There are a lot of question marks for LSU in 2022. Defensive end is not one of them.
It returns BJ Ojulari and Ali Gaye, both immensely talented players with two years of significant experience under their belt. Pro Football Focus sees it the same way, ranking Ojulari and Gaye as two of the best 25 edge defenders in college football.
Ojulari ranked third among SEC defensive ends in pressures last season. He signed as a top 100 recruit in 2019 and if he performs well this fall, will be a first-round pick next spring.
Gaye played in just four games last year before his season was cut short by an injury. In that span, Gaye did about everything you could ask for. According to PFF, his pass rush productivity score was third in the SEC among edge defenders who played at least 100 snaps. Gaye has the skills that make him a tantalizing prospect to NFL scouts.
LSU’s secondary is a question mark this year. If Ojulari and Gaye can get pressure on the quarterback, the Tigers’ defense will be in a good position. The better the defensive line is, the more freedom it gives to the defensive coordinator on the back end.
LSU should reap those benefits in 2022.
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Four LSU players named to preseason All-SEC teams
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