No Shocker: LSU with SEC's best young talent, per Chris Low

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1. LSU: Check out that LSU defense. The Tigers have at least 10 players who are sophomores or younger that will play key roles this season, and most of those have star potential. In the secondary alone, you’ve got sophomores Tyrann Mathieu, Tharold Simon, Eric Reid and Craig Loston, not to mention redshirt freshman Ronnie Vinson. And up front, defensive coordinator John Chavis can’t wait to turn redshirt freshman Ego Ferguson and true freshman Anthony Johnson loose at tackle, while sophomore Michael Brockers also returns inside. Chavis has said sophomore defensive end Barkevious Mingo will be one of the premier pass-rushers in the league, and don’t forget that sophomore Sam Montgomery is back at the other end. Montgomery started the first five games as a redshirt freshman and had six tackles for loss before injuring his knee. Sophomore Kevin Minter is the favorite to replace Kelvin Sheppard at middle linebacker. On offense, there aren’t as many talented underclassmen that stand out – yet. But sophomore tailback Spencer Ware is primed for a huge season and may be the SEC’s top breakout player. Sophomore guard Josh Williford was one of the team’s most improved players in the spring, and the Tigers like their entire crop of young offensive linemen. True freshman receiver Jarvis Landry has dynamic playmaker written all over him, although a broken foot will cause him to miss the first three weeks of camp. Last but not least, the Tigers’ quarterback of the future, former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger, is only a sophomore and has three years of eligibility remaining after spending last season at junior college. Don’t be surprised if Mettenberger plays some this season.

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