A letter I sent to my friend who goes to the games with me

Hi Bob,


You know me. LSU football is my hobby and passion. Rarely a day goes by that I don't spend at least an hour, usually two or more, learning everything I can about the Tigers. I have watched the replay of every game played last year at least three times.

Last year, I made the wild claim that LSU could probably compete for the national title with just their Sophomore class. In hindsight, I wasn't far from wrong. I only say now that I was wrong because I look back on the fabulous season performances of now-departed players like Morris Claiborne, Ron Brooks, Brandon Taylor, Will Blackwell, Ken Adams, Reuben Randle, Joey Crapell and Jarett Lee. Ryan Baker and Stefoin Francois had solid years. Also, there were important contributions from Freshmen Brad Wing, Anthony Johnson, Kenny Hilliard, Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr.

Remember that Michael Brockers was a member of the Sophomore class last year, but now is on his way to the NFL.

I'll now review which players return from that class to be juniors this season. The list is impressive, and it will be the last season at LSU for many of them who will be drafted next year as 21 year-olds. Here it is: Eric Reid; Alfred Blue; Craig Loston; Tyrann Mathieu; Zach Mettenberger; Ego Ferguson; Spencer Ware; Tharold Simon; Rocky Duplessis (don't scoff, he has two letters); Michael Ford; J.C. Copeland; Kevin Minter; Seth Fruge; Barkevious Mingo; Luke Muncie; Lamin Barrow; Tahj Jones; Jermuaria Rasco; Josh Williford; Chris Faulk; James Wright; Kadron Boone; Bennie Logan; and Sam Montgomery! All players listed own two letters. Other Juniors expected to contibute this season incluse Chris Davenport and, perhaps, Fehoko Fanaika.

The Senior class is very small, but very important. They are: Russell Shepard, Drew Alleman, Tyler Edwards, P.J. Lonergan, Josh Dworaczyk, Alex Hurst, Josh Downs, Chancey Aghayere, and Lavar Edwards.

To me, and a lot of national opinions, The Tigers in 2012 will have the following units rated among the top two or three in college football: The Offensive line, the D-line, Special teams, Secondary and Running backs. I personally believe that QB, WR and LB play will be solid. My only worry is depth and experience at QB. If Mett shines and stays healthy, nobody, but nobody will beat the Tigers in 2012!

Remember, last year only one team finished the game within 13 points of the Tigers. That was Bama, who did it twice.

I thought you might enjoy the read. I can't wait to get out of Minnesota and down to Baton Rouge for the games!

Geaux Tigers,

Mick