Looking at the Returning Players/Recruiting Class on Defense

It's hard not to be optimistic about what Arranda will be able to do with them.

This DL/LB class that we've built in 2016 only reinforces that notion.

I think we have the talent and certainly the depth on the front seven to make Arranda's first defense for LSU top-5 in the nation.

He requires his 3 down linemen to 1) take up space and 2) Cause disruption on the O-line in hopes to draw double teams to free lanes for rushing LB's

I think you can certainly expect that with Godchaux, LaCouture, Lawrence, Logan, and Ed Alexander next year. Big men who can take up that space and cause havoc on the O-line

Then you have the linebackers. Many of times it is actually one of the two MLB's rushing the passer and causing the most sacks.

The best example of this is shown in the Holiday Bowl when USC went up against Wisconsin's D

Go to the 1 hr 29 min mark

As you can see, their MLB (Cichy??) is rushed 3 straight plays for 3 straight sacks.

Not only am I excited to see Beckwith make those sort of plays but, I'm even more excited at the fact that we might not even need to send those extra LB's when we have Arden Key and/or Lewis Neal on the edge rushing the passer. I also can't wait to see either Divinity or Devin White line up beside Beckwith. I think both will kill it under Arranda's system

If anyone is concerned about the amount of points they gave up to USC, it's simply due to the fact a lot of their corners got burned going against guys like Juju Smith since Arranda typically plays man-to-man, which I think helps out the 12th ranked pass defense in the SEC last season under Steele I have to believe using our supremely talented CB's in man coverage will improve our pass defense substantially.

Bottom line, we have the personnel, talent, depth, and experience to make Arranda's 2016 Defense one of the greats in Tiger history.