5 Ways The LSU Tigers Are A Changed Team
By Scotty Nola
The Disappearance of Josh Boutte
Oct 17, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers place kicker Trent Domingue (14) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown on a fake field goal against the Florida Gators during the fourth quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Florida 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Boutte was listed as the teams starting Right Guard all through the spring and fall practices. He appeared to be excelling in his new role, in fact, Tiger Coaches and teammates often referred to him as the most physically dominant player on the team through that stretch.
Maea Teuhama’s arrival with the team shook things up for Boutte. Teuhama was so good from day one Tigers coaches started experimenting with the line, trying different combinations of Pocic, Clapp Boutte and Teuhama up front.
Boutte initially survived the challenge and kept his starting job but this victory was short lived. After several mental mistakes he was replaced by Teuhama during halftime of the Tigers opener.
At first Boutte was the top backup inside and a special teamer. Last week things got even worse for him when Toby Weatherford came in to replace Teuhama for a few snaps after Teuhama cramped up against Florida.
Boutte was healthy for the game and played on special teams so Weatherford didn’t jump him due to injury. Weatherford has just replaced Boutte in the pecking order as the top backup guard.
This is a real shame. Boutte clearly has the athletic gifts of an NFL offensive lineman. At this point with one year of eligibility left he is no longer even considered a top college backup.
Next: SURPRISE!!!