re: LSU has quietly put together a pretty decent offensive line

I see the OL as 'being on the cusp'

On the cusp of being much better than expected, or we will be horribly disappointed.

I know it's counter-intuitive, and sounds retarded to put it that way. But that's how I see it.

It is that way, in my opinion, because of the multiple guys with huge upside. Both Traore and Deculus are good examples. If just one of those two get where they need to be, we went from one extreme to the other. If neither get there, we're stuck with issues at OT and you can't plan around that.

And those are just 1 position-examples. Could say the same thing about Lewis, or the C position, or depth/injuries. You can't have glaring weaknesses at a single spot and expect an average squad. The squad is defined by the weakest individual in this day and age; defenses exploit you too well and it has a domino effect up and down the OL.

This offseason will define probably the next two seasons for the OL. To a large degree anyway.

NOTE: I don't mind the hype personally, for two reasons...
1. That's part of recruiting, and recruiting never stops.
2. The potential is indeed there; it could easily turn out to be true.

Deculus didn't practice in the spring so how in the hell did he beat out trarore ? Trarore should redshirted because he has never played against quality opponents. Magee needs to get in better shape and learn the play book before he can start every week. So by default Deculus is the starter.

quote:

---

Trarore should redshirted because he has never played against quality opponents

---

That’s asinine and goes completely against the reason you bring in a JUCO- immediate help.

quote:

---

Full disclosure, I am not an O fan or a fan of his hiring. But you have to give credit when its due

---

it looks to me that O is putting this team together the right way. he started with the DL recruitment and Aranda is bringing the LB position way up. chavis and brick etc.

whether or not O can put the finishing touches on the team (RB, QB, etc) remain to be seen. imo, "being a fan or not of O's hiring" is totally irrelevant. he was hired. what's done is done; what's past is past.

at this point in time, predicting LSU's demise (as some are doing) as a program is stupid.

My expectations for the offensive line are what give me a glimmer of hope for the offense. I think we have some potential beasts and Cregg was a good hire. A very good OL can mask a lot of deficiencies.

quote:

---

From what has been reported, Deculus beat out Traore in spring practice. Traore was the number one JC offensive tackle recruit in the country. So I figure that along with Deculus being an elite recruit justifies the notion he will be a solid starter this year.

---

I just watched Traore's tape HUDL, and he's pretty agile and uses his hands well. But he's from Massachusetts and played JC in NY. Those two states are not exactly hotbeds for football talent and competition. He may turn out to be really good, but I wouldn't expect it right away.

quote:

---

That’s asinine and goes completely against the reason you bring in a JUCO- immediate help.

---

No kidding. What's the point on using a scholarship on a JUCO if he needs to be developed? Might as well use it on a HS senior who can give you more years of service.

outside of a couple of years,we always had a good oline. the myth that we never had a good oline is a rant generated myth.

I’m very excited about the oline and front 7. Also Brennan has great arm talent and a release that mirrors NFL qbs. Lowell is a freak as well !! Super Athletic & great arm. I think we are gonna field a damn solid team this year. How far the offense can go will be the difference n 7-8 wins or 10-11. No way we go 6-6.

quote:

---

it looks to me that O is putting this team together the right way.

---

and what is "the right way" ? there's only one way to put together a successful college football team?