quote:
Landry and Beckham are almost certainly gone at WR. Hill is gone too. Collins probably leaning towards the draft as well. That should be the losses on offense. Jennings will be QB and Fournette (provided he signs with LSU) will likely be the starter at RB, though who can say how he'll translate to college. McGee is back at RB and he showed talent this year. Dural is the only WR for sure to get playing time, but should have a great crop coming in that may be able to play right away. OL should be a strength and certainly improved.

WR: Dural will undoubtedly be the #1 guy at camp - should Beckham and Landry both declare (which they more than likely will). After that, the only other returning receiver that has registered a catch is Quantavious Leslie, who was a bit of a disappointment this year coming out of JUCO. Guys like John Diarse, Kevin Spears, and Avery Peterson (Patrick's brother) all have the opportunity to really step up into a playmaker role. The Tigers will also have to rely on incoming freshmen at the wideout position, such as Trey Quinn or - if they sign - Speedy Noil and Malachi Dupre. These guys assuredly possess the talent, they will just need to get comfortable in the offense and get some game experience.

TE: All of LSU's TEs return. None had seasons worth mentioning this year, although current freshman DeSean Smith could begin to distance himself from the pack in the offseason. Guys like Dillon Gordon and Logan Stokes are primarily blockers, while Travis Dickson is mainly a receiving target (who didn't get many chances this year). Look out for incoming freshman Jacory Washington as well. He's in the same mold as OJ Howard and can really create nightmares for defensive coordinators.

OL: LT La'el Collins is likely heading for the NFL, but Vadal Alexander, Elliot Porter, Trai Turner, and Jerald Hawkins should all return, which is huge. Primary backups Evan Washington and Ethan Pocic also come back, as does another future contributor in Josh Boutte. The line should definitely see improvements in 2014.

QB: Jennings no doubt has the talent, it's just a matter of getting experience under his belt. We will learn a lot about his ability to learn quickly in this bowl game, although at the same time, it is important to keep in mind that he is still only a true freshman, and mistakes will be made.

RB: Blue is gone and I would be surprised if Hill returned next season. There is also talk of Hilliard maybe bolting for the league, although those rumors have died down. Magee should come back, and if he does, he will certainly be the #1 RB in next year's offense. We will really depend on newcomers like Darrell Williams and Fournette to contribute early and often, to take the load off Magee and Hilliard. If Magee continues his current form, the running game will seamlessly transition into next season.

quote:
On D, hard to say, but Ferguson and Johnson may both leave, leaving issues with proven depth at DT. Rasco, Hunter and Allen should be back at DE. LB is hard to figure. Beckwith may factor in, and some Freshmen may get time as it was a trouble spot this year. CB should be a strength with White and Robinson back for sure. Safety has holes with Loston leaving and Thompson coming off an injury. Again, hopefully some freshmen contribute, especially if we sign Adams. Martin will provide depth and hopefully Jefferson (Jordan's brother) develops.

DL: All of the DEs should be back in 2014, which is crucial, given that both of our starting DTs may declare for the draft. Rasco and Hunter seem to have secured their roles on the outside. Jordan Allen, Kendall Beckwith, Lewis Neal, Frank Herron, Tashawn Bower, and MJ Patterson should all come in relief. As for Freak and Ego's likely replacements, Christian Lacouture separated himself as the third DT this season as a true freshman; guys like Quentin Thomas and Mickey Johnson will surely feel pressure from guys like Greg Gilmore, Maquedius Bain, and some of the incoming freshman in locking down the other DT spot. In short, DE will be a strength while DT will be a weakness (if both Freak and Ego leave).

LB: Everyone returns but Barrow and Tahj Jones (who was a non-factor the past two seasons). At this point, it appears as though Debo Jones (who has shown promise in the last two seasons) will replace Barrow on the outside, while Kwon Alexander returns on the other side. Welter (please God no) and Lamar Louis are back in the middle as well. Additionally, true freshman Clifton Garrett could be in the mix for some playing time.

DB: Other than Loston graduating, the 2014 defensive backfield should see vast improvements. Tre'Davious White, Rashard Robinson, Dwayne Thomas, and Jalen Mills all return at corner, and guys like Ronald Martin, Rickey Jefferson, and Corey Thompson all return at safety. Couple these returning players with the incoming haul of freshmen DBs, and offensive coordinators will not look forward to throwing the ball on LSU.