As for defensive lines in the SEC, teams will be hard-pressed to match that of LSU’s in 2016.

They don’t come with much more experience or depth. Head coach Les Miles is stockpiling talent along the line with a solid recruiting class highlighted by DT Rashard Lawrence, one of three of the state’s top players at the same position.

But that’s the future of the LSU defense. The present isn’t bad, either. LSU’s entire defensive line returns with a year of experience. The foursome is developing into one of the best in the country under the tutelage of DL coach Ed Orgeron. It will be interesting to see what new DC Dave Aranda can do with the plethora of talent at his disposal.

The Tigers got a big boost when DE Lewis Neal decided to come back for his senior season. Neal will provide leadership to underclassmen Davon Godchaux and Christian LaCouture, two defensive tackles that were also draft eligible but decided to return to LSU, and freshman sensation Arden Key, at the other defensive end.

LSU ranked fourth in the SEC in rushing defense during the 2015 season allowing 131.5 yards per game on average. The Tigers were also third in the SEC in sacks (34) and sack yards (236).

Neal finished fifth in the SEC with a team-leading eight sacks this past season. He piled up 43 tackles (22 solo) and totaled 8.5 tackles for loss.

He teamed up with Key to form one of the top sack combos in the SEC. Though not quite up to the standard set by Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall, Neal and Key are a formidable duo nonetheless. Key finished his freshman season with 38 tackles (18 solo), 4 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss and is getting mentioned as a potential breakout star in 2016.

Godchaux was a beast in the middle of the Tigers defense, piling up 5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss. In all the vastly improved Godchaux made 32 tackles in 2015, including 11 solo. And LaCouture is still learning and hasn’t yet played his best football. With 28 tackles in 2015, LaCouture had 2 tackles for loss, including 1 sack.

The Tigers have depth along the line as well. Sione Teuhema and Tashawn Bower played well on the edge in reserve roles last season. The two combined for 27 tackles, including 5 for loss. Bower also recorded 1.5 sacks.

Frank Herron played very well given his opportunity at defensive tackle in 2015. He racked up 22 tackles, including 2 for loss and 1 sack. He also recovered a fumble.

In limited action, DT Greg Gilmore made 12 tackles including 1.5 for loss and a sack.

Deondre Clark and M.J. Patterson are also capable players at defensive end as is freshman Isaiah Washington, who was very impressive athlete at 6-4 and 241 pounds. He is another one of the younger players who will be counted on in 2016.

In addition to all the talented players, retaining Orgeron, the defensive line coach who has SEC head coaching experience, only should help.

LSU’s defensive line is three-deep and can compare with anybody’s. It should be a fun season for Orgeron and the boys up front. LSU fans used to watching hard-hitting defense will appreciate the 2016 version, which essentially is what they saw in 2015 only with a full year of experience under their belts.