LSU’s supporting cast will ease transition for new QB

By Lee Roberts  |   Wednesday, July 23, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

LSU Tigers
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For most teams, having a hole at quarterback would be a deathblow to a season. While Les Miles certainly isn’t thrilled about going into fall practice not knowing who will be atop the quarterback depth chart against Appalachian State in the opener, he can look at the rest of the offense that will surround the starter and rest easy.

Football games are won and lost in the trenches, and there might not be a better offensive line in the nation than the Tigers’ front five. Senior left guard Herman Johnson, junior left tackle Ciron Black and senior center Brett Helms were all named to the coaches’ preseason first or second All-SEC team. Whoever plays quarterback will have his blind side covered nicely. The only spot LSU has to replace is right tackle, but the coaches believe sophomores Joseph Barksdale and Jarvis Jones will be better than the departed Carnell Stewart.

At running back, Jacob Hester was a team leader and clutch performer. He produced well, rushing for 1,103 yards and 12 touchdowns, and was at his best when the stakes were highest. LSU will look for someone to fill that role, and the Tigers have four running backs capable of surpassing Hester’s production. Keiland Williams and Charles Scott are the top two backs, and the juniors have plenty of experience. If they can avoid injuries, they will provide a nice one-two punch in the backfield. Complementing them will be Richard Murphy, who exploded for 145 yards on 11 rushes and three touchdowns in the spring game. The final piece to the puzzle is speedy Trindon Holliday, who reached the semifinals of the men’s 100-meter dash in the U.S Olympic trials.

The abundance of talent doesn’t stop as you look at the wide receiver spot, where LSU has six capable wideouts. The receiving corps is led by Demetrius Byrd and Brandon LaFell, both of whom stepped up when Early Doucet was hurt last season. Complementing Byrd and LaFell are Chris Mitchell, Jared Mitchell, Ricky Dixon, R.J. Jackson and Terrance Toliver -- who coaches believe will develop into a star. Add in preseason second-team All-SEC tight end Richard Dickson, and there should be plenty of targets for the QB.

The quarterback battle between Andrew Hatch and Jarrett Lee will continue into fall practice. Miles and offensive coordinator Gary Crowton will have a difficult decision to make, especially if neither player can create any separation in the competition. Of course, with that arsenal of weapons and that brick wall of an offensive line, Miles might be able to play quarterback himself.
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About Lee Roberts

Born in Richmond, Va, I moved south to UNC-Chapel Hill for college and received a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. I currently live in Charlotte, NC and cover Auburn, LSU and the ACC.
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