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LSU's O-Line knows who will be playing but where is still to be determined
The LSU Tigers don't try to hide what they are on offense, as they intend to run right at you time and again until you stop them with the occasional play action or quarterback roll out to soften up the defense. Anticipate more of the same this season, as LSU has possibly the most talented running back in the nation. However, the success of Leonard Fournette may very well depend on a reshuffled offensive line this season.
After an outstanding senior season, left tackle La'el Collins is now a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Jerald Hawkins, Vadal Alexander and Ethan Pocic all return after starting up front last season and will be looked upon to clear up running room for Fournette. Following spring practice, redshirt freshman William Clapp also appears to have locked down one of the other starting spots up front. With four players cemented up front, the only question is where these players will line up in the fall.
Former LSU lineman T-Bob Hebert was recently interviewed by Tiger Sports Digest to discuss his thoughts on the offensive line moving forward.
"Ethan's rare," Hebert said. "I'm someone who has an appreciation for playing multiple positions, played all those interior ones. But Ethan is a guy who you can literally line up anywhere from left tackle to right tackle and anywhere in between."
"To play center at 6-foot-7, it's really hard, man. Really hard. That right there speaks to his athleticism. Talk to people around the program and they can't stop raving about work ethic, leadership and his intangibles."
As for Vadal Alexander, who excelled at left guard last season, there has been speculation that he has a desire to kick out to right tackle as Jerald Hawkins is expected to shift from right tackle to left tackle to replace Collins.
"It's hard to judge outside-looking-in. How good is he going to be at right tackle, how comfortable is he out there, how comfortable is the coach with them out there - that's something the coach and the player have to decide based on their relationship," explained Hebert. "Me personally, I've always been of the mind you go where the team needs you. But for a player like Vadal, getting to play out there at tackle is where you're going to get paid more potentially in the NFL."
"It's certainly tempting when you hear Jerald Hawkins and Vadal Alexander on the same side, but I also like the idea of having very experienced bookend tackles."
Putting the pieces in the right spot early will be critical to the team's success this season, as the Tigers travel to Mississippi State in week two. Any misstep could cost them their first SEC loss, as they learned last season against the Bulldogs.
So while the Tigers are confident in the players coming back this season up front, pay close attention to where they play them in the opener against McNeese State and if they shuffle the following week in Starkville.
Listen to the full audio interview of T-Bob Herbert here:
(h/t Tiger Sports Digest)
