2021 LSU Football By Position: Offensive line

Offensive line is an area that will be under close scrutiny after under achieving in ’20. Having all five starters return is a good thing for LSU.

There are a couple of spots that have yet to be determined and the quintet did not entirely mesh throughout last season.

Remember, this unit one seasons ago had to follow in the footsteps of a group that was awarded as the nation’s best and helped the Tigers go 15-0.

Experience should lead to great improvement.

Austin Deculus (6-6, 331)

A leader and three-year starter (37 starts), Deculus made big jump in ’19 but tailed off in ’20. He has great strength and mirrors pass rushers well with good hand placement. Speed rushers are his challenge. A little nasty in a controlled way, he has developed into solid right tackle who should be most reliable in 2021.

Dare Rosenthal (6-7, 327)

The biggest mystery of the group, he strongly considered jumping to NFL but wisely returned for a redshirt junior campaign. Rosenthal may have the best overall athletic skills of any lineman on the roster.

The Ferriday alum was suspended for part of last season due to off the field issues, but everyone continues to patiently wait for him to put it together. He has also left the team for personal reasons. If he ever gets his act together, look out. Rosenthal has tools to be dominant left tackle.

Marcus Dumervil (6-5, 310)

The four-star 2020 signee and nephew of NFL great Elvis Dumervil, Marcus is capable of getting into rotation this fall and even perhaps manning the left tackle spot. Coaches are excited about his potential but the Tigers would be best off if he can be eased into the lineup behind Rosenthal.

Cameron Wire (6-6, 311)

This junior could also grab the left tackle spot if Rosenthal falters. He has added 30 pounds in filling out his frame since his college arrival and grabbed valuable reps last season.

Wire played alongside Adrian Ealy (now at Oklahoma) while teammates at East Ascension. Somewhat overlooked in the recruiting process, Wire plays like he has something to prove. Don’t count him out at either tackle spot.

Garrett Dellenger (6-6, 290)

The four-star 2021 signee has enough skills to throw his hat in the ring this season for playing time and not surprise anyone if the Michigan native is immediately ready to contribute. He has the desired length and frame to play tackle.

Hotly pursued by Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Michigan State and other Power 5 programs, Dellenger plays with nasty attitude. A little similar to Austin Deculus at same stage. Basketball helped him develop footwork and balance.

Xavier Hill (6-3, 307)

A 2020 four-star recruit who is suited to platy guard, Hill played some left tackle as a true freshman last season. Originally committed to Alabama, Hill displays good feet and balance. His athleticism could make him an ideal move guard in the LSU offense.

Chasen Hines (6-3, 350)

Headed into his senior year, Hines brings experience at both center and guard with 10 starts at LSU. Brute strength and surprising quickness make him a threat to start again but he must show consistency.

Ed Ingram (6-3, 315)

A real talent who started as freshman in 2017, he was suspended all of ’18 after off-the-field issues from his prep days made it uncertain he would return to the field.

Making 25 appearance and 15 starts, Ingram has the technique, power and agility to be an All-SEC player. If LSU is to have a top-notch blocking unit again, Ingram will need to reach his potential.

Marlon Martinez (6-4 1/2, 325)

A sophomore with versatility, he was pleasant surprise as a true freshman in ’20. Martinez may get a look at center. Spring drills will be important for his development but will we see him cross-train at all three line positions? He will be interesting to follow.

Kimo Makaneole (6-4, 285)

A three-star signee in the ’21, Makaneole is someone LSU coveted. The former Florida State commitment possesses potential to be a dominant guard but also believe he can play the tackle position.

Anthony Bradford (6-4 1/2, 354)

A redshirt sophomore once hailed by head coach Ed Orgeron as possibly the best offensive lineman on squad, Bradford has yet to support that claim. Weight control is his biggest issue. Strength is not, as evidenced by 31 reps on the 225-bench press. He could be a fit at right guard if the light comes on.

Thomas Perry (6-6, 329)

The junior is a legacy player at LSU. His father (1993-’97) and grandfather (1959-’61) player for the Tigers. Being a third-generation member of the program is important to him. Injuries have slowed the Teurlings Catholic alum’s progress somewhat. Massive and powerful, Perry will get trials on the right side of the line.

Kardell Thomas (6-3, 343)

A redshirt sophomore who had ankle surgery last year, Thomas faces an important spring. The player nicknamed “Mr. Pancake” will have to step up now. Like Bradford and Perry, you ask ‘if not now, when?’.”

Thomas plays angry and shows plenty of personality. Can he show consistency and stay healthy?

Liam Shanahan (6-5, 305)

The transfer from Harvard returns for a second season. He improved incrementally since his arrival after manning a new position as center. He jumped into forefront and seized a starting role while taking his lumps with on-the-job training.

No surprise here but Shanahan has a high IQ that shows with his understanding of line calls and blocking schemes. He had big shoes to fill after Lloyd Cushenberry left early for NFL but managed to keep improving last season. There were times he looked overwhelmed against SEC defensive linemen.

A good teammate and steady locker room presence, Shanahan has gained trust and confidence of both teammates and staff. A full year in the LSU strength program should do wonders for his performance.

Charles Turner (6-5, 287)

After getting looks at a few spots on the o-line, the third-year program player seems to be settled in at center after gaining much needed strength and weight. Technique sound, he Needs reps and experience as Shanahan’s likely understudy.

Overall, this group is being rebuilt from a depth perspective. You don’t compete for championships in the SEC without a good offensive line so how this unit develops in 2021 may determine how good LSU can be.

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Click here for LSU roster analysis by position for 2021.