LSU football: Five important players for 2016

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Oct 17, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Kevin Toliver II (2) tackles Florida Gators tight end Jake McGee (83) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Kevin Toliver II, CB

LSU returns a veteran secondary in 2016.

Several familiar faces comprise the unit, including the aforementioned White. Assuming Toliver can return to full strength after shoulder surgery in January, he and White have the potential to be one of the best cornerback tandems in college football.

After playing in 11 games and starting seven as a freshman in 2015, Toliver will need to progress in his sophomore year for LSU’s secondary to be elite. He makes this list because he’s sure to get a lot of balls thrown his direction playing opposite of White, an early-round prospect in next year’s NFL draft.

Teams targeted Toliver at times last season due to his inexperience, and they figure to test him again this year until he forces them do otherwise. If he can’t, Savion Smith or Donte Jackson will be more than happy to step into the second starting cornerback slot.

2015 was underwhelming for LSU’s secondary. The Tiger defense surrendered 22 touchdown passes, the most in nine seasons. Also, pre-snap confusion in the secondary led to visible coverage busts.

This year, the group is loaded with depth and veteran leadership. It’s expected to be one of LSU’s primary strengths behind White, Adams and a plethora of other battle-tested defensive backs. If Toliver can keep from being the weak link in the group and take the next step as a shutdown corner, expect LSU to have a solid secondary in 2016.

Next: No. 4 Malachi Dupre

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