He's tha MAN! Posted on Sun, Jul. 25, 2004 Henderson Ford Spears leads LSU defensive line By JAMES JONES THE SUN HERALD Marcus Spears is the star on LSU's talented defensive line. But the Tigers' defensive front doesn't stop with Spears, a preseason All-American and future NFL first-round draft pick. Spears had 49 total tackles and six quarterback sacks. Even with Chad Lavalais and Marquise Hill moving on to the NFL, LSU is well-stocked at both the defensive end and tackle positions. The defensive end turned down NFL millions for his senior season to help LSU defend its BCS national championship. The Nagurski and Outland Trophy candidate would have been a first-rounder in this year's draft. "Being on defense at LSU you have a great advantage because Coach (Nick) Saban helps," Spears said. "We have great preparation." Kyle Williams, who was named All-SEC honorable mention last season, is pencilled in to start at left tackle. Junior Melvin Oliver is scheduled to start at right tackle, with sophomore Kirston Pittman projected as the other defensive end. Pittman was a freshman All-American and Ted Hendricks Award candidate. Part of the Tigers' defensive line depth likely will come from two Mississippi players: Claude Wroten and Sean Merrill. Wroten earned Junior College All-American honors at Mississippi Delta and was a midterm signee. Wroten, who had 15 sacks last season, is battling Williams for a starting spot. The junior impressed Tigers coaches during spring practice. Merrill, who played on D'Iberville's Class 4A state championship team in 2002, is a redshirt freshman. He could back up either Spears or Pittman. Sophomores Alonzo Manuel and Brian West will be the defensive end back ups. Redshirt freshman Carnell Stewart is the top reserve to Oliver. The Tigers, who finished 12-1 last season, have some of the nation's top defensive line signees: Charles Alexander, Glenn Dorsey, Marlon Favorite, Tim Washington and Trumaine Johnson. All five players could receive playing time. Football in July :thumb: :lsug: :lsup: :lsug: :champs:
