EARLY BIRD 2006 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
RELEASED THANKSGIVING 2005
LOUISIANA STATE TIGERS
OFFENSE - 6
------RETURNING STARTERS------
DEFENSE - 5
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Kevin Steltz-FB, Joseph Addai-TB, Shyrone Carey-TB, Skyler Green-WR, Bennie Brazell-WR, David Jones-TE, Andrew Whitworth-OT, Rudy Niswanger-C, Nate Livings-OG
DEFENSE: Melvin Oliver-DE, Claude Wroten-DT, Kyle Williams-DT, Kenneth Hollis-SLB, Cameron Vaughn-MLB, Ronnie Prude-CB
Receiver

The numbers are still staggering in terms of talent at wide out.

Defensive Line

Big names on the defensive front wall are departing. However, plenty of depth still exists, it's just a matter of locating the top dogs.

WR Dwayne Bowe
 
LB Ali Highsmith
 

* DEPTH CHARTS were only designed as a simplistic gauge for listing players that departed and players that received the most playing experience (consistent starters). NationalChamps.net recognizes the importance of missing personnel data not listed such as redshirts, transfers, injuries, incoming recruits, back ups and alternates. Their coverage will begin with our full 2006 Preseason Preview due out this coming spring.
LOUISIANA STATE 2006 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
OFFENSE
QB JaMarcus Russell-Jr Matt Flynn-Jr
FB Jacob Hester-Jr ..
TB Justin Vincent-Sr ..
WR Early Doucet-Jr Craig Davis-Sr
WR Dwayne Bowe-Sr Xavier Carter-Jr
TE Keith Zinger-Sr ..
OT .. ..
OG Will Arnold-Jr ..
C .. ..
OG Herman Johnson-So ..
OT Brian Johnson-Sr ..
K Chris Jackson-Sr David Colt-So
DEFENSE
DE Tyson Jackson-So ..
DT Glen Dorsey-Jr ..
DT .. ..
DE Chase Pittman-Sr Ryan Willis-Sr
SLB .. ..
MLB .. ..
WLB Ali Highsmith-Jr ..
CB Daniel Francis-Sr ..
CB Chevis Jackson-Jr Jonathan Zenon-Jr
SS Jessie Daniels-Sr Craig Steltz-Jr
FS LaRon Landry-Sr ..
P Chris Jackson-Sr ..
QUICK ANALYSIS

His first season a success, head guy Les Miles looks to the future with confidence after his efforts produced no drop-off due to the regime change. Like Saban-Mauck, Miles embraces the many ways of soon-to-be junior QB JaMarcus Russell. Russell has a gun for delivery and feet that motor his huge frame away from pressure(s). As pass plays stay alive, too many qualified receivers will again vie for Russell’s attention. Another killer TB-FB combo is emerging in Vincent-Hester. Ergo, balance will again be found in this capital’s offense, though, holes up front look impacting. Similarly, the DL takes a huge hit, losing three of its four quality starters. With two starters also vacating at LB, the front seven will take time to gel (pass rush will suffer most, but not too much). The secondary is awing, so expect some stacked boxes and DBs on islands if problems occur. Skyler Green will be missed as primary returner, but other speedsters will easily replace him. What cannot be measured is the positive impact of 2005’s hurricanes, distractions that had many poo-pooing the Bayou Bengals’ chances. What many initially discounted later turned into positives as adversity built character and necessity acted as the mother of invention. LSU is a better, stronger team for their relocation and scheduling troubles, with players who, together, found ways to win in trying times. Such lessons usually pay future dividends, and upper-classmen leaders will find new ways to carry any problem areas. But early patsies could lull them into a sleeping giant, and then, after September breezes by, the SEC juggernauts hit. As the (NFL) Saints taunt/”dis” their fan base, LSU possibly shoulders the entire state’s gridiron hopes. It’s never easy in Red Stick, huh.

 

2006 SCHEDULE

9-2 Louisiana-Lafayette
9-9 Arizona
9-16 Northern Illinois
9-23 Tulane
9-30 Mississippi State
10-7 @ Florida
10-14 Kentucky
10-21 @ Auburn
11-4 @ Tennessee
11-11 Alabama
11-18 Mississippi
11-25 @ Arkansas