#StraightFromTheBush - LSU shuffling defensive line around after Ed Alexander setbacks
LSU Tigers defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko (91) competes during first half action of the Tigers' National L-Club Spring Game in Baton Rouge on Saturday, April 21, 2018. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Dave Aranda credited LSU coach Ed Orgeron a month ago for addressing LSU's defensive line depth, or lack thereof. He said Orgeron brought in bodies that could give the Tigers options in 2018.
Those options are already beginning to present themselves.
Orgeron said while speaking to the Baton Rouge Rotary Club on Wednesday (Aug. 1) that Texas Tech transfer Breidon Fehoko will be moving from defensive end to nose tackle.
The reasons for this move are two-fold. Orgeron said the returning starter at nose tackle, Ed Alexander, suffered some "minor setbacks" from knee injuries that kept him out of spring practice. Orgeron thinks he will be able to practice, and he is coming along slowly.
"He had been battling some knee injuries," he said. "We will see how healthy he's going to be going into camp."
Another reason LSU could feel comfortable making the move is the development of redshirt sophomore Glen Logan. Logan earned two starts and played in 12 games last season, and his "outstanding" offseason led to Orgeron confidently saying Logan is the left defensive end starter, with Rashard Lawrence on the right side.
Camp hasn't begun yet, but Orgeron said behind Fehoko is redshirt freshman Tyler Shelvin. He earned some laughs around the room saying Shelvin arrived to LSU as "slim 390" and is down to a "skinny 354."
Aranda said in June that Shelvin had moments he showed his great potential, like his 13-tackle scrimmage and the time he took off from the line and caught a running back downfield.
"Tyler has flashes," Orgeron said, "but I'm not gonna tell you he's there yet."
Orgeron then said Alexander comes behind Shelvin. What happens if all three become healthy will become a training camp battle to watch, although Orgeron added there's the option of moving Fehoko back to end if Alexander is healthy.
Orgeron expects to focus some extra time on his old position group this season, working with defensive line coach Dennis Johnson.
"I'm going to be very involved in coaching the defensive line this year."
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