FoxSports.com Preview of the SEC - Football '09

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LSU Spring Practice Begins: March 12 Game: April 18

The early spring buzz ... Last year was just a stepping stone to get back to form. After winning the 2007 national title, there was an inevitable drop-off with so much personnel turnover in key places. But Les Miles and the coaching staff were able to reload with elite prospects over the last few years and they’ll all be expected to contribute early on. With the quarterback situation a bit more settled, John Chavis coming in from Tennessee to take over the defensive coordinator job, and with some surprising decisions by OT Ciron Black and WR Brandon LaFell to come back for their final seasons, the team is loaded again.

The big spring question is ... Just how good is Jordan Jefferson? If you listen quietly, Jarrett Lee just threw another pick six. He’s still around, but Andrew Hatch transferred to Harvard, where he started out his career meaning Jefferson is likely the only real option the coaching staff will feel mildly comfortable with. There’s true freshman Russell Shepard ready to hit the field this spring, but his future, at least if he wants to go to the NFL, might be at receiver. Jefferson is the guy for the time being, especially after a strong second half of the year. Now he has to make more plays and prove that he’s not under center because he’s not Lee.

The most important position to watch is ... Defensive linemen. LSU has been a factory for high-level stars for the defensive front, but anyone would have concerns after losing Tyson Jackson, Ricky-Jean Francois, Marlon Favorite, and Kirston Pittman. Al Woods appears to be the next great Tiger tackle if he can keep his size in check, and Drake Nevis is a promising inside presence, but there will be an overall drop-off even though last year’s line was a disappointment.

Spring attitude... LSU 38 – Georgia Tech 3. After losing three of the final four games, and needing an epic fourth quarter to get by Troy in the one win, LSU limped into the Chick-fil-A Bowl. With time to prepare, the defense stopped the Yellow Jacket attack while the offense found its mojo with a strong performance. Will that be the type of game that propels the program to a high level again? It should’ve provided the confidence boost needed for a relatively young team.

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