re: So let's attempt to settle this. Who IS the greatest defensive player in LSU history?

Patrick Peterson

Casanova was the best until Mathieu arrived...

Casanova and Stingley, Jr.

Casanova. Honey Badger second. Michael Brooks third.

Seen a lot of LSU Football. We'll never settle it here for sure, but if we consider turnovers, sacks, game changing and momentum seizing plays nobody could take over and change a game like the honey badger.

I was at SEC Championship game vs UGA in Georgia Dome when LSU had 0 first downs in the first half. He runs back a punt for a TD and completely changes the momentum.

His second runback that didn't score a TD but where he broke about 13 tackles of 11 defenders, was the greatest return for no TD I've ever seen.

I realize these are special teams plays, but his short LSU career was more impactful than most IMHO.

Tyrann Mathieu
/thread

Greatest overall career is interesting. Probably one of the linebackers listed.

quote:

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Tyrann Mathieu

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Dude had the greatest non-offensive football season I've ever seen in college, for any team. Like Burrow in 2019, Mathieu in 2011 was like playing Madden on EASY mode, while using cheat codes. He did things you just don't see. He had single-game highlights that most players don't get in a full 4 yr career.

I noticed 3/4 are from last 20
Years.

They been playing for 100 plus years, but the best defensive player of all Time choices are 75% players from the last 20
Years.

Started watching LSU in 1977:

Honeybadger
Brooks
Dorsey
Richardson

Handful after that. Can't speak to Casanova but I hear he was great also.

quote:

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I think Dorsey was way overrated. He had some great games, but disappeared a lot.

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Tends to happen when you are a lineman and get double teamed every play.


There's a reason the opposing team decides to use two blockers on you, risking an open blitzer.




But the answer is Mathieu, and it isn't close.

Dorsey definitely comes in second though.