LSU Football: What does Teuhema transfer mean for O-Line?

When the LSU Tigers first reported to fall camp on Monday, junior offensive lineman Maea Teuhema did not join his teammates.

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Later that evening, LSU football coach Ed Orgeron informed reporters that Maea Teuhuema’s absence stemmed from ongoing academic issues. Two days later, nola.com’s Andrew Lopez reported that Tuehema was transferring away from the LSU football program after the two-year starter was granted his release from the school.

Tuehema put together a very impressive resume during his two years at LSU.

The former 4-star recruit from Keller, TX became an instant contributor for the Tigers because of the versatility that he provided on LSU’s offensive line. During his first two seasons, Tuehema logged 21 career starts that were spread across three different positions — right guard, left guard, and right tackle.

Tuehema’s play as a true freshman earned him a spot on ESPN’s 2015 True Freshman All-American team.

Needless to say, Tuehema’s dismissal deals a huge blow to LSU’s offense as the team begins preperations to usher in a new-look offensive scheme ahead of their season opener against BYU on Sept. 2.

Tuehema was projected to start at right guard for the Tigers this season. Barring a serious injury or a complete regression in 2017, Tuehema’s on-field resume would have made him a hot commodity in the 2018 NFL Draft.

For now, Tuehema’s NFL aspirations will be put on hold as he begins his search for a new school. Per multiple reports, Tuehema has been granted permission to speak to five universities of his choosing. Those schools include USC, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Houston, and UCLA.

WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE LSU?

LSU fans have become accustomed to seeing players transfer away from the program. Particularly when it comes to offensive linemen. Since Orgeron was named LSU’s head coach back in November 2016, five offensive linemen have left the LSU football program.

#LSU has lost 10 players this offseason. Attrition is normal, especially with a head coaching change, but 10 is a noteworthy number. pic.twitter.com/TSKdP6KurZ
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) August 3, 2017

Teuhema’s departure suddenly leaves LSU with just 11 scholarship offensive linemen and thrusts redshirt freshman Lloyd Cushenberry to the forefront. Three spots along the Tigers’ offensive line will be locked down by returning starters.

The center position will be manned by perhaps LSU’s most heavily decorated returning lineman, Will Clapp. Clapp earned First-Team All-SEC honors last season where he logged 11 starts at left guard. Ethan Pocic’s departure to the NFL will allow Clapp to slide inside from left guard to the very middle of LSU’s offensive front. Senior K.J. Malone and junior Toby Weathersby are the other two returning starters on the offensive line.

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The only spot along LSU’s offensive line that’s still up for grabs is the right guard position that Tuehema was poised to command. Sophomore Donavaughn Campbell, a reserve lineman who saw mop-up duty in just four games last season, will be battling redshirt freshman Lloyd Cushenberry for the starting job. Cushenberry seems to be the frontrunner for the job after enjoying a tremendous spring.

Clapp’s absence this spring provided Cushenberry with an opportunity to log snaps at both center and guard throughout spring practice. Cushenberry’s play drew rave reviews from the coaching staff and according to the Advocate’s Ross Dellenger, the coaches even entertained the possibility of starting Cushenberry at center and sliding Clapp back over to guard.

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Teuhema’s departure is a tough pill to swallow for LSU football fans, but the Tigers still possess enough talent along the offensive line to form a formidable front capable of allowing LSU’s superstar running back Derrius Guice to surpass the 1,000 yard mark again.