re: There is hope regarding early departures but it might not be good.

I think we need to first accept that we are tainted in these situations from past events. We don't expect them back because past player, whose only similarities were that they wore the purple and gold, left in this situation. They might very well all leave, but they might all stay. My hope is that someone like La'el is a shining example for them. Played his way into a sure fire top 20 pick. Was borderline

Trai Turner was drafted in the 3rd round (higher had he come back IMO), but other than him, our OL leaving early have gone undrafted. I wouldn't be surprised if we keep both, but one of the two is what I think will happen.

Hunter is a high ceiling guy who would impress at the combine, so I definitely understand if he declares. Another year of improvement and he very well could be a high 1st round pick though. I think he goes personally.

Kwon is tough because of his size. Even if he wins the Butkus next year, he doesn't have elite athleticism/size needed to be a smaller LB at the NFL level. With an uncertain NFL future though, I would think the extra year in college could be more beneficial in more ways than just football. Fans would love him even more and opportunities would be there if the NFL doesn't work out. I'm leaning towards him staying, but the draft stock not improving and risk of injury might cause him to go.

Mills is more likely to go than Collins IMO. Espcially if RR is transferring like some have been saying. Will definitely depend on where they are projected. Collins improved a ton this year. If he can learn to catch interceptions he might really elevate his stock. Mills could use some more weight, but his diversity will be appealing. Neither of these will make or break our team, though Collins becomes much more valuable in a return if RR is gone for good.

Not too worried about Dural. With better QB play he could really put up some impressive numbers. He would
likely remain top option and I'm sure teams would like to see his route tree grow from fades and go routes.

All in all, I think our most important position to keep is one of the OL. Replacing 4 might be too big of a hurdle. If we can keep 1 of Alexander/Hawking and 1 of Hunter/K Alexander, I think we will be in great shape.

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but I feel it has more to do with players not feeling they will be playing for a SEC & National Championship than trying to get paid early.

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LOL....we disagree again.

All of these kids have to look out for themselves. They are a team, but they also have to do what is best for them. You really think a kid is going to sacrifice hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe millions, to stay and hopefully play for a championship? No...ha. Collins came back to improve his draft status, he did that. Several of these should as well, but the reality is that these kids see a quick couple hundred thousand at worst, and they jet....maybe it's the type of player LSU gets IDK...but you are fooling yourself, and falling into the negatigers method of thinking if you really believe this.

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All in all, I think our most important position to keep is one of the OL. Replacing 4 might be too big of a hurdle

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I agree especially how dependent our offensive game strategy is regarding our O-Line.

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If we can keep 1 of Alexander/Hawking and 1 of Hunter/K Alexander, I think we will be in great shape.

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Again I agree!

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excuses for next year before the bowl game.

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you're an arse. if you don't think losing our junior class to the nfl changes the dynamics of a team and making it MUCH more difficult to win championships you are ignorant.

the changes in the NFL collective bargaining agreement that compressed the compensation of draft picks makes it tough for a poor kid to stay in school. LSU gets hit harder because we simply have more poor kids with draftable talent. more than the vast majority of teams at least. why more bama kids stay their last year beats me. it really makes me think there's some financial incentives going on over there.

btw, you are the most negative poster I have ever encountered. you hate miles; I get that. but the vast majority of normal people are tired of your shite. why do you even bother to post. if you actually are an LSU fan, which I doubt, why don't you get a life? you must live on here.

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If the O-line does lose Hawkins and V Alexander then all bets are off, having to replace all but one starting offensive lineman with the first 2 lineman coming off the bench gone also.

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I have to agree with this - if we lose 1 we're in some trouble - both, and it's a somewhat bigger problem - even if the young guys are stellar, we'll face depth risk all year at the position.

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Collins came back to improve his draft status, he did that. Several of these should as well, but the reality is that these kids see a quick couple hundred thousand at worst, and they jet

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Some of them do. Collins turned down at least a million in the bank this year by staying. Totally depends on the kids situation at home and on campus. Last couple of classes, we had more kids that felt they needed to go. Might be the case this year as well but those classes and this one aren't the same. We will see.

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Some of them do. Collins turned down at least a million in the bank this year by staying. Totally depends on the kids situation at home and on campus. Last couple of classes, we had more kids that felt they needed to go. Might be the case this year as well but those classes and this one aren't the same. We will see.

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agreed. To some of these kids, a couple hundred thousand in the bank seems like you are rich. Some just don't have the guidance they need to be able to see the bigger picture....and then some should go probably. It's case by case...just hope some don't make bad decisions like Faulk did a few years ago.

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just hope some don't make bad decisions like Faulk did a few years ago.

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Quite often these guys end up out of the NFL. Not saying they all would have made it with another year, but it wouldn't have hurt their chances.

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Are you serious?

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Dead serious. Alabama has won the SEC the same number of times that LSU has, since Saban arrived. That's a fact. It will probably change this year...but. I know you are a huge bama proponent, I've seen your posts over the months....but, facts are facts, Bama does not dominate the SEC. In Fact, both LSU and Auburn have won as many SEC titles as Saban at Alabama. That's not domination. Bama has also been fortunate in the NC games. Texas had their starting QB knocked out early in the game, the rematch with us, and then the default NC game against Notre Shame. If Resumes are rewarded, in 2011, we are probably looking at Alabama with 2 SEC and National Titles. LSU with 2 SEC and National Titles, and Auburn with 2 SEC and 1 National Title. That one decision to allow Bama a rematch changed a lot...whether you want to admit it or not....step away, think about it objectively.....

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, and falling into the negatigers method of thinking if you really believe this.

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There are plenty people who believe this... Sorry somebody pissed in your corn flakes again............ Its ALL about YOU thinking YOU are the only one who knows anything and then when ANYBODY disagrees with you... You turn into a spoiled little kid that got his sucker taken away.........