BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU got considerable production out of its vaunted freshman class this season, but some members of the class are still waiting to contribute.
On Monday and today, we looked at the freshmen who are in line to redshirt, as well as a couple who appeared in only a game or two. After focusing on the offense yesterday, today we turn to the defense.
DB JOHN BATTLE
Height/Weight: 6-1/186 pounds
ESPN prospect rating: Three stars, No. 26 safety
2014 in review: Battle played in the Sam Houston State game, so he might not receive a redshirt. He doesn't seem to have settled into a permanent position yet after working at both cornerback and safety during the season. His versatility should be an asset, though, as he has worked at both positions and in the nickel and dime packages in practice.
Teammate's comments: "Battle, he's going to be good. He's a very talented young guy. He's going to help us a lot. I don't think they've figured out what position he's going to be playing permanently yet, but he's real talented. He can play safety and corner, so wherever Coach [Corey] Raymond decides to go with him, I think he's going to be great." -- senior safety Ronald Martin
CB RUSSELL GAGE
Height/Weight: 6-0/180 pounds
ESPN prospect rating: Three stars, No. 57 athlete
2014 in review: Gage played against Sam Houston State and New Mexico State, so he will not receive a redshirt. But he worked at cornerback throughout the season and will be part of the competition at the position next season, particularly if the Tigers lose one or two of the regular corners after the season. Jalen Collins is mulling early entry to the NFL draft and sophomore Rashard Robinson's status for 2015 is unclear while he serves an indefinite suspension.
Teammate's comments: "He's doing pretty good. He's an athletic guy -- one of the most athletic guys that I see that we have on the team. He's just learning and continuing to get his technique right. Once he gets on the field, he's going to be a big-time player. I can already see it." -- sophomore cornerback Tre'Davious White
Height/Weight: 6-2/242 pounds
ESPN prospect rating: Four stars, No. 31 overall prospect on ESPN 300, No. 2 inside linebacker
2014 in review: Garrett actually played twice (against Louisiana-Monroe and New Mexico State), so he might not be in line to receive a redshirt. One of the highest-rated defensive prospects in LSU's signing class, Garrett will be in position to compete with sophomore Kendell Beckwith for playing time at middle linebacker in 2015.
Teammate's comments: "His future's going to be bright. He's just got to come along a little bit faster. He works hard and he's going to be a great player. When he learns to get the plays down and everything, be smart -- he's the Mike 'backer, so he's got to know all the keys and all that. When he gets all that down, he's going to be all right." -- junior weakside linebacker Kwon Alexander
Height/Weight: 6-0/300 pounds
ESPN prospect rating: Four stars, No. 27 defensive tackle
2014 in review: LSU's coaches expected Lealaimatafao to contribute as a freshman, but a serious cut suffered during a summertime weight room incident delayed the freshman's progress. He will contend for playing time during spring practice and could be part of the rotation at tackle in 2015.
Teammate's comments: "For a guy to be so little, he's real powerful and he brings a lot to the table. [He and Travonte Valentine] are going to be the secret weapons for next year as long as they do what they have to do on and off the field." -- senior defensive end Jermauria Rasco
Height/Weight: 6-3/325 pounds
ESPN prospect rating: Four stars, No. 164 overall prospect on ESPN 300, No. 11 defensive tackle
2014 in review: Valentine was a late qualifier and his debut was delayed further while LSU worked to clear up the freshman's academic eligibility issues. He started practicing with the Tigers during the season, however, and he should be good to go during spring practice. The enormous defensive tackle would add a much-needed big body to the defensive tackle rotation if he's ready to play next fall.
Teammate's comments: "Tray Valentine, he's a true run stopper. He's got some juice in him in the pass rush. You'll see him in a game and you won't be expecting him to be able to move as good as he moves." -- Rasco