LSU defensive and offensive backups Scott Long expects to emerge this season

DEFENSE:

LB Michael Divinity - logging snaps in nine games as a freshman. Corey Thompson starting at the F linebacker spot, but with Divinity’s athleticism and play-making ability, Thompson may have a hard time remaining at the top of the depth chart.

LBs Ray Thornton and/or K’Lavon Chaisson - We have redshirt freshman Ray Thornton listed second on our unofficial depth chart behind Key but everything we’ve heard about true freshman K’Lavon Chaisson indicates that is going to be very hard to keep off the field.

S Grant Delpit - It’s a little early to peg anybody as the next Jamal Adams, but Orgeron didn’t exactly shy away from that notion following the spring game. recorded four tackles and a pass breakup/near interception, prompting Orgeron to say “He’s physical. He’s very fluid. He moves well back there. He’s a little bit like Jamal Adams, to be honest with you.”

OFFENSE:

TE Caleb Roddy - Sophomore Caleb Roddy could buck that trend under new offensive coordinator Matt Canada as Roddy transitions to the position after spending most of his career at Denham Springs High on the other side of the ball. Canada’s penchant for mixing things up could mesh well with a freakish athlete like Roddy, who measured at 6-5 and 276 pounds for the spring game.

WR Stephen Sullivan - The largest pure receiver (6-6, 235) on the roster, keep an eye on Sullivan in early-season red-zone situations because that’s where his size and skill could make him an inviting target for Etling in matchups with smaller cornerbacks.

RB Darrel Williams - with a slimmed-down and more motivated than ever Williams stepping up the depth chart, it’s conceivable the Tigers could be even better in the backfield than a year ago. How can that be? Because Williams is a back who contrasts Guice much more than Guice did Leonard Fournette. Mixed with Canada’s potential to diversify, that makes the backfield more challenging for defenses.

C Lloyd Cushenberry - Cushenberry might just be the kind of emerging presence who could serve that role. Cushenberry is talented enough to seamlessly step in at center if Grimes opts to slide Will Clapp from his starting spot there to another spot on the line,

LINK