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Jefferson

Jordan Jefferson, Quarterback

6-foot-5, 220 pounds

LSU is counting on this being Jefferson’s breakout season. The coaches certainly hope so, because they have a lot invested in the kid from Destrehan who turns 20 Aug. 25. He was thrown into the mix late in LSU’s abysmal 2008 season and then held the job from the start in 2009, passing for 1,064 yards and 16 touchdowns. But he struggled at times with accuracy and decision-making under pressure and was hindered by a lackluster offensive line and often-disappointing receivers. Coach Les Miles has assured fans that Jefferson has matured and is ready for a junior year.

Sheppard

Kelvin Sheppard, Linebacker

6-foot-3, 239 pounds

Sheppard is coming off his best season, in which he led the team with 103 tackles (third best in the SEC). He’s from Stone Mountain, Ga., an area that has produced more than its share of NFL players, and he’s likely to fall in line. Fast, hard-hitting and the team’s emotional leader, he will be the anchor of a defense that is expected to carry the Tigers this season. Sheppard is on the Nagurski Watch List for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy that is presented to the nation’s best defensive player.

Peterson

Patrick Peterson, Cornerback

6-foot-1, 211 pounds

LSU’s best player is, not coincidentally, expected to be the highest-drafted Tiger next spring in the NFL draft. Peterson’s fast as anyone on the field and normally draws the job of covering the opponent’s best receiver. He’s a junior, but this will be his last season at LSU as the product of Pompano Beach, Fla., tries to better his 2009 numbers that included 47 tackles—38 solo—and two interceptions.

Shepard

Toliver

Randle

Russell Shepard, Terrence Toliver, Rueben Randle, Wide Receivers

Shepard – 6-foot-1, 188 pounds

Toliver – 6-foot-5, 206 pounds

Randle – 6-foot-3, 201 pounds

It’s hard not to lump the three of these guys together, because so much of what they do will determine the effectiveness of quarterback Jordan Jefferson and LSU’s offense overall. Shepard, the sophomore from Houston, will be counted on to not only flash his speed after catching short passes, but also will take the ball from the QB spot as a running back. Toliver, the 6-foot-5-inch senior, will be counted on not only as a go-to guy but also as a team leader. And Randle, one of the most highly regarded players in the nation as a recruit from Bastrop, expects to be much more involved this season as a sophomore.