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LSU Tigers 2016 College Football Preview

By Kyle Sumner McKinnon

Oct 17, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles leads the Tigers onto the field prior to kickoff against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium. The LSU Tigers defeated Florida 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles leads the Tigers onto the field prior to kickoff against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium. The LSU Tigers defeated Florida 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers safety Rickey Jefferson (29) reacts as it becomes the fourth quarter against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers safety Rickey Jefferson (29) reacts as it becomes the fourth quarter against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Personnel: Departures and Replacements

With 18 returning starters, there’s a whole lot of optimism in Baton Rouge and little in the way of holes on the roster.

Still, five of the players who were lost all ended up as NFL Draft selections: Linebacker and 2015 leading tackler Deion Jones, offensive linemen Jerald Hawkins and Vadal Alexander, cornerback Rashard Robinson (hadn’t played a down since 2014), and safety Jalen Mills.

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Outside of Robinson, all need adequate replacements.

Josh Boutte and Toby Weathersby will be the fresh faces on the O-line and should get a ton of help from experienced linemen in Maea Teuhema, William Clapp, and Ethan Pocic.

It’ll be tough to outdo Mills at safety, but senior Rickey Jefferson will attempt to do his best impersonation. Donnie Alexander now joins standout Kendell Beckwith in the middle, while Duke Riley and Corey Thompson battle it out for the outside linebacking spot.

Oh, and you can’t forget the Aussie Josh Growden, a freshman who will assume the role as the Tigers punter.

All things considered, the purple and gold are in great shape heading into the 2016 season.

Next: Freshmen

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