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Though it might be better known for its defensive linemen and secondary, LSU has cranked out a steady supply of top-shelf SEC linebackers over the last decade or so.
Look for that trend to continue with the arrival of Kevin Steele as the Tigers’ new defensive coordinator. Steele is known for his linebacker-focused philosophies, as opposed to his predecessor, John Chavis, who often preferred to put more pressure-creating responsibilities on his defensive backs.
But before we start looking too far ahead, let’s look back. Here’s our list of the top five LSU linebackers of the Les Miles era.
5. Perry Riley
Riley sometimes gets overlooked in these conversations, perhaps due to the fact that he played with three other linebackers on this list or because the Tigers didn’t have their greatest success during the two seasons Riley served as a starter. But his track record speaks for itself. In 2008 he was a finalist for the Butkus Award and the defensive MVP of the Chick-fil-A Bowl, and as a senior in 2009 he finished with 97 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss.
4. Darry Beckwith
Beckwith was also a Butkus finalist in 2008 and a three-year starter for the Tigers at middle linebacker. He never posted huge numbers in a single season, but left Baton Rouge as a two-time second-team All-SEC selection and finished with 189 stops in his career.
3. Ali Highsmith
Highsmith is the only holdover from the Saban regime on this list. A stalwart outside linebacker on three teams that finished in the top 10, Highsmith earned two starts as a true freshman before taking over as a full-time starter during his sophomore season. He was a second-team All-SEC pick as a junior, but he saved his best for last. He finished tied for the team lead with 101 tackles in 2007, including 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the National Championship win over Ohio State, and was a first-team All-SEC and second-team All-America selection.
2. Kevin Minter
Had Minter not gone pro after an off-the-charts junior season, he might be at No. 1 on this list. You could probably make the argument he should be there anyway; that’s how good he was in 2012. After earning the starting spot as a sophomore, Minter finished his junior season with 130 tackles and 15 tackles for a loss and posted a school record 17 solo (solo!) tackles against Florida that year. He was a consensus All-SEC first teamer, and a first team Sports Illustrated All-American.
1. Kelvin Sheppard
Sheppard isn’t just one of the best linebackers in school history, he was the unquestioned leader of a 2010 Tigers defense that included Patrick Peterson, Morris Claiborne, Barkevious Mingo and Tyrann Matthieu. After cracking the starting lineup as a sophomore, Sheppard led the team in tackles each of the next two seasons, including a 116 stops, 11 tackles for loss and four sacks as a senior. His 311 career tackles rank ninth all time at LSU.
Not on the list (yet)
You might have noticed the absence of any current Tigers on this list. That could change, and possibly very soon. Kendell Beckwith could be in line for a big junior season after forcing his way into the starting lineup and finishing with 77 tackles last season. For what it’s worth, that’s slightly more than any of the linebackers who made our top five. Assuming he doesn’t bolt for the pros early, Beckwith is going to have the chance to rack up big stats and etch a lasting legacy at LSU.
Brent Holloway is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Georgia, LSU and Mississippi State.
