The turmoil that was the 2016 season got somewhat soothed by an impressive 29-9 Citrus Bowl victory over Louisville and Heisman Trophy winning QB Lamar Jackson. It gives the LSU program some much needed momentum moving forward. New head coach Ed Orgeron has some big decisions to make in the offseason in terms of replacing key players who move on as seniors or have declared early for the NFL Draft. 

Here are five key decisions facing LSU this offseason:

Linebacker

This will be a critical area for defensive coordinator Dave Aranda as he continues to transition into his 3-4 scheme. He will have to do it with some new faces after saying goodbye to seniors Kendell Beckwith, Tashawn Bower and Duke Riley, who were stalwarts in the Tigers defense this season. Riley and Beckwith led the team in tackles with 93 and 91 respectively. 

Does Donnie Alexander step up and take a leadership role? Is the corps of linebackers going to be led by freshmen Devin White and Michael Divinity Jr.? These are questions that Aranda and Orgeron must answer if the Tigers are to be ferocious on defense again next season. 

Tight end

This is a position that needs to evolve somewhat if the Tigers are to improve offensively. No longer can it serve as an extra lineman exclusively if new offensive coordinator Matt Canada is to infuse some energy into the mix. That trend began to present itself under Orgeron with tight ends Colin Jeter and DeSean Smith combining for 21 receptions, 341 yards and two touchdowns. 

But both were seniors in 2016 and the gifted duo played their last game for LSU in Orlando. So Canada must develop the younger talent in order to get similar production in 2017. How can that happen? Sophomore Foster Moreau saw action in 11 games this season and made six catches for 79 yards and a touchdown. He’s the only other LSU player on the roster at that position to catch a pass. So, working in some new faces will be a tall task for Canada. 

Defensive back

DBU is taking quite a hit. The Tigers ranked third in the SEC against the pass this season, yielding 197.2 yards per game. But that was with seniors Tre’Davious White, Rickey Jefferson and Dwayne Thomas patrolling the area. Add to that the early departure of Jamal Adams to the NFL Draft, and Aranda is faced with a big question mark in the secondary.

Sophomore Donte Jackson is a mean hitter but has a lot to learn about pass coverage. He’ll be counted on heavily to step up his game. After that, who knows? John Battle and Kevin Tolliver aren’t young anymore; perhaps it is their time? 

Offensive line

The offensive line received its share of the blame last season for four losses. Whether warranted or not, it’s an area that will undergo some change next season. Senior center Ethan Pocic and guard Josh Boutte will exit the program and leave a void. K.J. Malone could follow them out the door. The junior is still undecided on whether or not to declare early for the NFL Draft.  

Will Clapp has already indicated he will return for his senior season. If Malone follows suit, it will go a long way in shoring up the position. If not, the Tigers could be in shuffle mode.

Quarterback

Can we call Danny Etling a “serviceable” quarterback? He was for eight games of the 2016 season. But Orgeron and Canada must make a decision as to whether or not to stick with their most seasoned signal-caller or go with a potentially more talented younger athlete. 

Or do we see the return of Brandon Harris? It all depends on what Canada wants to do with the offense and who he believes is best suited for that role. Freshman Lindsay Scott played Jackson in practice leading up to the Citrus Bowl. Does he have what it takes to transform into the real thing? Is the answer in redshirt freshmen Justin McMillan or Caleb Lewis? 

It’s something Tigers fans will definitely be keeping an eye on as the Canada prepares his group for the 2017 season.