re: Anyone else believe we will actually going to be better on Defense..

I think this year’s defense will rival the 2011 defense. We dont have that once in a lifetime playmaker like the Honey Badger was, but overall we have talent at every level of the defense. Not one but two shutdown corners, the best safeties in college football, better defensive line, and several good linebackers. Never thought I would see a better defense than the 2011 defense, but this one may come close or exceed it.

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I don't think people realize the impact Ika is going to make on this defense. Plus the fact Shelvin will come in ready to be the player he is capable of being. Our dline is going to dominate the trenches. Ika is going to be a force in the middle. With his ability to collapse the pocket it will open up the outside for our pass rushers. And this is going to help our DB's in coverage. This will be the best defense LSU has had in a long time and the best under Aranda.

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I agree Ika will be a great addition to the NT position. I also think he is going to force Shelvin to up his game to the level we have been waiting for. Shelvin has already shown his dedication by losing around 60+ lbs. To accomplish that takes mental strength, commitment, hard work and discipline. He has had time to mature over the last couple of years. This is his year to make his money as a future high draft pick. All signs are the light has come on for him. He doesn't want a freshman coming in and taking the position that is set up for him.

I predict this year Shelvin will show that 5 star talent we've all been looking for. He will have an All SEC type years and become one of the top NT in the league and nation. Now's the time for him to finally step up. With the pressure from Ika, I believe he respond. The combination of the two will become the best NT rotation on one team in the nation.

Add to that NT rotation Lawrence, Fehoko, Logan, Ferrell and the other backups on the d-line, and LSUs defense is about to go def con 5. The best defense in the SEC! And when you are the best in the SEC, you are the best in the nation.

Stingley could very well leave LSU the most decorated player in our history so I’d call that a once in a lifetime type player for sure.

I know he hasn’t played a down but from what’s been said the dude is not coming here to play anything other than championship football and that’s good for everyone on that Defense

I think

Stevens Divinity Phillips Chaisson might be better than

Divinity Phillips White Thornton/Anthony

Just because I think the drop off at Buck was so much bigger than the drop off from a white to a Divinity (although there is a drop off obviously)

Yeah Phillips wasn’t the highest rated player from Tennessee cause he looked good in pads guy can flat play and he soaked up DWs work ethic to become the next leader at LB

15 players recorded at least 1 sack. 13 of them return, and only one had multiple sacks (Devin White - 3.0). The team also gets Chiasson back, who missed almost all of last season. 16 players had a TFL, 14 return (Ok, now they lose team leader Devin White).

They return 16 of the top 20 tacklers. And they add Chiasson and perhaps the best CB recruit in school history to replace Greedy. The defense should be better than last year, particularly in the pass rush. And nothing against Battle, who was a good player, but he's getting replaced by a more talented player.

Absolutely, LB included. Unless Chaisson pulls an Arden Key on us.