LSU Football: Contender or Pretender in 2016

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Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles is picked up by his players after defeating the Texas A&M Aggies 19-7 at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

LSU Football (Contender)

LSU football received a major boost this offseason. No, we’re not talking about their elite recruiting class – although that helps as well. We’re talking about the boost LSU football received when a host of draft eligible Juniors decided to return to Baton Rouge for one more season.

The biggest surprise of the group is likely Tre’davious White. The defensive back would have been no worse than a second round pick and it is rare to see a potential first round pick return to school in this day. Wide receiver Travin Dural is a heartbreaking case, but his return will bolster a struggling passing game for the Tigers. Center Ethan Pocic couldn’t resist possibly blocking for a Heisman winner, although a hip injury may pave influenced his decision. Defensive lineman (likely nosetackle) Christian LaCouture could have been drafted this year but opted to try to up his draft stock. None of these returnees is more important than senior linebacker Kendell Beckwith, however. His return will be critical in leading a revamped Tiger’s defense that has a third defensive coordinator in as many seasons. I do believe Dave Aranda is an upgrade over Auburn’s Kevin Steele, however.

LSU Football has another group of returning players, some of which may be even better than the guys who could have gone pro. LSU returns several key future NFL players in safety Jamal Adams (likely to be a 1^st-early 2^nd round pick), defensive lineman Davon Godchaux, and wide receiver Malachi Dupre. Each of these players will help LSU football dominate their positions on the field. And of course, they boast potentially the best running back in all of college football in Leonard Fournette.

With all this current NFL talent on their roster, it is easy to see why expectations are so high for LSU football. The Tigers will no doubt play stout defense and have a dominant rushing attack, as they always do under Miles. That being the extent of their dominance, however, is also the biggest problem with LSU football.

Next: LSU Football -- Pretender

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