Rosetta: Random thoughts

• By RANDY ROSETTA
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Aug 29, 2008 - Page: 1C - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

• Print
• Email
• Save
• Share

• Del.icio.us
• Digg
• Facebook
• Reddit
• 

Some random thoughts to clean off the desktop while hoping along with everyone else that Gustav fizzles out in the Gulf of Mexico. …
LSU quarterback who will see the most time this season: Jarrett Lee.

Gut feeling tells me that the long, tall Texan is better equipped for the long haul — at least this season. His pedigree in the Lone Star State and as the son of a football coach is a great foundation. May not be as much of a running threat as the other two LSU QBs, but something tells me there will be less running the ball and more managing the offense this season.

LSU running back who will wind up with most yards: Keiland Williams.

Yeah, there’s this whole doghouse thing and all. But Williams strikes me as the most dynamic of the three frontrunners in the backfield. When we look back at the 2008 season, I bet a Dr Pepper that Williams has a handful of lightning strikes out of the backfield.

LSU running back who will carry the ball most: Charles Scott.

Scott may not roll up as many yards as Williams, but he’ll be the bull LSU coach Les Miles counts on to carve out the toughest yards and to grind the clock in close games.

LSU receiver who will catch the most passes: Demetrius Byrd.

Byrd is the most electric pass catcher the Tigers have when you factor in his hands, his route running and his knowledge of the offense. What should free him up to be the busiest receiver will be the emergence of Terrance Toliver and Jared Mitchell at the third receiver spot — making it impossible for defenses to constantly double-team Byrd.

Tolliver and Brandon LaFell will haul in their share of balls as well, but don’t be surprised if tight end Richard Dickson nips at Byrd’s heels, playing the role of security blanket to whatever quarterback is at the controls.

Biggest playmaker on LSU’s defense: Tie — Ricky Jean-Francois and Darry Beckwith.

Jean-Francois’ statistics might not be all that glossy, but like Glenn Dorsey, his playmaking will also be measured by how disruptive he is in terms of forcing double teams and how often he blows up running plays.

Beckwith, when injury-free, is as sound a tackler as there is in the SEC and will clean up most of what gets past the Tigers’ talented defensive line.

Freshmen who makes the biggest impact: Patrick Peterson.