By JAMES MORAN | Tiger Rag Associate Editor
LSU is playing it safe with the ascending star of its defensive line.
Sophomore defensive end Rashard Lawrence won’t play against Chattanooga in LSU’s home opener on Saturday night, LSU coach Ed Orgeron announced Thursday. Redshirt freshman Glen Logan will start in his place with true freshmen Neil Farrell Jr., and Justin Thomas set to rotate in.
Lawrence has been held out of practice this week for what’s been called precautionary reasons. He sustained a lower-leg injury in LSU’s 27-0 drubbing of BYU. He completed the game but was seen walking with a limp afterword. The coach wouldn’t comment as to whether his status is in jeopardy for next week’s Southeastern Conference opener on the road at Mississippi State.
A first-time starter, Lawrence recorded four tackles and was credited with half of a sack against the Cougars.
As for Saturday, LSU will be without both Lawrence and senior reserve Frank Herron, who didn’t make the trip to New Orleans and has been practicing in a scout team jersey this week.
LSU could also minimize the impact of Lawrence’s absence by scheming the third defensive linemen off the field. The Tigers featured a “Cheetah” package against BYU that included two down linemen, four linebacker and five defensive backs.
NOTES
— Coaches haven’t decided yet whether a pair of starters suspended for the season opener will start Saturday. Dave Aranda has yet to decide whether Tyler Taylor or Donnie Alexander will start at inside linebacker, Orgeron said. Ditto for Greedy Williams and Kevin Toliver at cornerback.
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