Football: New coach Haley brings high expectations to defense

Brick Haley has quite the challenge ahead of him.

The first-year LSU defensive line coach has to replace five linemen from last season's playing rotation.

Gone is defensive end Tyson Jackson, the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, along with defensive end Kirston Pittman, defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois, defensive tackle Marlon Favorite and defensive end Tremaine Johnson.

But even with the losses, Haley still has some experienced linemen returning this season.
Senior defensive linemen Rahim Alem, Charles Alexander and Al Woods all return after racking up a combined 64 tackles last season.

Junior defensive tackle Drake Nevis also returns after playing in 11 games last season with 16 tackles.

"Those guys have been around," Haley said. "They understand and know what LSU's all about. And since I've been here they've done nothing but exemplify that."

Haley comes to LSU after a two-year stint as the Chicago Bears defensive line coach. Prior to his NFL stint, Haley also coached in the Southeastern Conference at Mississippi State.

LSU's first-year defensive line coach said the transition back to the college game hasn't been too difficult for him.

"Everything has been great," Haley said of coming back to college. "Being here at LSU is a total different atmosphere, and I'm very fortunate to be a part of that, happy to be a part of that. But coming back, I think football is football … NFL, high school — it doesn't matter."

Haley has large obstacles to overcome as the LSU defensive line had some trouble last season, allowing opponents to rush for more than 110 yards per game.

Alem said Haley and new defensive coordinator John Chavis run a simpler defense than former co-coordinators Doug Mallory and Bradley Dale Peveto, allowing players to catch on quickly.

"It's easier to play in this defense," Alem said. "You know once you catch on, your responsibility is real simple. You don't have a lot of things to worry about. You just go."

Chavis comes from Tennessee and has 31 years of coaching experience — 20 of which have come in the SEC. Under Chavis, the Vols defense consistently ranked among the best in the SEC, ranking in the league's top four in total defense 10 times in 14 seasons.

"I like coach Chavis," Nevis said. "He brings experience. He's very enthusiastic and comes with a lot of energy."

Alexander has also been a fan of Chavis' style of defense.

"I love his aggressive style of defense," Alexander said. "We have a lot of great packages to put in. I think we'll be a force to be reckoned with."

Alexander is back for his sixth and final year after being granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. He started eight games last season, the most of any returning LSU defensive lineman.

Even with the lack of experience, Alexander said the LSU defensive line will turn some heads this season.

"We're going to surprise people when Sept. 5 comes around," said Alexander. "They're going to really see how well the LSU defensive line plays."

Alexander said the more defensive linemen the team has ready to play — particularly freshmen — the better it is for the whole defensive line.

"I'm really impressed with freshman Josh Downs," Alexander said. "He can help us up front, be that swing guy on tackle."

LSU coach Les Miles has singled out Downs several times when talking about the defensive line.

"Josh Downs from Bastrop just has such a high motor," Miles said. "He works so hard."



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Contact Katherine Terrell at kterrell@lsureveille.com