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re: Besides the two freshmen linebackers, what true freshmen will get significant pt

Posted on 8/21/16 at 9:43 am to
Posted by Clark W Griswold
THE USA
Member since Sep 2012
10516 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 9:43 am to
I think Connor Culp will make the most impact.
Posted by tlsu15
Capital of Texas
Member since Aug 2011
10075 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 10:33 am to
Saint Amant Steve really nailed it.

Drake Davis is a Dwayne Bowe type of athlete, but his biggest flaw right now is he isn't a natural pass catcher. Drops will absolutely kill a team in this offense. If he can get his focus down and really learn how to play the position, he'll be a star. Dee Anderson didn't come in as heralded because he was kicked off his high school team his senior season, but he looks to be a stud as well.

IMO, Divinity is a carbon copy of Kwon Alexander at LB. He's a perfect compliment to Beckwith, RIley, and Key and I believe he will quickly become a fan favorite.

This was one of our best recruiting classes in a while, but I think the payoff will really come during the 2017 and 2018 seasons because LSU returns so many starters this year.

Posted by saint amant steve
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2008
5695 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 10:50 am to
quote:

So you're saying Divinity is starting over Bower in that spot opposite Key?


Based off what I have read about Aranda's scheme, one of the outside linebackers is utilized primarily as an edge rusher while the other ideally possesses greater coverage abilities. Although both sides can be used interchangeably depending on what the specific play call is, each side will usually showcase a player with a more specific ability.

Divinity is slated to take over Corey Thompson's position after the senior's unfortunate injury. As a former safety, it can be inferred that Thompson's position would be the one which caters primarily to linebackers with superior coverage abilities and versatility.

It appears as though Bower is currently backing up Key at the other outside position. Being former defensive ends, both players are already superior pass rushers. Consequently, it's pretty apparent that Key/Bower's position is designed for the predominant edge rusher.

Divinity's emergence has nothing to do with Bower, because, as I understand it, Bower was never truly in contention for the other starting OLB position.

This post was edited on 8/21/16 at 12:04 pm
Posted by saint amant steve
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2008
5695 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 10:55 am to
quote:

One name that should be mentioned is Lloyd Cushionberry at C. He came in somewhat unheralded but has had a very good summer and fall camp. Don't be surprised to see him take a redshirt this year and be the starting center next year. Miles has mentioned him a few times and seems to love his play.


Being a graduate of Dutchtown, one of the best public schools in the state, I'm sure the coaches are drawn to Cushenberry's presumed intelligence on the field.

I liken Cushenberry to Elliot Porter. He is not quite as athletic as several of the other incoming offensive linemen, but he can still become a solid starter after a couple of years learning and conditioning within the program.

Posted by saint amant steve
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2008
5695 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 11:01 am to
quote:

I think they use Cam Lewis on special teams as well. We're losing Jefferson and Adams(likely) this year and have Delpit and Stevens coming in next year. They'll want Monroe and Lewis to have some PT this year. Not forgetting about Battle because I expect him to get significant time in the rotation this year.


It was very important to secure Cameron Lewis' signature on Signing Day. Rebuilding ties in north Louisiana was a major goal of this past recruiting cycle, and I'd say that the coaches did an exceptional job of securing the border. Lewis is a terrific athlete who will certainly compete for the starting strong safety position in the near future.

Depending on how hard he is willing to work, he can most definitely see plenty of snaps on special teams. Still, he is playing a bit of catch-up with one of the premier strong safeties from the 2016 recruiting class.
This post was edited on 8/21/16 at 12:05 pm
Posted by saint amant steve
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2008
5695 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 11:12 am to
quote:

Drake Davis is a Dwayne Bowe type of athlete, but his biggest flaw right now is he isn't a natural pass catcher. Drops will absolutely kill a team in this offense. If he can get his focus down and really learn how to play the position, he'll be a star.


I agree wholeheartedly. Although, I think Davis has superior straight-line speed when comparing him to Bowe. I honestly wouldn't be shocked if he is given the opportunity to field kickoffs at some point, à la Julio Jones at Alabama.

quote:

Dee Anderson didn't come in as heralded because he was kicked off his high school team his senior season, but he looks to be a stud as well.


The fact that Anderson has managed to perform at such a high level despite not playing last fall is a testament to his superior talent. Much like Divinity, his arrival in the spring puts him head and shoulders above several players vying for playing time at his position group. He is a smooth strider who can stretch the field but also provide a big target for intermediate routes. Barring any injuries or unforeseen circumstances, my guess is that he will be starting opposite of D.J. Chark going into the 2017 season.

quote:

IMO, Divinity is a carbon copy of Kwon Alexander at LB. He's a perfect compliment to Beckwith, RIley, and Key and I believe he will quickly become a fan favorite.


I agree 100%. And honestly, he might be better in pass coverage in this stage of his development.

People are wowed by Devin White's immense size as a true freshman, but Divinity is already playing north of 230. Meanwhile, Alexander came into the 2012 fall camp at only 215. In this scheme in particular, that extra 15 pounds should aid Divinity immensely.
Posted by theBru
South of I-10
Member since Jun 2013
5078 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 11:19 am to
Thanks Coach Steve, that was an awesome assessment of our freshman class...
Posted by phantom70815
Walker, U.S.A
Member since Jan 2010
1391 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 11:49 am to
quote:

Saint Amant Steve



Excellent post. Have an upvote
Posted by TxTiger82
Member since Sep 2004
33976 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 11:55 am to
nm Steve covered it.


This post was edited on 8/21/16 at 11:57 am
Posted by saint amant steve
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2008
5695 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 12:11 pm to
quote:

I think Connor Culp will make the most impact.


It seems as though the recent uncertainty regarding the special teams unit is becoming more clear each day.

Colby Delahoussaye appears to have regained his former place kicking duties (which I am admittedly glad to see).

Kickoffs are where Culp could potentially make his mark. However, Cameron Gamble and Jack Gonsoulin each have massive legs. It's going to be quite the challenge for Culp to break through this season.

Then again, if the coaches continue their assassin approach of squib kicking and attempting to pin the defense back on kickoffs, then perhaps Culp might prove to be a more accurate kicker than Gamble or Gonsoulin.
Posted by nitwit
Member since Oct 2007
12310 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 12:14 pm to
The storyline will be Devin White before its all over.
He could also be a beast on STs.
Can you imagine?
Posted by 167back
Dos Gris
Member since Jun 2012
4715 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 12:42 pm to
Everything I've read and heard about the OLBs have Key at BLB (boundary) and Bower at FLB (field).

The BLB is usually the one to see more blitz attempts and the FLB is the one more likely to drop into coverage.
Posted by saint amant steve
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2008
5695 posts
Posted on 8/21/16 at 12:49 pm to
quote:

Everything I've read and heard about the OLBs have Key at BLB (boundary) and Bower at FLB (field).

The BLB is usually the one to see more blitz attempts and the FLB is the one more likely to drop into coverage.


Against pro-style and more traditional offenses, this very well might be the case. Bower offers significant size which can help seal the edge against big-bodied teams such as Arkansas and Alabama.

However, Bower is not going to offer the pass coverage skills needed against spread offenses that Divinity or even a hybrid like Devin Voorhies can provide.
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