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LSU football: Five important players for 2016

By Mario Jerez

Oct 24, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) and LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) celebrate sacking Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kyle Allen (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) and LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) celebrate sacking Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kyle Allen (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Arden Key, DE

It didn’t take long, nine plays into LSU’s 2015 season opener against Mississippi State to be exact, for Key to make an impact as a true freshman.

He killed an early Bulldog drive on a third down and sacked quarterback Dak Prescott. LSU fans are hoping for more of the same in 2016, only in larger quantities, and they’re drooling over Key’s potential entering his sophomore year. Less than 24 hours after his introductory press conference at LSU in 2014, defensive line coach Ed Orgeron was in Atlanta recruiting a then-uncommitted Key. And it was with good reason.

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All five of Key’s sacks in 2015 came against SEC opponents. That’s more sacks than Texas A&M standout Myles Garrett had during his freshman year in 2014 and just one less than Garrett had in SEC play last season.

In 2016, Key will play a pivotal role in first-year defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s unit as a standup end and outside linebacker hybrid. He’s big and strong enough to shed blocks and will also be asked to use his athleticism in coverage.

Lewis Neal, the team’s sack leader last season, returns to the Tigers and is also a key piece at the other end spot. Christian LaCouture and Davon Godchaux are also back to man the interior, and the team has continuity along the defensive line. However, Key has the most potential to be the team’s dominant pass rusher.

Key’s technique improved as the 2015 season went on. He showed flashes of a young Barkevious Mingo or Sam Montgomery that could come full-circle or better in 2016. Key stands at 6’6″ and is a freak athlete. However, he’ll have to add a little weight and put up the gaudy numbers he’s capable of for LSU’s defense to be one of college football’s best.

Next: No. 1 Brandon Harris

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