Offensive Line Searches For Continuity And Cohesion

By Ryan Rogers
LSU Sports Information

BATON ROUGE — If LSU is to have a successful turnaround in 2000, a great deal of that will start with its offensive line.

The depth of LSU’s offensive line was put to the test a year ago, as a series of injuries plagued the unit, making it difficult to establish the necessary continuity and cohesion among the group.

Louis Williams, 6-5 291, is going to be a key leader on next year’s squad. The senior is a potential All-SEC performer. The left tackle will anchor the line next year. He is big, strong and quick. His presence will be important to protecting the quarterbacks’ blind side from intense pass rush.

Williams looked great in spring drills. LSU will likely favor running to the left side due to Williams presence there. Saban has experimented with putting Williams at center at times during spring due to injuries both this season and last at the position. This may also be a tactic to get his best linemen on the field as possible. More than likely though, Williams will stay at left tackle.

LSU has a pair of strong guards to join Williams. Trey Langley, 6-5 292, and Bob Wynne, 6-3 286, were both healthy for most of the spring drills, however, Langley missed the final week with an arm injury.

Langley missed seven starts last year due to numerous injuries. He missed most of his sophomore season with injuries also. Langley was named freshmen all-American by the Sporting News in 1997. When he is healthy he is very good.

Wynne missed most of his sophomore season with ankle problems. The former Jesuit Blue Jay has been fighting ankle problems since high school. He now appears to be fully recovered from the injuries and is ready to be a key part of the offensive line. He received the Ralph Norwood Award for Outstanding Offensive Performance at the end of spring practice.

Jason Underwood, 6-4 265, leads the pack of potential centers. He started every game last year for the Tigers. Underwood is a durable center who continues to improve.

John Compton, 6-3 285, would like to push for the starting center position. He was the projected starter at center going into last year. Offseason knee surgery kept him out of the first game. Then in his first start he broke his ankle against Georgia ending his season. Underwood took over from there.

Brad Smalling, 6-7 380, will make his case to earn the right tackle spot. Smalling was second team All-American and All-USA team member coming out of West Monroe High School. College coaches across the country had him on their wish list.

Brandon Winey, 6-7 294, brings a wealth of exprerience to the Tigers at tackle. Winey’s made 10 starts for LSU in his first three seasons in Baton Rouge. Winey possesses incredible size. In high school, he actually played tight end.

An up-and-coming freshmen is Rob Sale, 6-2 315. Sale redshirted last year. The two time all-state player from Neville High School is one of LSU’s best looking young lineman.

No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown
60	Rodney Reed	OG	6-4	271	West Monroe, La.
62	David Neubauer	OT	6-0	298	Baton Rouge, La.
64	John Compton	C	6-3	285	Baton Rouge, La.
66	John Young	C	6-3	290	Ruston, La.
68	Brandon Winey	OT	6-7	294	Lake Charles, La.
69	Jason Baggett	OT	6-6	283	Baytown, Texas
70	Louis Williams	OT	6-5	291	Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.
72	Michael Dupuis	OT	6-3	263	Lafayette, La.
73	Rob Sale	OT	6-2	315	Monroe, La.
74	Brad Smalling	OT	6-7	320	West Monroe, La.
75	Trey Langley	OG	6-5	292	Eunice, La.
76	Bob Wynne	OG	6-4	286	New Orleans, La.
77	Jonathan Autrey	OG	6-3	271	Cecila, La.
78	Dwayne Pierce	OG	6-3	322	New Orleans, La.
79	Jason Underwood	C	6-4	265	Baton Rouge, La.
*	Kade Comeaux	OL	6-6	305	Crowley, La.
*	Nate Livings	OL	6-5	305	Lake Charles, La.
*	Daniel Leon	OL	6-2	305	St. Martinville, La.