Ad Disclosure
LSU looks to rebound from a disappointing 8-5 season in 2014. They will do it amidst the uncertainty that goes along with Brandon Harris potentially taking over at quarterback and the team’s first season since 2008 without John Chavis as defensive coordinator.
So while LSU may know exactly what it has in star sophomore running back Leonard Fournette, who if he stays healthy will lead the team in carries and rushing yards, it’s much more difficult to predict who will lead the Bayou Bengals in several other statistical categories.
With that in mind, here’s our best guess at how a few of those categories might look at the top.
Putting Points on the Board — RB Leonard Fournette
When predicting what player will lead a team in scoring, kickers often have a leg up, no pun intended. Even on bad days, the placekicker usually gets an opportunity to at least boot a field goal or two. But while LSU’s Colby Delahoussaye made 11 field goals and 34 extra points to lead the Tigers with 67 points last year, look Fournette to overtake him this season.
Fournette was just behind with 66 points last year, and with Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard gone, Fournette’s role should only increase.
He rushed for 10 touchdowns in 2014 and had another on a kickoff return. Expect him to exceed the rushing number this season. With the shaky quarterback situation there’s no reason to get cute when the Tigers get near the goal line. Just give it to Fournette and let him follow fullback David Ducre or John David Moore into the end zone.
Also, Magee was used more as a receiver out of the backfield last year. Look for Fournette to pick up some of the slack in that department and add at least a couple receiving touchdowns to his total.
Taking It Away — LB Kendell Beckwith
If you had to bet on an LSU player to force the most turnovers in 2015, Beckwith is a good player with which to start. The junior could emerge as one of the top linebackers in the country this season after recording 77 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, in 2014.
Beckwith should benefit from the addition of Kevin Steele as defensive coordinator. Steele is a former linebacker himself and known for developing stars at the position. Beckwith has a nose for the ball and got his hands on three passes last year with an interception.
He might get a few more picks this year and when Steele turns him loose on defense, look for more than few forced fumbles to come as a result of big hits from the 6-foot-2, 245-pound cowboy.
Taking it to the House — CB/PR Tre’Davious White
Fournette isn’t the only Tiger dangerous in the return game. White was fantastic as a punt returner last season, taking 25 returns for 273 yards and a touchdown. LSU returns most of the starters on a defense that got better as the season went along last year, so expect a few more opportunities to field punts in 2015.
But punt returns might not be the only situations for White to score. He’s also one of the SEC’s best defensive backs and he has four career interceptions, averaging 10 yards per return, but he’s yet to take one back all the way.
Frankly, with his speed and overall athleticism, he’s due.
Shane Mettlen is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Texas A&M, Missouri and Alabama.
