LSU football: 10 best players of the Les Miles Era

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts free safety LaRon Landry (30) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

LaRon Landry

When you talk about the hardest hitters ever to don the Purple-and-Gold, LaRon Landry’s name almost always emerges at the forefront of the discussion.

While it was his bone-crushing hits that dominated the highlight reels, Landry was an incredible all-around defensive back for LSU. When he was not obliterating wide receivers that were brave enough to cross the middle of the field, he was roaming the secondary as a ballhawking safety in a linebackers body.

Landry’s 12 career interceptions are tied for the third-most in LSU history, and contributed to him earning several accolades during his four years with the team. He was named second team All-SEC during his first three seasons, before gaining national recognition during his senior season, being named first team All-American and All-SEC.

His dominant senior campaign included three interceptions, seven pass deflections and a team-best 74 tackles, establishing himself as one of the best defensive backs in the country.

Much like teammate JaMarcus Russell, Landry shot up the draft boards following an outstanding performance during a Sugar Bowl beatdown of Notre Dame in the final game of his collegiate career. H was drafted by the Washington Redskins with the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Next: JaMarcus Russell