Move over, Ed Oliver: Ed Orgeron says the best DT prospect in country plays in the SEC
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Many pundits regard Houston’s Ed Oliver as the nation’s best defensive tackle and a sure first-round NFL draft pick, with some even considering him a fringe Heisman Trophy candidate.
LSU coach Ed Orgeron isn’t among them.
“(Mississippi State’s Jeffrey) Simmons is right now, in my opinion, is the best defensive tackle prospect in the nation,” Orgeron said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “We have a plan for him, but we have our work cut out for us.”
Stopping Simmons will obviously be a huge concern for the No. 5 Tigers (6-1, 3-1 SEC) when they host No. 22 Mississippi State (4-2, 1-2) at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday. It’s also worth noting that LSU heavily pursued Oliver in recruiting.
Here’s everything else Orgeron said during his appearance on the teleconference:
Opening statement:
- A lot of respect for Coach Moorhead, what he’s done at Mississippi State. … We got beat in all phases against them last year. Nick Fitzgerald will be one of the best players we see all year. Simmons and (Montez) Sweat (are) two of the best linemen in the conference.
On injured OL Garrett Brumfield:
- He still is not ready. He’s a team leader, that’s a work in progress … but I’m happy he’s not out for the season, no doubt.
On going for it on fourth down, how does that change the dynamic of the offense?
- It’s a game plan thing, depends on how the game is going. We have a plan to be aggressive. … The game plans aren’t always the same. It won’t be the same against Mississippi State; they will be ready (for us going more on fourth down).”
On the Mississippi State game last year:
- I mentioned it Saturday night, right out of the gate. … We did not play well against them. We know how well they will play against us. … We recruited several of those players.
On last year’s MSU team vs. this year’s:
- Very similar, QB runs. What they did against Auburn … very physical. … I think they are better on defense this year than last year.
On the matchups between LSU and MSU:
- We are concerned. This is a new week, new game. I know the talent they have on that team. There are some spots where we have to buckle up. … They have a few first- and second-round players on that team.
On LSU’s RBs, how proud are you of that group?
- Couldn’t be more proud, humble and proud LSU Tigers. (Running backs coach) Tommie Robinson has done a great job. … We didn’t know how good of a season they would have, but we thought they were good backs.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
