LSU Football: Ed Orgeron points out the position group he’s most worried about in 2020
By Zach Ragan
LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron recently discussed the position group he’s most concerned about in 2020.
LSU football had one of the best offensive lines in the nation in 2019. It was a position of strength that helped lead the Tigers to a win in the national championship game against Clemson.
But LSU is losing a lot of talent from the offensive line, so it’s understandable that head coach Ed Orgeron is a bit concerned about that particular unit.
Orgeron recently appeared on 104.5 in Baton Rouge and was asked which position groups he was concerned about. It was no surprise to hear Coach O point out the offensive line, saying “Offensive line, let’s go. I do believe we could be very good on the offensive line, but some guys have got to come through”.
The veteran head coach added “Not having spring ball has hurt that group”.
In 2018, LSU struggled at times on the offensive line. But they vastly improved in 2019, which led quarterback Joe Burrow to say after the SEC championship game “They’re (offensive line) unreal. They’ve been unreal all year.”
Burrow added “They’re one of the most improved groups I’ve ever been around”.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, there’s a lot of talent that has to be replaced up front. Seniors Damien Lewis, Adrian Magee and Badara Traore are gone. Juniors Lloyd Cushenberry and Saahdiq Charles are off to the NFL.
That leaves only Austin Deculus as a returning starter. Deculus will likely start at right tackle.
The center position will be one of the most important position battles for the Tigers. Chasen Hines is expected to be the starter, but that job won’t just be handed to him.
In fact, Joe Evans was moved from defensive tackle to center this spring to compete with Hines.
Evans impressed early in spring practice, leading Orgeron to say “Guy that impressed me is Joe Evans. Joe got better at center today. He’s going to push Chasen Hines.”
LSU really needed those extra spring practices to find some cohesiveness along the offensive line. That could mean a rough start to fall camp as Orgeron and offensive line coach James Cregg work to find what combinations best work for the Tigers.
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Of course, LSU has been in this position before. And they found success. I’m confident that this coaching staff will find success again.