Career Recap: Hurst was a backup guard and tackle for the Tigers as a redshirt freshman in 2009. He took over the starting job at right tackle the next year. Hurst’s sophomore season was cut down by a leg injury that knocked him out of the final three regular-season contests, but he returned for LSU’s…

Strengths: Power at the point of attack Run defense Strong; can push offensive linemen around Productive pass-rusher Repertoire of moves Shedding blocks Powerful, active hands Surprisingly good instincts Enough speed to turn the edge Can to sink his hips/shoulder Excellent motor Ability to bull rush Very disruptive Phenomenal closing speed Makes plays in and out…

Strengths: Natural running ability Power Good athlete Rare agility Big upside Quick feet Yards after contact Accelerates to the second level Good pad level Physical runner Cutting ability Quickness Elusiveness Good size Great fit for a zone-blocking system Scheme versatility Real strength Short-yardage ability Capable of breaking off long runs Weaknesses: Durability Tore up knee…

Career Recap: Even though Mingo didn’t register double-digit sacks last season, he was one of college football’s fiercest pass-rushers in 2011. Mingo fell short of leading his own team in sacks as Sam Montgomery barely topped him by one sack, but in many ways Mingo was the more disruptive of the two and LSU’s best…

Strengths: Explosive speed Very fast; can score on any reception Phenomenal run after the catch ability Stretches the defense vertically Ability to get separation from cornerbacks Quickness Quick twitch; sudden out of breaks Tough to tackle in the open field Shifty runner Dangerous on runs out of the backfield Good size Leaping ability Red-zone weapon…

Career Recap: Brandon Jenkins had a breakout season in 2010 as a first-year starter at right end. He led Florida State in sacks while the Seminoles led the nation in sacks. Jenkins notched 13.5 sacks with 21.5 tackles for a loss. He had five multi-sack games and was voted the team’s MVP. Jenkins started out…

Strengths: Pass-coverage ability Covers a lot of ground Man coverage potential on tight ends, backs Sideline-to-sideline defender Explosive Splash plays Extremely athletic All over the field Instinctive Extremely physical Play recognition Hard hitter Gets deep in his pass drops Aggressive attitude Blitzing ability Scheme versatility Could play inside or outside linebacker Big upside Weaknesses: Major…

Career Recap: After redshirting in 2009, Faulk saw his first playing time during the 2010 season. He made two starts at right tackle in the final two games of the year. Entering the 2011 season, the Tigers held a competition for the starting left tackle position after losing Joseph Barksdale to the NFL. Faulk won…

Strengths: Versatility Intelligence Work ethic Leader Winner Plays with great technique Pad level Tough run-blocker Developed run-blocking technique Excellent in short yardage Pulls well Gets to blocks on the second level Anchors well against bull rushers Recoverability Strong hands Long arms for inside lineman Sustains blocks Can mirror speed-rushers Quick in his drop Durable Experienced…

Strengths: Takeaways Splash plays Ballhawk Pass coverage Very instinctive Solid run-defender Reads a quarterbacks’ eyes Exceptional hands for a defensive back Covers a lot of ground in pass defense Versatile Can execute strong and free safety responsibilities Can play zone or man schemes Could cover tight ends and running backs in man coverage Good quickness…