Fall Camp is back at LSU, and it means more than just players reporting to practice. It means the position battles fans have talked about all summer will soon be won or lost. It means we finally get a glimpse of the incoming freshmen and transfers that weren’t on campus in the spring. From a fan’s perspective, it means we’re one step closer to the best regular season in major sports. The return of the players has brought the news of a loss at the running back position, as the program has acknowledged that Tre Bradford is no longer with the team. There was also positive news, as star WR Kayshon Boutte is back to 100%. Freshman linebacker Harold Perkins is up to 220 lbs, and Brian Kelly’s comments about his “suddenness” leads me to believe he’ll get valuable snaps this year, starting or not. The increase in media access this year should give fans a better idea of how the depth chart shakes out at quarterback, cornerback, and the next position to get the spotlight on this site, the offensive line.

Left Tackle

LSU added 4 true freshmen and 2 transfers to the only unit with position coach continuity from the Orgeron regime. The most impressive incoming player is the 6’6″, 325 lb. freshman from Monroe, LA, Will Campbell. Some national writers see a starting freshman at left tackle as a deficiency, but I disagree. This is the first LSU freshman to start at left tackle since Andrew Whitworth (2002), so he must be a difference maker. Sophomore Marcus Dumervil will also compete at the position. Senior Cameron Wire, who was serviceable at the position last year, can provide depth.

Left Guard

East Tennessee State transfer and FCS All-American Tremond Shorts is expected to start at left guard. Baton Rouge native and junior Kardell Thomas can play either guard spot, but one can only hope that he regains his pre-injury form that excited the fanbase before his arrival. Watch out for another Baton Rouge native, freshman Emory Jones, to possibly work his way onto the field at left guard.

Center

The center position is the biggest question, with junior Charles Turner expect to start after two seasons of adding functional weight. Freshman Fitzgerald West was recruited as a center, but will likely need more strength and experience before playing at this level. If Turner goes down, expect a veteran guard to move to center.

Right Guard

Florida International transfer and Freshman All-American Miles Frazier is the most probable starter at right guard, but he’ll be pushed by veterans like Marlon Martinez and Xavier Hill. Martinez has given LSU solid snaps at times, so he shouldn’t be counted out.

Right Tackle

The 6’6″, 295 lb. senior, Cameron Wire, has grown enough throughout his career to start at left tackle in 2021, so I expect him to be more than adequate on the right side. Edge rushers are moved around so much in today’s game that I’m not sure if the move will lead to better matchups, but Wire has the athleticism and experience to succeed. Garrett Dellinger is a redshirt freshman with a high ceiling that could also get snaps at right tackle, and the massive, 345 lb. Anthony Bradford has manned the position at times. Bradford also has the physical attributes to play guard.

Some see the offensive line as the weakness of the team. I don’t think this group can be worse than last year. Offensive line coach Brad Davis was thrown into the fire during the off-season last year without the opportunity to coach the unit through the spring and an inexperienced offensive coordinator. This group lost starters from last year who were dependable, but not physically imposing in a relative sense. I feel Brad Davis will continue to prove his worth with a formidable offensive line in 2022. They might not be dominant, but they will be better. Geaux Tigers!!