LSU 2015 Football Depth Chart Preview: The O-Line
By Scotty Nola
We have covered all the units on the defense in our series of 2015 Football Depth Chart Preview articles, now it’s the offense’s turn to shine.
Instead of starting with the Leonard Fournette’s of the Leonard Fournette position we are going to go with the big uglies at the 5 O-Line positions first.
That makes sense, since the line ALWAYS sets the tone for the skill players on offense.
The Returning Starters
Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; LSU Tigers offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins (65) and guard Trai Turner (56) against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tigers return three starters from the unit that blocked for Leonard Fournette’s record setting freshman season last year. None return at the same position though.
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Jerald Hawkins is switching from Right Tackle to Left Tackle to replace La’el Collins. Hawkins has started every game for the Tigers the last two seasons and is considered an NFL prospect.
The other tackle position will be held down by Vadal Alexander.
Alexander is moving out from Guard and like Hawkins he is a legit NFL prospect. He is also on the watchlist for the 2015 Outland Award given to college football’s best lineman.
Returning starter Ethan Pocic is also on the Rimington Award watchlist.
Of course the watchlist for the nation’s best center was released before Les Miles announced Pocic was moving to Right Guard over the summer in order to ensure LSU has it’s 5 best linemen on the field.
This situation is still fluid though, until the final depth chart is announced there is no certainty as to where Pocic will line up. He is one of the top 5 linemen on the team, so he will start, but he has worked at both guard and center this year. Where he ends up will have a lot to do with how the Freshmen play.
The First Time Starters
Sep 13, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; The LSU Tigers line up against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Boutte is the only returning Tigers veteran scheduled to move up into the starting lineup this year. He will start at Right Guard and based on his work during the offseason he could be ready for a dominant season.
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Boutte has the exceptional size, strength and quickness prized in offensive lineman and we can expect to see him opening holes for Leonard Fournette often this fall.
Three other returning vets: KJ Malone, Gerrett Brumfield, and Andy Dodd will provide depth up front for the Tigers.
Malone was expected to vie for a starting spot this year and will likely move in if there is an injury at guard.
An injury at Center could cause some shuffling, but the team has two players prepped for that role if need be.
The Freshmen Who WILL Play
Oct 19, 2013; Oxford, MS, USA; LSU Tigers helmet during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi Rebels defeat the LSU Tigers 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Coming out of the spring this looked simple. True Freshman Will Clapp, son of former LSU Tiger Captain Tommy Clapp won the starting Center job in the spring. Ethan Pocic shifted from Center to Guard to keep the five best linemen on the field.
Since he committed to the Tigers coaches have told us Maea Teuhema had a chance to start as a Freshman. The 5 Star recruit hasn’t disappointed, stepping on campus in shape and ready to play from day one. He has earned some first team reps as a result.
When Teuhama works with the first string at Left Guard Pocic moves back in to Center. Will Clapp has been working some at Right Guard.
There is no guarantee Teuhama wins a starting job, and if he does and Pocic is center Clapp could be a back up instead of a starter.
All we know is that the Tigers will play their best five, and right now Clapp and Teuhama look to be fighting it out for the fifth spot.
Injuries and shuffling because of play can also shake this up, right now all we can be certain of is Freshmen will play somewhere on the line this fall…