This season, the LSU Tigers have the task of replacing three members of last season’s starting offensive line. Junior guard Will Arnold is returning, and senior Brian Johnson has moved from right tackle to right guard to replace the departed Nate Livings. Center Rudy Niswanger and tackle Andrew Whitworth have moved on to NFL rosters along with Livings, but the men filling their shoes said they are more than up for the challenge. Redshirt freshman Ciron Black, who replaces Whitworth, said he realizes he has big shoes to fill at left tackle. But leadership of Arnold and Johnson through fall camp has helped younger, inexperienced players like Black mature quickly. “[Arnold and Johnson] expect young guys like myself to step up, and if I don’t they’re gonna get in my face and let me know,” he said. Returning at left guard is preseason All-American Arnold. Arnold played in eight games for the Tigers last season and was named second team All-Southeastern Conference despite seeing limited action due to a kidney ailment that sidelined him for five games. At the Tigers’ media day, Arnold said players with minimal game experience performing well during fall camp are no shock to him. “I’m really not surprised,” he said. “I think we’re coming around well, and everybody is working hard and getting better everyday.” Johnson is starting the year at right guard for LSU. He has played in 33 games in his career with 17 starts, 15 of which have come at right tackle. Johnson echoed Arnold’s feelings about the younger linemen. “The young guys look real good, man,” Johnson said. “They’re really focused and trying to learn the system.” Despite the multitude of offseason questions about who will play running back and quarterback, Johnson said it makes no difference who lines up behind the offensive line this year. “We have to block the same way we always block, no matter who is in the game,” he said. Johnson said the success of the backfield is a reflection upon the work of the offensive line, and he has faith in whoever plays at running back or quarterback. Senior Peter Dyakowski, who has seen action in 13 games since 2003, will make his first career start this season and line up next to Johnson at right guard. Sophomores Brett Helms and Ryan Miller competed in the offseason to fill the hole at center, and Helms is going into the season as the starter. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell said he sees no problems with replacing Niswanger. “I got a chance to get with those guys last year when Rudy went down [with injury],” he said. “I think they’re doing a great job.” Coach Les Miles said the offensive line is still improving as a whole, and he is not worried about the line or the rest of the team not being ready for the season. Senior Paris Hodges, who has played in seven games in his career and is listed as the No. 2 left guard and left tackle, brings veteran depth to the line. Also providing depth is the Tigers’ largest player, 6-foot-7-inch, 339-pound sophomore Herman Johnson, who played in 11 games and did not allow a sack last season. Junior Carnell Stewart, who made the switch in the spring from defensive tackle to offensive tackle, is also available for LSU. “I think our offensive line is coming,” Miles said. “Our football team is not ready to play a game today. Our football team will be ready for this season, and I believe that the offensive line will as well.”
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