What will the depth chart look like for LSU Football in 2017? Derrius Guice and Arden Key are locks to start, but other positions are open for competition.
Last season, LSU lost four games and ended up playing Louisville in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. Part of the reason for the Tigers’ four loss season was an unproven offense, especially at the quarterback position. Danny Etling came off the bench in the second game of the season and led the Tigers to eight wins, but none of them were earned.
LSU had issues at quarterback in 2016 with Brandon Harris being inconsistent, and Etling proved to be the right guy to lead the team. As Les Miles was fired after a heartbreaking loss at Auburn, Ed Orgeron came in and rallied the team.
The main issue for the Tigers in 2016 was that Etling had a problem with completing long passes down the field. Time and time again he would attempt a long pass and overthrow the intended receiver. But heading into 2017, there is a new regime in Baton Rouge. LSU has a star-studded freshman that could be taking first team snaps in the opener against BYU on September 2. The defense is yet again stacked, with Arden Key, Donte Jackson and freshman safety Grant Delpit highlighting another elite defense in Baton Rouge.
What key players for LSU will rise to the challenge and earn a starting role as the Tigers fight their way to an SEC Championship?
Starting Quarterback: Danny Etling
Backups: Myles Brennan, Lowell Narcisse
LSU has a quality quarterback outlook for 2017. Etling is back for his senior season, and freshman Myles Brennan is looking to take the college football world by storm. Both Brennan and Lowell Narcisse are seeking to compete with Etling for the starting job as the Tigers open fall camp this week. Though Etling will likely be the starter, both backups could likely see playing time this season.
For the Tigers to compete for an SEC Championship, the coaching staff has to make the right decision for a starter and go with the player that will best lead the Tigers to success. Brennan just arrived on campus over the summer, but has already been turning heads in practice and early through fall camp. Many around the team expect him to compete very heavily for the starting role.
Starting running back: Derrius Guice
Backups: Lanard Fournette, Nicholas Brossette
Guice is the clear starter at running back for the Tigers, and could be the best player on the entire team. The star back will see plenty of carries this season, and could ultimately be in contention for the Heisman Trophy. Rushing for over 1,000 yards last season, Guice filled in for former back Leonard Fournette while he was injured, and also shared reps with him.
As for the backups, both Lanard and Brossette are versatile players with great speed. Lanard is Leonard Fournette’s younger brother and is seeking to follow in his footsteps. For Brossette, he has seen the field a few times in his career, but could ultimately see more action as the season rolls along.
All three of LSU’s main running backs will play a pivotal role in the offense, which will see a new scheme under first year offensive coordiantor Matt Canada. The backs will get their fair share of workload, as will the quarterbacks and receivers.
Starting receivers: D.J. Chark, Russell Gage
Backups: Derrick Dillon, JaCoby Stevens
Chark is the Tigers’ number one receiver heading into the season. He switched his number to 7 for this upcoming season, which has become a very common number for great LSU players to wear. Chark has great hands which he uses to break away from defenders at the line of scrimmage. As far as Gage is concerned, he is a versatile receiver that has yet to see a ton of playing time. That will certainly change come September. Chark and Gage being the one-two punch at receiver is the best scenario for LSU at the position. Chark has Odell Beckham potential in him.
JaCoby Stevens is a freshman that just recently moved to receiver from safety. His ball handling skills at the receiver position are unproven, but it could work out well for him. The move for him clearly shakes up the position battle for the third spot on the depth chart. Derrick Dillon is a receiver who has a lot of potential, and could likely be used a little in 2017.
Right Guard Starter: Maea Tuehema
Backup: Donovaughn Campbell
Tuehema played at right guard in 2016 and definitely deserves the starting role. He can protect the Tigers’ quarterback and give him time in the pocket to make accurate and solid throws. His ability to withstand defensive lineman is unlike any other offensive guard in college football. Placing Tuehema at the position bolsters the offensive line in a huge way for 2017.
Donovaughn Campbell will serve as Tuehema’s backup. Many aren’t too sure what to think of Campbell, as he hasn’t seen the field much for the Tigers.
Left Guard: Garrett Brumfield
Backup: Donovaughn Campbell
Brumfield is the clear-cut starter at left guard, as the Tigers are rebuilding at the position in 2017. With not a lot of depth at left guard, Brumfield can easily earn a starting role and prove his worth on this offensive line.
Yet again, Campbell will be a backup. Able to play both left guard and right guard, Campbell could see playing time at either position this season.
Left Tackle: K.J. Malone
Backup: Austin Deculus
Malone has the starting role locked up at left tackle. He played at the position last season, and will fill the void yet again. Deculus is a star freshman that the coaches are raving about. He likely won’t earn the starting job this season, but he could wind up playing a pivotal role in protecting his quarterback and opening up holes for Guice.
Center: William Clapp
Backup: Lloyd Cushenberry
Clapp will be taking over a spot that Ethan Pocic held with pride last season. Though he may not be able to accomplish what Pocic did, Clapp is still being considered one of the best offensive lineman in college football.
Cushenberry is a freshman that will likely not see a ton of playing time in 2017. Due to Clapp being such a high rated player, his status for a starting role will have to be put on hold.
Right Tackle: Toby Weathersby
Backup: Jakori Savage
Weathersby has been at LSU for the last two seasons and has learned what it takes to earn a starting role. He gets his chance to prove himself in 2017, and could potentially be the best right tackle in the country. The choice to start Weathersby at left tackle could be one of the best position decisions that the coaching staff could make this season.
Jakori Savage is a junior that is fighting for a better role in the offense. He has yet to see the field for LSU, but could prove to be one of the best offensive lineman for the team should he get the chance.
Defensive End: Christian Lacouture
Backup: Rashard Lawrence
Lacouture is a special player for the Tigers. He was selected to wear the honorable number 18 for this season, and has given his all on the defensive line. With such an elite defense like LSU, Lacouture has proven his worth in his time with the Tigers. There have been a lot of talented pass rushers that have come through the LSU program. While Lacouture might not be a household name yet he has the potential to make an massive impact in 2017.
Rashard Lawrence is a player that is being proclaimed the next great defensive lineman for LSU. He has a lot of potential, and could ultimately see playing time this season.
Nose Tackle: Greg Gilmore
Backup: Edwin Alexander
Greg Gilmore will likely be starting at nose tackle in 2017. The amount of depth at the position is low, and Gilmore has shown that he is worthy of a starting role. Edwin Alexander is a player who also has potential and could see the field some. Playing behind Gilmore will set Alexander up for a starting role in 2018.
Outside Linebacker: Arden Key
Backup: Michael Divinity
Arden Key is the best linebacker in the SEC, and he returns for yet another season. Possibly the best defensive player in the country, Key is set for a breakout season in 2017.
Michael Divinity will likely be in a backup role this season and what better position to be a backup than to perhaps the best defensive player in college football.
Outside Linebacker: Corey Thompson
Backup: K’Lavon Chaisson
Corey Thompson was absolutely lost in 2016 and barely saw playing time. If he can stay healthy this season, playing opposite of Key could turn out to be the dynamic duo on defense for the Tigers.
Chaisson will see playing time depending on how defensive coordinator Dave Aranda decides to run things. Inserting him into a game could be a great decision to back up such a versatile player like Thompson.
Middle Linebacker: Devin White
Backup: Devin Voorhies
Devin White was an All-SEC selection as a freshman and is primed for a starting role. Voorhies will back up White in 2017. This position should just be named the “Devin Linebacker” position.
Inside Linebacker: Donnie Alexander
Backup: Jacob Phillips
Alexander took over the MLB position when Kendall Beckwith went down to an injury last season, and held his own at the spot. The speed of Alexander gives him a better chance to fill in the void for Duke Riley, who went to the NFL.
Phillips is a 4-star recruit that could repeat what Tre’Davious White did at the position over the last few seasons. He certainly has the potential and work ethic to accomplish it.
Cornerback: Donte Jackson
Backup: Ed Paris
Donte Jackson will reprise his role as starting corner this season. Presumably one of the best in the nation, Jackson has worked his tail off to be in a starting role for the Tigers. He played all games in 2016 as the starter, and continues to shine on the field. It wouldn’t surprise a lot of LSU fans if he earns the honor of being the top corner in the country in 2017. The role he plays in the Tigers’ defense is pivotal to their success.
Ed Paris will earn the backup role this season after switching from safety to corner. The switch allows him to likely play behind Jackson, and get the quality playing time he deserves. The duo of Jackson and Paris could be the best cornerback duo LSU has seen in recent seasons.
Starting Safety: John Battle
Backup: Grant Delpit
John Battle made the switch from corner to safety during the off-season and it could prove to be the best decision for him. Earning the starting role at safety is something that Battle has worked for his entire college career. The highly coveted player will take the void of Jamal Adams, who left his mark on the team last season as the best safety the Tigers have seen in recent years. Battle is seeking to continue the tradition and contribute to the Tigers having an elite defense this upcoming season.
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Grant Delpit is a highly raved freshman that took the spotlight during the annual spring game back in April. He made all of the right plays, and could be up for a starting role. But with Battle already earning the starting spot, Delpit may have to settle with being a backup until 2018.