Replacing our DEs / Incoming DEs

Everyone is freaking out about Mingo and Montgomery leaving. And we should be, they are as good as any duo in the nation. But, you cant keep players forever. With Hunter impressing already at LSU and Rasco in line to be the guy, I dont see as big of a drop off as others might. Yes, it will look diff and there will be a slight drop off, but both guys have the tools to be very good DEs. And, look at who we have coming in and possibly have in the 2014 class.

Frank Herron is 1 of the least talked about commits we have right now, and the kid is going to be a player and contribute right away. Christian Lacouture reminds me of Brockers when he was a recruit. 6'5 265+ that moves really well for a guy his size. I see him moving inside to DT at LSU. Lewis Neal reminds me of Melvin Ingram from USCe last year. A utility DL thats a little short for him position, but makes up for it with brute strength and a non stop motor. And then there is Michael Patterson, who is the definition of a speed rushing DE. And, there is still Kendell Beckwith and Tim Williams out there. Both are in our backyard. If we get 1 of the 2, its a win. If we get both, this may well be our best DE class we've had in a while.

Then, look at 2014. Gerald Willis already has the size to play right away. Really hope we can land him. And 1 of my favorite recruits for 2014 class is Davon Godchaux out of Plaquemine. Hes a 6'4 245lbs kid who is very athletic. Almost a clone of Sam Montgomery as a recruit. If we offer him early, I think he will commit immediately.

I will miss Mingo and Montgomery just like everybody else. They have been 2 great tigers and will continue to do great things at the NFL level. But if they go pro, its not the end of the world. We have enough talent on the team and coming in and enough talent in the state to get the players we need in the future to have dominating DEs for years to come. Just kinda eats at me when people think losing those 2 guys means we will be horrible at DE next season.