How will the LSU defense replace All-American linebacker Bradie James?
LSU coach Nick Saban said junior Lionel Turner has adjusted to the situation well and knows what to do.
“I think he’s handled the responsibility well,” Saban said. “I think he made a relatively easy adjustment from a position standpoint in terms of knowledge and understanding because Lionel’s a pretty bright guy.”
However, Saban wants to see more consistency from Turner if he is to be effective as a starter for the Tigers this season.
“He’s not one of the guys who can go out there every day and do it at the level we want, and that’s something we’re working on him with,” Saban said. “He has a lot of ability and can really be a good player, and at times he is an outstanding player. But what we’re working to do is getting him to be an outstanding player all the time.”
Turner started in 12 games for LSU last season with 39 solo tackles and three sacks at the Will linebacker position, the outside linebacker on the weak side of the offense. Since the departure of James, Turner has practiced at Mike, the inside linebacker, and at Sam, the outside linebacker playing opposite the tight end. Turner said playing at Mike puts more responsibility on his shoulders.
“You’ve got to make all the calls on defense,” Turner said. “I’ve got a greater responsibility now then I did when I was at Will, but the run fits and the pass coverage is basically the same.”
Despite being LSU’s only returning starter at linebacker, Turner said the Tigers have plenty of talent to become a strong core for the defense.
“With the talent we have at linebacker, we’re going to bond together and be able to fill the shoes that were left open by Bradie from last year and Jeremy [Lawrence],” Turner said. “We’ve got to work together and come be one unit.”
Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp knows Turner can play any of the three linebacker positions, but he’s still waiting to see how the rest of the unit will come together.
“At linebacker, there are some question marks – we’re still trying to fit some guys in,” Muschamp said. “Lionel’s a great guy with his hands – good body explosion. He’s a guy who can play in different places. It’s all a matter of how the other pieces of the puzzle fit.”
Saban said Kenneth Hollis, a transfer from East Mississippi Junior College, was recruited because of needs the team had for an immediate contributor at linebacker. Saban said Hollis has practiced at the Mike linebacker but is still trying to learn the position.
“He’s swimming right now,” Saban said. “I think he’s struggling a little bit because he’s one of those guys who has been able to have a lot of success and has never really probably been frustrated about knowing what to do like he is right now, but he gets better every day.”
Muschamp said Cameron Vaughn and Adrian Mayes are playing at Will linebacker right now. Vaughn played in all 13 games as a true freshman for LSU last season with 19 solo tackles and three sacks, but Mayes’ only experience at the position has come in practice as he has converted to linebacker from free safety.
“We felt like Adrian was a guy you’ve got to get on the field at some point,” Muschamp said. “We’ve worked him at linebacker before and saw some flashes of some good things.”
Mayes said playing at linebacker is definitely more physical than playing safety, but he welcomes the challenge.
“Being at a defensive back position, usually you’re away from blockers,” Mayes said. “Now I’m blocking more linemen and more fullbacks … I like playing closer to the line and being more aggressive.”
Eric Alexander and Dave Peterson both are sharing time at the Sam linebacker. Both played on special teams in the past with limited action at linebacker.