By Ryan Rogers
LSUsports.net
BATON ROUGE — The LSU defensive line is one of the most improved positions going into next year. The group must attribute lots of this success to the improvement in their strength and conditioning. The majority of players are stronger and quicker.
The defensive line doesnt really have a clear-cut first and second string. Just because four players start, doesnt necessarily mean they will play the most downs at each position. LSU, like most other teams, rotates defensive linemen.
LSU appears to have a solid corps of defensive tackles.
Junior College transfer Howard Green, 6-2 314lbs., has been an excellent addition to the Tigers roster this spring. Green is the cousin of Jarvis and Jason Green. The Green trio from Donaldsonville, La. will look to make some noise on the LSU defense next fall. Howard Green is very big and strong. He is the run stopping presence that LSU needs on the interior defensive line.
Byron Dawson, 6-2 298lbs., is returning from a solid redshirt freshman season in 1999. Although he battled injuries, Dawson proved he could play in the SEC. Dawson was the state 3A defensive state MVP in 1997. He is very strong and capable of driving offensive linemen backwards causing havoc for the opposing offense.
One player who exemplifies the offseason training improvement is Muskingum Barnes, 6-2 269lbs. He recieved the strength and conditioning award for his excellent work in the weight room this past offseason. Barnes was a top recruit out Mississippis Moss Point High School. Moss Point is one of the top programs in Mississippi. He was rated as the No. 11 recruit in the south by Superprep in 1997. Barnes started eight games for LSU last year.
Shaun Wynn, 6-1 282lbs., Terry Phillips 6-6 294lbs. and Melvin Richey 6-4 320lbs. have all come into the mix this spring. One of them may fill the fourth spot at defensive tackle and rotate regularly next year.
Defensive end is one of the most important positions in football. It takes a very talent player to play the position. One has to be capable of sliding down to fill holes on the line, containing the outside on seeps and most importantly putting pressure on the quarterback.
One player for LSU who has shown he is capable of all these roles is Jarvis Green, 6-3 259. Green, arguably LSUs most talented defensive linemen, is primed for a big year next fall. His early career has been hampered by injuries. A healthy Green, who is very comfortable with the new defense, should be a force for the Tigers. As a freshman, Green was an all-conference selection. Look for Jarvis to be a playmaker for LSU in 2000.
Kenderick Allen, 6-6 290lbs., is one of the most dangerous players on LSUs roster. Besides his obvious large size, Allen is a mean hitter. He has a great football mentality. Allen played a lot last year but only made one start. The 4-3 defense the Tigers will use this year, however, will be a better fit for Allen.
Kareem Mitchell, 6-4 258lbs., is another really good looking defensive end for LSU. He is an excellent pass rusher. His uncanny leadership on the line is a great asset. Mitchell is very fast for his size. he has speed resembles a linebacker. Mitchell, also from Moss Point, Miss., will be a big part of LSUs defense next year.
Kyle Kipps, 6-4 261lbs., is making the transition from tight end to defensive end. The former starter at tight end was moved because LSU had so much talent at tight end already. His presence on the defensive side of the ball will add depth. He is still learning the position, but has looked good in spring drills with all things considered. He will see lots playing time next fall.
Other defensive ends jockeying for playing time are Charles Thomas, 6-4 273lbs., Bryce Wyatt 6-4 237lbs, also a former tight end and Lance Rickner 6-3 224lbs. All saw lots of playing time in the spring game.
LSU has a large crop of incoming freshmen defensive linemen. Five signees from the 2000 class are defensive linemen.
John Paul Jones 6-2 272lbs., is probably the most high profile recruit. The defensive end sat out his senior year with a broken leg. However, he was named all-state his junior year and was regarded as one of the top defensive linemen recruits in the south. He comes from Carencro High School. That school has produced numerous prospects over the years including Kevin Faulk and Damien James.