If Tyson Jackson stays & we get Ricky Jean Francois back, we'll have 2 first rounders at DE. DT is a bit more worrisome as far as top talent level. Jones doesn't know the playbook near as well as Steltz, and with him splitting time with baseball I doubt he will next year either. He'll make more mistakes than steltz but make more big plays too. I do expect Taylor to be very good. As much flack as Luke Sanders catches, he does a good job of what he's supposed to do in our defense, which is to take out lead blockers. We don't have any other LB as physical as him so we may change our philosophy on that. Look at who comes in right now. Jai. If you're going to annoit one CB position locked down, it would be to him. The other will likely go to Hawkins since these 2 have been in the system the longest. My suprise pick would be Patrick Johnson. :wink: Don't forget that not only do we have all these new starters, but we'll probably be doing it with a new DC as well. I don't doubt we'll be "fine", but I do doubt that we'll be great on defense.
Can we still redshirt Barksdale? I believe Barksdale is a true freshman. He may have received playing time in blowouts this season, but I am not sure.
In the paper this morning, they talked about Lafells problem dropping passes in high school. They went on to say after that Auburn bobble that ended up being intercepted, he mentally caved in. He got his head back when they put him in late in the Bama game. Unless he gets some individual work with one of our QBs or coaches for next year, I'm not sure the dropsies will go away. It's ashame because he's big and gets open.
Anybody have the clip from Rocky II when he has to chase the chicken around the pen? Maybe Miles needs to do something similar with LaFell during the off season so he can work on his timing, jumping, and catching issues. The kid has awesome talent but something is still not 100%. Maybe it's confidence, eyesight, fear, etc. but if he's able to overcome his weaknesses, he very well could be the next great WR at LSU. I'm hoping some of these guys can get some valuable playing time during the next two games. It sure would be nice to rest some of the starters while also preparing for next season.
Personally, I view Alexander & Favorite as good DT's, but nothing special. Woods & Nevis are going to be good ones, but since Miles favors seniors will they get a shot...? I don't have any reason to think that Alexander's injury would limit him next year, but you never know about those things.
