LSU Football: Tigers offensive line has the right mindset to be dominant

LSU Football is hoping the running game will be a key part of the offense in 2021.

That might sound odd, considering the Tigers brought Jake Peetz and DJ Mangas to Baton Rouge this offseason to run the Joe Brady style of offense (which included over 5,000 passing yards in 2019).

But let’s not forget that Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for over 1,400 yards in Brady’s offense in 2019 — there will be plenty of running.

And the Tigers’ offensive line is taking responsibility when it comes to making sure LSU runs the ball effectively.

LSU football offensive lineman Austin Deculus takes responsibility for running game

LSU offensive lineman Austin Deculus is confident the Tigers can the ball successfully in 2021 — regardless of who is in the backfield.

Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery appear set to lead LSU’s backfield.

And Deculus is very confident in each of those running backs.

“We have a very dangerous running back group,” said Deculus this week (via 247Sports). “Ty is the big thumper and he will go straight-forward if you need a couple inches to win the down. John is the elusive guy who can make all the jump-cuts and all the little shifty plays.”

“It’s great to have two players with different types of games,” added Deculus.

While Deculus is confident in Davis-Price and Emery, he still views the offensive line as the ones responsible for the Tigers having a successful running game.

“It doesn’t matter who is in the backfield. It’s on the offensive line if we are not blocking and giving full effort, regardless of if you have Clyde or Derrius Guice or Leonard Fournette or Ty or John — if we are not doing our job, you will not see any progress,” explained Deculus.

I absolutely love this mindset from Deculus. This is the way an offensive line should always think.

Deculus and his teammates have the mindset that they’re going to pave the way for whoever is in the backfield — whether it’s a stud running back or a walk-on with no expectations.

That’s the kind of mindset required to win championships. And it’s clear it’s present in Baton Rouge.