When LSU linebacker Kelvin Sheppard was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft, it was unclear whether his leadership or his talent would be more difficult for the Tigers’ linebacker corps to replace.
Senior weakside linebacker Ryan Baker may be the solution to fill the voids in leadershio and on-field ability left by Sheppard, a 2010 All-Southeastern Conference selection.
“We’ll miss Kelvin Sheppard, but Ryan Baker is that guy,” coach Les Miles said. “It is his time to be a leader. There is a responsibility for the veteran leading backer to lead that group. I think that he has taken that upon his now.”
Hatcher said the transition has been easy at times, while difficult at others.
“The tough part is, coming from safety, you have to get your reads quicker while you’re in the box,” he said. “You have to know the assignments and get to the spot faster. The easy part is me being quicker than everybody out battle.”
Chavis said he has young talents at linebacker that he wants to incorporate into his defensive schemes.
“I feel quite confident that we’ll be able to play more linebackers this year than we did last year,” he said.
While senior Stefoin Francois will likely retain the same role he played last year as strongside     linebacker, Chavis praised Francois’ backup, sophomore backer Tahj Jones.
“Tahj Jones has turned the corner and I feel quite confident in Tahj and his ability,” Chavis said. “He’s a guy that’s got tremendous speed and he’s put on a few pounds and worked his rear end off in the weight