LSU football: 5 Biggest concerns in 2015

Sep 7, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; UAB Blazers quarterback Austin Brown (11) is sacked by LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) in the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated UAB 56-17. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Depth on the defensive line

The defensive line could prove to be one of the strongest units of the LSU football team, but as of right now, depth up front is a serious concern.

At defensive end, the suspension of Maquedius Bain earlier this summer will be a major loss. Bain was not likely going to be the starter, but he was expected to play a major role in the defensive line rotation. After spending the past two years at defensive tackle, he needed all the help he could get to make a smooth transition to the outside. Instead, he is away from the team for the final months of the offseason.

Juniors Tashawn Bower and Lewis Neal both appear to be very solid players that will be starting at defensive end. It will hurt having Bain’s status up in the air, though, especially if either starter struggles in their expanded role or falls victim to injury. True freshman Arden Key and sophomore Sione Teuhema could see significant playing time if Bain’s absence extends into the season.

At defensive tackle, the outlook is a little more bright. There are still concerns, however.

Davon Godchaux and Christian LaCouture give LSU one of the most talented interior line duos in the SEC, but aside from them, the depth at defensive tackle is not extremely promising either. Frank Herron and Greg Gilmore are highly regarded backups at the position. But with a combined seven career tackles and 0.5 sacks between the two of them, we have yet to see if they have what it takes to thrive in the toughest conference in college football.

If there are injuries or other setbacks up front, the Tigers could be in serious trouble.

Next: New faces on the coaching staff