It’s hard to feel sorry for LSU when it comes to defensive personnel. But what has happened on the recruiting trail the last three cycles at one key position for the Tigers is worth a glance.

The return of linebacker Kendell Beckwith to LSU for the 2016 season was extremely positive considering the Tigers are going to be in need of numbers at the position in the near future.

Consider what has happened during the last three cycles at that position for the Bayou Bengals.

  • In the 2014 class, LSU signed five-star Clifton Garrett out of Illinois, but he left the program and is now heading for UAB after a stint in junior college. Donnie Alexander also was signed in the class and is expected to be a contributor. He’s played well on special teams and started some last season.
  • In the 2015 class, LSU did not sign any linebackers. Four-star Leo Lewis named LSU and Mississippi State his finalists, and Tigers fans felt confident. But Lewis ultimately chose the Bulldogs on National Signing Day.
  • In 2016, Michael Divinity is a potential first-year contributor and it was a positive occurrence that he enrolled early at LSU. But Erick Fowler flipped to Texas late and that stung as there was not enough time for the Tigers to find a replacement.

Beckwith coming back is huge for a program that should have a national championship-level defense this coming season. LSU’s front will have more depth and will be better and the Tigers are loaded in the secondary. Beckwith, Devin Voorhies and Duke Riley all return at linebacker, but Beckwith and Riley are seniors. Deion Jones, a late bloomer and an intriguing NFL prospect, and Lamar Louis were senior starters last year that must be replaced.

That means that linebacker will be a big priority in this coming class. The good news is that there are always plenty of linebacker prospects in LSU’s recruiting footprint (Louisiana, Texas and the rest of the Southeast — along with players in the junior college ranks if they want to go that route) and the Tigers can offer early playing time. So, by the time 2017 gets here and the numbers have the chance to really impact the results on the defense, there is a good chance that this will be solved.