Most bands do not sound the same when the lead singer goes solo, but the Tigers defensive backs have the experience and talent to perform without LaRon Landry.
This past season, behind the first-team All-American safety, the Tigers defensive backs allowed a Southeastern Conference low of 1,894 pass yards and 47.3 completion percentage. Junior Curtis Taylor will have the task of replacing first round draft pick Landry, who led the team with 74 total tackles in the 2006 season.
The Tigers head into this season without Landry and safety Jessie Daniels, whose 47 total tackles ranked fifth on the team. Senior Craig Steltz will move into the full-time starting strong safety position.
“I flipped on the TV and saw LaRon out there playing,” Steltz said. “It kind of gave me chills to see someone that I played with playing on national TV.”
Senior cornerbacks Jonathan Zenon and Chevis Jackson solidify the corners positions.
“I feel like they’re the best cornerbacks in the SEC,” said senior wide receiver Early Doucet. “Going against them everyday just makes me that much of a better.”
Zenon intercepted four passes this past season, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Jackson’s 23 career passes defended rank No. 8 all-time in school history.
In a backup roll, Steltz recorded 42 tackles this past season, 11 came against Fresno State.
Steltz also intercepted four passes and defended five. Sophomore Harry Coleman will be the teams backup.
Taylor played in 12 games this past season and made 12 tackles. He received the Most Improved Award on defense for his play during spring drills.
Taylor said he will split time with sophomore Danny McCray.
For nickel and dime defensive formations, redshirt freshman Jai Eugene, sophomore Chris Hawkins and McCray will all split time at the position. Hawkins intercepted two passes during an Aug. 18 scrimmage.
Freshman safety Chad Jones may also see time in the set.
“Jones is awfully athletic,” said LSU coach Les Miles, “I’d put him on an inside receiver and not feel bad at all.”
Jones, who was drafted by the Houston Astros but did not sign with the organization, was ranked the No. 1 safety in the nation by Rivals.com and Scout.com.
“Chad Jones is a very gifted all-around athlete with tremendous ball skills and range, great hands and judges the ball well,” said LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. “But with all that being said, he still has a long way to go.
“It is a different game, and he is coming into a defense that is in its third year so there is a little bit more for him to learn. But we’ll find spots to use him.”
LSU’s defensive backs combined for over 290 tackles this past season and were consistent on overall run support. The secondary contributed to a defense that allowed the second-lowest total rushing yards in the conference
“Coach Pelini really emphasizes good technique with [the players].” Steltz said. “That helps to put us in the right position.”
The Tigers will have depth in the secondary from a plethora of young but talented players.
“They have to be good to come here,” Doucet said when asked about playing against the younger defensive backs in practice.
LSU brings in highly-touted defensive backs in this class of signees, including Phelon Jones and safety Stefoin Francois.Both were considered to be some of the nation’s top players at their positions and will compete with two-sport athlete Chad Jones for playing time behind the starters at the various positions in the secondary.
“They’re coming along fast,” Jackson said. “They are learning the plays fast, and we’re in the meeting room everyday so I think they’ll be able to help us out.”
—-Contact Amos Morale at [email protected]
New faces to replace Landry, Daniels
By Amos Morale
August 29, 2007
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