LSU Tigers Spring Game 2015 Preview: Five things to watch
By Sixto Ortiz
Sep 27, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the New Mexico State Aggies during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
5. How Will Kevin Steele’s Defense Look?
Much to Tiger Nation’s dismay, LSU lost defensive coordinator John Chavis to Texas A&M. Chavis coached some strong LSU defenses that consistently ranked highly nationwide; the 2014 LSU edition finished the season ranked 25th in the country for total defense and finished first in the SEC.
Enter Kevin Steele, LSU’s new defensive coordinator. After stints at Clemson and Alabama, where he was Director of Player Personnel in 2013 and linebackers coach in 2014, Steele comes to LSU with a mixed pedigree. His tenure as Baylor head coach was disastrous (9-36 record) and at Clemson his defense allowed 70 points against West Virginia in the 2012 Orange Bowl that sealed his fate. But Steele has also been a successful assistant for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
While the spring game might not reveal much, LSU fans are hopeful Steele’s defense will live up to the excellence established by his predecessor. Unlike most years, when LSU loses a number of defensive starters to the first round of the NFL, the Tigers have a lot of personnel returning to ease Steele’s transition like Tre’Davious White, Jalen Mills, Kendell Beckwith, Christian LaCouture, Davon Godchaux and Jamal Adams.
If former top recruits Clifton Garrett and Ed Paris
Next: Can Cam Cameron fix the Offense?