2008 OUTLOOK: The Tigers are talented enough to repeat as SEC West champs but anything else will require numerous young players to step up and become dependable leaders and playmakers. No position is a bigger concern right now than quarterback and that one spot could prove to be a major stumbling block for the Tigers.
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
The offense is loaded with skill players and the line returns two starters, but would-be starting quarterback Ryan Perrilloux missed the spring due to his third suspension, then was dropped from the team altogether. The other two quarterbacks -- redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee and Harvard transfer Andrew Hatch -- have a lot to prove.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
The Tigers lost six starters off one of the nation's top defenses, and while the coaches are confident the returning talent can fill those holes, the defense still faces some big concerns. The line should be strong despite the loss of first-round draft pick Glenn Dorsey at tackle. Beyond middle linebacker Darry Beckwith, the Tigers are uncertain at linebacker. The Tigers have four safeties they can count on but the new corners, Chris Hawkins and Jai Eugene, didn't do anything to secure starting jobs in the spring.
SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
K Colt David was a unanimous first-team All-SEC pick in 2007 but the Tigers have to get better on kickoffs. If the spring was any indication, the Tigers may have a tough time replacing P Patrick Fisher. WR Trindon Holliday is a dangerous asset on kickoff returns but FS Chad Jones has to make better decisions and hang on the football on punt returns.
ROSTER REPORT
--DT Charles Alexander started the 2007 season as a starter but went down with a knee injury after three games. He is expected to be ready to go in August.
--LSU's search for new outside linebackers took a hit in the spring when injuries limited Jacob Cutrera and Perry Riley from taking part in contact work.
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