Despite the immense disappointment that last season brought the LSU football program, one thing that remained is the talent on the defensive line.

The biggest focus for LSU football this off season was fixing the defense. At all levels the defense was an utter disaster in 2020 despite there being plenty of talent in the defensive unit. One group where that talent was most evident was the defensive line.

Going all the way back to start of the 21st century, LSU has always been known for its hard-nosed style of play and talent in the trenches, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Players like Marcus Spears, Glen Dorsey, Sam Montgomery and Arden Key, just to name a few, have shaped LSUs identity over the past 20 years. With the dominance on the defensive line having slightly declined over the past couple of years, this off season and fall camp has given every indication that the Tigers will be back to having a dominant defensive front.

After possibly the worst season from a linebacking core in program history, LSU football has

LSU returned all five starters from its defensive line in 2020, which created one of the most experienced defensive lines in the SEC. Andre Anthony and Glen Logan return as leaders of the unit both entering their sixth year with the program and are expected to make the biggest impact. Neil Farrell Jr. is another veteran returning the defensive line for his fifth season. He ended the 2020 season in great form, posting seven tackles and a sack in the final game of the year. Other talented returners include Ali Gaye and BJ Ojulari, who are arguably the two most talented linemen on the roster and each have high expectations going into their second seasons with the program.

Head Coach Ed Orgeron considers the defensive line to be the deepest position on the roster and is not afraid to rotate within the group.

On the defensive line were going to go ten deep, Orgeron said when discussing remaining position battles.

When people think of an LSU offense historically, they think of great running backs like Cha

This speaks volumes to just how deep this unit has become over the off season. Having ten players who can all step in at any given time gives you two separate units that can be on the field, allowing far more flexibility in the scheme and blitz packages.

Arguably the biggest change to this group during the off season was the arrival of new defensive line coach Andre Carter. Carter comes to LSU after having spent the last two years as defensive line coach for the New York Jets. Carter also brings 13 years of NFL playing experience after having a successful career with five different teams. Carters success as a player makes him a respectable figure as a coach and his arrival has taken some of the pressure off Orgeron, who specializes in coaching the defensive line.

I'll tell you what, Andre Carter is one great defensive line coach, I've turned over the defensive line to him, Orgeron said. I'm still looking at all the film with the defense, but I'm able to also be the head coach because of the coaching of Andre.

Bringing in a coach like Carter will also help the Tigers on the recruiting trail when it comes to bringing in more talented linemen. LSU already brought in a very talented freshman class of defensive linemen; having a coach with the reputation of Carter will only benefit LSU on that front. Maason Smith and Savion Jones are the two most talked about of LSUs freshmen linemen, with Smith signing as a five-star recruit as the No. 1 overall player in Louisiana. Both Jones and Smith are expected to make an immediate impact and will only add more strength for the Tigers up front.

After a season of massive disappointment on the defensive side of the ball, Tiger fans can expect some the classic dominance from the defensive front in 2021. A deep defensive line unit along with plenty of experience is a recipe for success, which will create one of LSU's most talented position groups this upcoming season.

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Why LSU's defensive line will bring new life to the defense in 2021 - The Reveille, LSU's student newspaper