The LSU Tigers have sky-high expectations for a program entering a new era this season, as the nation thinks Lane Kiffin's squad is going to be able to hit the ground running.
It's always going to be tougher to prepare in the first season, as everything needs to be re-installed, at least on offense, but they certainly have the talent to be good right away.
There shouldn't really be any groups that stand out negatively, but there are also a lot of opinions on who will be the best. Here is a prediction of what the four best positions groups are going to be this season:
1. Safety
One of the players who has received universal praise since arriving on campus is Boise State Broncos transfer Ty Benefield. Benefield is going to take over AJ Haulcy's spot as a leader in this secondary. Haulcy was one of the best in the country and, by all accounts, the Tigers are going to improve at that position.
Dashawn Spears made an impact almost every time he touched the field last season. He has a sack, a pick-six, two total picks and three passes broken up in very limited action. Now, he'll get a chance to shine in the STAR role. Tamarcus Cooley also returns after picking up 70 tackles last year with two picks. This should be one of the most reliable units on the field.
2. Running Back
Pretty much every unit on offense could realistically make a claim for this spot by the end of the season, but running back, like safety, should be among the most reliable. Kiffin and Charlie Weis have two elite talents at their disposal in Caden Durham and Harlem Berry. Their offense has produced huge numbers out of much worse backs.
Berry was the top back in the country coming out of high school in his class, drawing comparisons to Reggie Bush. He is a flat-out playmaker who just needs the ball in his hands to have a chance to make something happen.
Durham broke out as a freshman and took a little bit of a step back in a bad offense last year, but everyone knows what potential he has. There is a reason that LSU made it a priority to get him back out of the portal.
3. Cornerback
As prolific as this offense could be, the defense is returning so much talent and coaching that it's hard to look past them as the best side of the ball. Corey Raymond has done a fantastic job of developing and recruiting elite athletes in this room.
DJ Pickett is going to be one of the top cornerbacks in the country. He stood out in a backup role last season, but now has to fill the shoes of Mansoor Delane. PJ Woodland also returns as a starter, and he was one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the nation last year.