Protect The Young Quarterback, Max Johnson
When it comes to the offense, priority No. 1 must be keeping sophomore quarterback Max Johnson upright. Outside of him, freshman Garrett Nussmeier is the only other quarterback on scholarship. Having two passers on scholarship will put a strain on any roster. Keeping Johnson off the turf and healthy is going to be key to success in 2021.
The offensive line returns every starter from a season ago, outside of left tackle. Dare Rosenthal left for Kentucky where he will start at left tackle for the Wildcats. LSU will have to attack their former teammate when the two teams meet in Lexington on Oct. 9. The Tigers will instead have Cam Wire at left tackle this year.
Normally your left tackle is the most important offensive lineman but with a southpaw at QB, Austin Deculus is tasked as the blindside protector. PFF graded him as the No. 4 best protector on the team with a grade of 68.9 in pass blocking. He will need to be better in 2021, as will the entire unit.
The offensive line will be tested right off the bat this season, going into the UCLA front seven. They totaled 28 pressures against the Hawaii offensive line in the season opener. The Bruins finished with seven quarterback hits and 17 quarterback hurries.
Last season the offensive line allowed a total of 111 pressures, which breaks down to 11.1 per game. Any number north of 10 pressures could spell trouble for the Tigers. Finding No. 40 Caleb Johnson should be the No. 1 job of the offensive line.