While there are many questions to be answered with a new-look LSU defense in 2013, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron knows just what he's going to get from his offense.
Returning players such as quarterback Zach Mettenberger, sophmore running back Jeremy Hill, and junior wide receiver Odell Beckham bring stability to a team in transition. These players are ushering in a new era of LSU football and helping acclimate the newer players into the program.
Mettenberger needs to find more consistency in 2013. Known for his incredible arm strength and his ability to read a defense, he showed glimpses of his ability last year, including his display against Alabama where he completed 24-of-35 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown.
Despite these moments, Mettenberger ended the season with average stats, throwing for 2,600 yards picking up 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
On the ground, Hill starts 2013 as one of the best running backs in college football. He rushed for 755 yards and 12 touchdowns on 142 carries in 2012 before an injury cut his season short. He returns this season as LSU's leading rusher, the first true freshman to do so since 2003.
Obviously Hill will not be able to line up behind Mettenberger for every snap, and should he get re-injured or need a rest, Kenny Hilliard will be eager to replace him.
The second leading rusher in 2012, Hilliard racked up 464 yards and 6 touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per cary. While Hill is the undoubted starter, Hilliard should make an instant impact in 2013.
Connor Neighbors and J.C. Copeland will partner together at full back to form a dominant fullback core.
At 6-foot-1 and 270 pounds, Copeland's bone-crushing hits strike fear in the hearts of opposing defensive ends. Starting in all but one game last season, Copeland brings more consistency to an offense ripe with potential.
Wide receiver duo juniors Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry are ready to wreak havoc on SEC defenses as well. Together, the Landry-Beckham Jr. duo accounted for 99 receptions in 2012.
Beckham led the Tigers in receiving yards with 713 as a sophomore. He finished second in catches with 43 behind Landry who reeled in 56 and second in touchdowns with two touchdowns compared to Landry's five.
Beckham also played on special teams in the return game, where his speed on the edge makes him the ideal return man.
Tigers will turn to the relatively unknown junior Travis Dickson and sophmore Dillon Gordon at tight end position. The only two tight ends on the roster with game experience, Dickson and Gordon will most likely split time in 2013.
Gordon made a big impression in his freshman season, playing in all 13 games at tight end and on special teams. Dickson saw action in 12 games last year, his best performance coming in a win over Ole Miss when he caught five passes for 79 yards.
Juniors Elliot Porter and La'el Collins, Sophmores Trai Turner and Vadal Alexander rounded off by the redshirted freshman Jerald Hawkins definitely come to mind as filling starting spots.
Alexander, a 2012 Freshman All-America and Freshman All-SEC honoree, will lead this group filled with both experience and inexperience. He is recognized for his powerful run blocking as well as his pass protection.
La'el Collins and Alexander started all 13 games for the Tigers last season and will be passing down their experience to freshman Jerald Hawkins, who impressed last spring and is looking to compete for playing time in 2013.
Turner took over midseason in 2012 at right guard for Josh Williford, and hasn't looked back. He played every snap for LSU the last five games of the season.
Elliot Porter, who took 71 snaps last season in 10 games with one start, is expected to take over at center for P.J. Lonergan.
