on this team,” said junior defensive lineman Sam Montgomery. “That’s a major compliment on our defense.”
LSU fans may have to wait to see Jones in a feature role, as he missed much of the spring with an undisclosed injury and is unlikely to play in Saturday’s Spring Game.
Barrow has run with the first unit during most of spring practice, and the junior’s speedy 6-foot-2 frame has meshed well with defensive coordinator John Chavis’ emphasis on linebacking coverage skills.
“Everything started from the four-quarter drills in practice, showing the commitment,” Barrow said. “I meet with Chief [Chavis] often, and I’m getting closer to where I need to be.”
Minter said new secondary coach Corey Raymond has only sharpened those coverage skills.
“He doesn’t ask for much different than [former secondary] Coach [Ron] Cooper,” Minter said. “He still expects the linebackers to understand the coverage and have the technique to do it. His technique work is a strength.”
While freshmen are generally regarded as a position’s future, the senior exodus means LSU’s touted 2012 linebacking recruits will be a major part of the Tigers’ present by fall, Minter said.
Freshmen Ronnie Feist and Lamar Louis are both four-star products, and each enrolled early to participate in spring practice.
Feist, the 2011 Louisiana Class 1A Defensive Player of the Year at West St. John High School, has particularly shined, turning heads with a takedown of running back Kenny Hilliard in the Big Cat drill and a reportedly solid showing in Saturday’s closed scrimmage.
“[Ronnie] appears to have talent and ability and is certainly physical,” Miles said “He’s progressing to a point where by fall we won’t hesitate to play him in a role that is meaningful.”
Incoming freshmen Kwon Alexander and Lorenzo Phillips, both four-star recruits, will arrive on campus in the fall.
Minter said it’s strange to feel like the “wise old man” in the group, but believes he’ll have to harness that experience for the unit to turn heads.
“The younger guys give me grief sometimes for being the veteran,” Minter said. “Myself, Lamin, Tahj, we remember what it felt like to lose [the BCS Championship] on the field.
We have to use that memory as fuel to burn throughout the season. It’s just sitting with us right now, stewing.”
 
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Contact Chris Abshire at [email protected]