September 8, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; A general view of the endzone prior to kickoff of a game between the LSU Tigers and the Washington Huskies at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Think back to your time in first-grade and try to remember what your school did for your field trip. I remember going to some sort of a camp ground with a brown paper bag lunch and it was awful. We stared around at ponds and walked through a cave-like structure before sitting in a pavilion and eating our lunch. Then we were crammed back in a bus and shipped back to school. Luckily for a group of first-grade students on Wednesday, they had the field trip of a lifetime as they got to visit LSU and tour the facilities.

LSU public relations official Herb Vincent shared photos of the first-graders field trip on his Twitter account and, yes, they are as awesome as you would think.

From running out of the tunnel to touring the stadium, these first-graders were one lucky bunch.

Here are some of the photos that Vincent shared with his followers:

What did you do on your first-grade field trip? Surely it wasn’t as awesome as this.

Sound off in the comments section and share your thoughts with us.

Dec 3, 2011; Atlanta, GA, USA; A general view of the SEC logo at mid-field after the 2011 SEC championship game between the LSU Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Southeastern Conference is undoubtedly the top college football conference in the nation. While the league is discussing expanding to nine conference games, the non-conference schedules can often leave much to be desired. SEC teams routinely beat up on FCS schools, but the high-profile non-conference games will often get overlooked.

Down the road we may get an increase in top-notch non-conference games with the College Football Playoff, but the SEC teams are already starting to schedule some quality games out of their conference.

This year alone we have games like Florida vs. Miami, Georgia vs. Clemson and LSU vs. TCU on a neutral stage and that is just the tip of the iceberg for the SEC moving forward.

Here is a look ahead at some of the most exciting non-conference match ups that we will be treated to in the coming years, via ESPN:

2013

• Georgia at Clemson
• LSU vs. TCU (Arlington, Texas)
• Mississippi State vs. Oklahoma State (Houston)
• Ole Miss at Texas
• Tennessee at Oregon
• Florida at Miami
• North Carolina at South Carolina

2014

• Ole Miss vs. Boise State (Atlanta)
• Clemson at Georgia
• Auburn at Kansas State
• Tennessee at Oklahoma

2015

• South Carolina vs. North Carolina (Charlotte)
• Oklahoma at Tennessee
• Arizona State at LSU
• Texas A&M vs. USC

2016

• Tennessee at Nebraska
• Texas A&M vs. USC
• Michigan State at Alabama

2017

• Nebraska at Tennessee
• Georgia Tech at Ole Miss
• Alabama at Michigan State

2018

• LSU at Oklahoma
• Texas A&M at Oregon
• Ole Miss at Georgia Tech

2019

• Oklahoma at LSU
• Oregon at Texas A&M

Which of the games are you looking forward to the most? Sound off in the comments section and share your thoughts.

NOTE: Annual match ups like Florida vs. Florida State and South Carolina vs. Clemson were not included in the listings to give us a wider variety of opponents.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban holds the Coaches Trophy after the 2013 BCS Championship game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Sun Life Stadium. Alabama won 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

It should come as exactly no surprise that the Alabama Crimson Tide are the odds-on favorites to win the BCS National Championship for the third consecutive year. Following spring ball, the odds makers have unveiled their very early list of betting odds for the upcoming year and Nick Saban’s squad topped the list.

Coming in second was the Ohio State Buckeyes, who went undefeated just a season ago, but were ineligible for the postseason.

The Oregon Ducks are near the top of the list, despite the loss of Chip Kelly, and a number of teams in the SEC follow — what else would you expect?

Here is the complete list of odds for the 2013 BCS title, via Bovada.lv:

• Alabama 3/1
• Ohio State 13/2
• Oregon 7/1
• Texas A&M 8/1
• Georgia 16/1
• Stanford 16/1
• LSU 18/1
• Florida 20/1
• Louisville 22/1
• Clemson 25/1
• Florida State 28/1
• Miami 28/1
• Notre Dame 28/1
• South Carolina 28/1
• Michigan 33/1
• Oklahoma State 33/1
• Texas 33/1
• Nebraska 50/1
• Oklahoma 50/1
• UCLA 50/1
• USC 50/1
• TCU 66/1
• Wisconsin 66/1
• Boise State 100/1
• Michigan State 100/1
• Oregon State 100/1
• Mississippi 125/1
• North Carolina 150/1
• Northwestern 150/1
• Virginia Tech 150/1
• Washington 150/1
• Auburn 200/1
• BYU 200/1
• California 200/1
• Cincinnati 200/1
• Georgia Tech 200/1
• Kansas State 200/1
• Mississippi State 200/1
• Pittsburgh 200/1
• Rutgers 200/1
• Arizona 250/1
• Arkansas 250/1
• Iowa 250/1
• Tennessee 250/1
• Missouri 300/1
• West Virginia 300/1
• Boston College 500/1
• South Florida 500/1

November 17, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; A LSU Tigers helmet sits on the field following a game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Ole Miss 41-35. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The LSU Tigers put together another impressive recruiting class in 2013 and one of those players was four-star cornerback Jeryl Brazil. Not only is Brazil a standout football player at Loranger High School in Louisiana, but he is a star track athlete that has winning titles throughout his senior year.

In his latest race, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound commit competed in the 3A 100-meter dash. As you would expect from a player who reportedly has 4.32 40-yard dash speed, Brazil ran away with the title and torched the field.

If he can translate this type of speed to the college field, he should have no trouble keeping up with wide receiver in the Southeastern Conference. He is certainly athletic enough to make an impact.

Here is video of Brazil smoking the field to win the 3A 100 meter dash title:

That is SEC speed, folks.

We can see exactly why Les Miles and company are excited about bringing this young man on to the team. Now, we just have to wait and see how soon he can make his impact on the field.

November 17, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Jeremy Hill (33) carries the ball against the Ole Miss Rebels during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Ole Miss 41-35. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, freshman running back Jeremy Hill led the LSU Tigers in rushing with 755 yards and 12 touchdowns, but his future with the program could be in doubt. Hill was arrested over the weekend for his role in a bar altercation and the coaching staff has decided it would be best to suspend him indefinitely while they search for details.

Hill was also arrested in 2011 on charges of oral sexual battery. He later pleaded guilty to carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

The previous incident likely already had him on thin ice.

LSU head coach Les Miles plans to let the legal process play out before making any comments or further decisions about Hill’s future with the team.

on RB J. Hill: LSU coach Les Miles said he will let the incident play out through the legal system before making any additional comments.

— Michael Bonnette (@LSUBonnette) April 29, 2013

Miles was in New York when the incident happened serving as an NFL Draft analyst. He can now return to Baton Rouge to check on the situation.

LSU lost Michael Ford and Spencer Ware to the NFL Draft this past offseason, so their depth at running back is already paper thin. It will be interesting to see how this arrest will affect the LSU running game.

Dec 3, 2011; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detail view of the SEC logo before the 2011 SEC championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

We continue to hear that the Southeastern Conference is the most dominating in college football and we can see that with their string of BCS National Championship victories. But just how good is the SEC? All you need to do is look at the 2013 NFL Draft results.

For the past few years, the Southeastern Conference has dominated the draft from top to bottom, but this year it is more evident than ever.

After three rounds of draft selections, the SEC has an unbelievable thirty-two draft picks. Yes, 32 of the first 97 picks in the 2013 NFL Draft came from the best conference in college football. Just to put that in perspective, that is an entire round of players drafted from one conference. That is dominance.

This just goes to show that if you want to improve your skills on the field in your college career and you want to have a legitimate shot at making it to the next level, performing in the SEC prepares you the most and gives you the best shot at success.

Here are the thirty-two players from the Southeastern Conference that were drafted in the first-three rounds (alphabetical order by last name):

• Johnthan Banks, cornerback, Mississippi State — Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Round 2
• Jon Bostic, linebacker, Florida — Chicago Bears — Round 2
• Knile Davis, running back, Arkansas — Kansas City Chiefs — Round 3
• Matt Elam, safety, Florida — Baltimore Ravens — Round 1
• Sharrif Floyd, defensive tackle, Florida — Minnesota Vikings — Round 1
• DJ Fluker, offensive tackle, Alabama — San Diego Chargers — Round 1
• Zavier Gooden, linebacker, Missouri — Tennessee Titans — Round 3
• Justin Hunter, wide receiver, Tennessee — Tennessee Titans — Round 2
• John Jenkins, defensive tackle, Georgia — New Orleans Saints — Round 3
• Luke Joeckel, offensive tackle, Texas A&M — Jacksonville Jaguars — Round 1
• Jarvis Jones, linebacker, Georgia — Pittsburgh Steelers — Round 1
• Eddie Lacy, running back, Alabama — Green Bay Packers — Round 2
• Corey Lemonier, defensive end, Auburn — San Francisco 49ers — Round 3
• Bennie Logan, defensive tackle, LSU — Philadelphia Eagles — Round 3
• Tyrann Mathieu, defensive back, LSU — Arizona Cardinals — Round 3
• Christine Michael, running back, Texas A&M — Seattle Seahawks — Round 2
• Dee Milliner, cornerback, Alabama — New York Jets — Round 1
• Barkevious Mingo, outside linebacker, LSU — Cleveland Browns — Round 1
• Kevin Minter, linebacker, LSU — Arizona Cardinals — Round 2
• Sam Montgomery, defensive end, LSU — Houston Texans — Round 3
• Damontre Moore, defensive end, Texas A&M — New York Giants — Round 3
• Alec Ogletree, linebacker, Georgia — St. Louis Rams — Round 1
• Cordarrelle Patterson, wide receiver, Tennessee — Minnesota Vikings — Round 1
• Jordan Reed, tight end, Florida — Washington Redskins — Round 3
• Eric Reid, safety, LSU — San Francisco 49ers — Round 1
• Sheldon Richardson, defensive tackle, Missouri — New York Jets — Round 1
• Darius Slay, cornerback, Mississippi State — Detroit Lions — Round 2
• DJ Swearinger, safety, South Carolina — Houston Texans — Round 2
• Dallas Thomas, offensive tackle, Tennessee — Miami Dolphins — Round 3
• Larry Warford, guard, Kentucky — Detroit Lions — Round 3
• Chance Warmack, guard, Alabama — Tennessee Titans — Round 1
• Shawn Williams, safety, Georgia — Cincinnati Bengals — Round 3

Congratulations to all of the young men who had their dream come true over the first two days of the draft. There are still many more to come.

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State Tigers defensive lineman Barkevious Mingo (33), and Bennie Logan (29), and Sam Montgomery (34) pose for a photo after finishing their workouts during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The LSU Tigers had an unbelievable amount of underclassmen talent bolt for the 2013 NFL Draft and it looks like the players decisions to leave early have paid off. LSU had two players selected in the first-round , one player in the second-round and three players drafted in the third-round. The most interesting part of the six LSU draftees? All of the players were from the defensive side of the ball.

With the six defenders going in the first three rounds of the draft, LSU set a record.

LSU had 6 defensive players drafted, the most by any school in the 1st 3 rounds in a single draft.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 27, 2013

Who were the six players selected from the Tigers defensive unit? Here is the list:

• Barkevious Mingo — Cleveland Browns — First-Round
• Eric Reid — San Francisco 49ers — First-Round
• Kevin Minter — Arizona Cardinals — Second-Round
• Tyrann Mathieu — Arizona Cardinals — Third-Round
• Bennie Logan — Philadelphia Eagles — Third-Round
• Sam Montgomery — Houston Texans — Third-Round

If that wasn’t enough talent to send to the NFL, LSU has two additional defensive players that are draftable talents — CB Tharold Simon and DE LaVar Edwards — along with a number of offensive players including offensive tackle Chris Faulk and running backs Spencer Ware and Michael Ford who have yet to be selected.

It sure looks like attending LSU worked out for these young men.

Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State University Tigers defensive lineman Barkevious Mingo speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Now is the time in the draft process where you hear negative comments about prospects as they are overanalyzed, but one prospect has not been mentioned — LSU’s Barkevious Mingo. Mingo is one of the draft’s most natural pass rushers, and there is a lot of buzz surrounding the potential impact he could have in the NFL. When it comes to the 2013 NFL Draft, Mingo is certainly a player that your team should be looking at.

An even greater plus for Mingo is the fact that no team or scout has gone out of their way to pick him apart or attack him with the draft so close.

Here is what NFL Network and NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport had to say about Mingo:

Prospects getting picked apart. Barkevious Mingo not so much. Scouting director: “He’s so clean. Such upside. When u meet him, you love him”

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 23, 2013

That is a great endorsement for Mingo.

With teams throwing up smokescreens and doing what they can to damage a players reputation in hopes that he slides to them, Mingo’s name has not been brough up.

That speaks volumes of what NFL teams think of Mingo as a player and how they view him as a person.

Mingo is a great guy, with a ton of talent and upside.

His name should be called within the first ten picks of this Thursday’s draft.

Jan 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (7) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half of the 2012 BCS National Championship game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

One of the names being closely watched heading into the draft is that of ex-LSU Tiger safety Tyrann Mathieu. After adopting the nickname “Honey Badger” and taking college football by storm, Mathieu hit rock bottom and ended up getting kicked off the football team at LSU for failing multiple drug tests. Mathieu claims to have failed as many as ten tests while at LSU, but one test he didn’t fail took place at the NFL Combine back in March.

According to NFL Network’s Albert Greer, Mathieu passed his drug test in Indianapolis a month ago, which is a gigantic step in the right direction for the troubled young prospect.

Fairly significant development for him personally — ex-LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu did indeed pass his combine drug test.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 23, 2013

Mahtieu has a lot of question marks entering the draft, but his skill set and his talent is something teams aren’t overlooking. Right now Mathieu is viewed as amid-round pick, but he could go as high as the late second, early third round the way players are slipping and sliding in the final days before the draft starts.

Teams like the Minnesota Vikings have an eye on Mathieu, and the New England Patriots are alway candidates to steal prospects like Mathieu right before someone who wants him can get him.

He can return the ball, he can play defense and he can help you win. The only question for Mathieu is can he keep his head on straight long enough to see any of that through? Mathieu’s passed drug test at the combine is a giant cup full of confidence and good faith that he can, or at least seems motivated enough to try.

July 18, 2012; Hoover, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles during a press conference at the 2012 SEC media days event at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles may just be the most entertaining head coach in college football, and certainly in the Southeastern Conference, and he proved that again on Saturday while speaking with the media.

Miles was giving his press conference when a reporters phone began to ring and interrupted the LSU coach.

As you would expect from Miles, he answered the reporters phone and began talking to the caller. Ultimately, Miles determined that the caller was drunk and ridiculed him in front of the press before hanging up the phone and tossing it to it’s rightful owner. It was really incredible.

Maybe next time the reporter will think twice before showing up to a presser with drunken friends trying to get a hold of them.

While the reporter violated proper etiquette, it provided an entertaining moment during the press conference and everyone was able to have a laugh.

Here is video of Miles answering the reporters phone:

We all may have just witnessed the greatest drunk dial ever. Well played, Les Miles. We salute you.

November 12, 2011; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Alfred Blue (4) breaks away from Western Kentucky Hilltoppers linebacker Terran Williams (31) and defensive back Arius Wright (21) for a touchdown during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

LSU Tigers running back Alfred Blue made headlines when he made some homophobic comments to the Daily Reveille after they asked how he would welcome a homosexual player on the roster. Most people are accepting these days and think before they speak, but Blue made some very questionable comments that make him look bad in the media.

These are the comments from Blue that raised some eyebrows:

“Football is supposed to be this violent sport — this aggressive sport that grown men are supposed to play. Ain’t no little boys out here between them lines. So if you gay, we look at you as a sissy. You know? Like, how you going to say you can do what we do and you want a man?”

Oops. That’s not the smartest thing he has ever decided to say.

I think this was America’s collective reaction to Blue’s comments:

Thankfully, he has apologized.

“I understand that my comments may have sounded insensitive to those who read the Reveille article on Friday,” Blue said in a statement. “I in no way meant to belittle any person’s way of life and feel that everyone deserves a chance to become whatever they want to be.  One of my comments that was left out of Friday’s article shows this. I told the reporter that if any person can help to contribute to the team, then that is the bottom line.

“I apologize if anyone was hurt by my comments and also to everyone that I may have let down.”

Let’s hope that this was a heartfelt apology. Blue will eventually be dealing with players from all walks of life, and if he does not accept a certain lifestyle he could be in for an uncomfortable career. Let’s hope he never says anything this stupid again.

Jan 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (7) walks off the field with teammates after the 2012 BCS National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

There is an interesting story that surfaced in a recent ESPN the Magazine profile of former LSU Tigers defensive back Tyrann Mathieu. Mathieu was one of LSU’s most dynamic players during his time with the team, but it appears that the last game that he played for the Tigers, the BCS National Championship game against Alabama in 2012, he didn’t even want to be there.

Mathieu reportedly was telling his girlfriend “I don’t even want to play,” leading up to the game.

That could certainly be a problem moving forward.

If Mathieu wasn’t interested in playing the biggest game of his career, can NFL teams be sure he has a passion to play the game?

Mathieu hasn’t played a football game since, but he seems to have really changed his life for the better and he’s working hard to get himself back on the right track. Hopefully during his time away from the game, Mathieu once again found his passion. The fact that he was so disinterested in the national championship game could be more troublesome to teams than the fact that he reportedly failed more than ten drug tests.

We will find out where Mathieu is selected next week during the 2013 NFL Draft. As it stands now, he should hear his name called near the third-round.

August 2, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (7) during the fall camp practice at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most interesting stories to follow heading into the draft is that of Tyrann Mathieu. He went from being a stud prospect with the LSU Tigers, but quickly fell from grace and found himself not only kicked off the team, but in rehab and questioning his future as a pro. But now that Mathieu has showed off his skills and after he seems to have cleaned himself up, Mathieu is once again looking towards a bright future as a pro.

However, one thing that won’t leave him alone is his failed drug tests. Mathieu told NFL teams that he failed as many as ten drugs tests while at LSU, but his head coach says that’s not a number he’s going to ever be able to confirm or deny. Speaking on NFL AM, Les Miles said that testing is so frequent at LSU that it’s impossible to tell how often Mathieu failed his tests.

“I don’t really have the numbers there,” Miles said. “I would be remiss to comment on number. I can tell you this: We have tested, re-tested, completely tested and tested twice in weeks at times. So just because there’s a number reported, I don’t know if that would be low or high, to be honest with you, and I can only tell you that it was based on our ability to treat and help. I don’t really know exactly what Ty’s specifics were, but I stand by our policy, and it really did help, in some way, identify a problem.”

So as Miles said, LSU so frequently tests it’s players, that Mathieu’s number is muddled. It could be that Mathieu failed ten of ten tests, or he failed ten of a hundred tests.

Still, the bottom line is that no matter how many tests Matheiu took, he still failed ten times which is more than enough to get you banned from the NFL. The big question remains whether or not Mathieu can remain clean. He claims to be sober and on the right path, but we can only hope that’s true as once you get to the NFL, you don’t get any more mulligans and so far Mathieu has been given more than his fair share as it is.

Sep 3, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) gestures to the crowd in the third qaurter against the Oregon Ducks at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

LSU Tigers defensive end Sam Montgomery may just be one of the most misunderstood prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft class. By now you have all heard about the infamous comments at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine, but after listening to Montgomery speak you get a better feel for how he is as a person and how that misunderstanding has helped him grow.

On the field, Montgomery is an animal.

He has a rare physical presence and is incredible against the run. As a pass rusher, he has a solid repertoire of moves and has relentless pursuit of the passer. Altogether, Montgomery is one of the most well-round defensive end prospects. People may question Montgomery’s motor or work ethic, but they are dead wrong. When you look at the tape, you quickly see that he is giving his all on every down and never stops until the whistle is blown.

Off the field, Montgomery is a rare breed.

He is as humble as they come and he is appreciative and thankful for every opportunity that is presented to him. It is refreshing to see a personality like Montgomery’s and he is exactly the type of player that you want on your team and in your locker room.

Montgomery took some time out from his busy pre-draft schedule to answer a few questions that we had for him ranging from preparation for the draft to the combine experience to his honorable nickname.  It was a pleasure speaking with Montgomery and his answers were as open and honest as you can get. 

Here are the questions that I asked Montgomery during our chat and his answers that you will surely open your eyes and give you a better understanding of one of the most intriguing players in this year’s draft class.

September 24, 2011; Morgantown,WV, USA: West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) passes under pressure from Louisiana State Tigers defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) during the second quarter at Milan Puskar Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

Josh Sanchez: How has this entire draft experience been for you?

Sam Montgomery: The draft season has been pretty incredible. I’ve learned so many things about football, so many things about how the organizations work, and it’s just been a learning experience and I’m just soaking it all in like a sponge.

Sanchez: If you had to describe yourself as a player, what would you say are the strengths of your game?

Montgomery: The strengths of my game would have to be passion, intensity and being relentless. 

Sanchez: Do you feel that your experience in the SEC has helped to better prepare you for the NFL?

Montgomery: I think my experience in the NCAA, playing all of the diverse teams in conference and out of conference, has helped prepare me for the NFL. 

Sanchez: What kind of influence did coach Les Miles have on you as a player and a person?

Montgomery: Coach Miles helped me grow as a player coming from out of city. He helped me grow mentally, as well as physically. That’s one of the things that LSU teaches you how to do. They teach you how to grow from two different perspectives. 

Sanchez: How was your close relationship with Barkevious Mingo and did that translate to you two pushing each other to do better on the field?

Montgomery: Definitely. Everyone knows you have to go out there and do a job, but the closer you are, the closer of a family you are I think that makes you play a lot harder. LSU is all about family — the coaching staff, fan support and players. That’s what I had at LSU, a good family.

Sanchez: Who was the toughest offensive tackle that you faced during your time in college?

Montgomery: I’d have to say Chris Faulk and the offensive tackle from West Virginia that I went up against in 2011. 

Sanchez: How was the entire experience for you at the scouting combine?

Montgomery: It was really good to get around the NFL and NFL coaching staffs, trainers and GMs, as well as doctors. It was nice to get a sense of what it’s going to be like at the next level. You know, it was really great to meet all of other players from other schools and see that they are really humble guys and that everyone is ready to work hard. 

Sanchez: During the interviews at the combine, you made those controversial comments. How did teams respond and have they been asking you about them?

Montgomery: A lot of teams will ask me about the comments, but once I told them a simple answer and they saw the film, they completely understand where I was coming from and what I was trying to say. It was just misconstrued. 

There’s just an energy that you get from playing different games. The crowd is more hyped for the SEC in conference games, so there is a different energy.

Sanchez: What would you say to people who still have questions about your work ethic or motor?

Montgomery: I know that everyone in the entire stadium knows that I play hard every game. There hasn’t been a game where I haven’t played hard and left it all out on the field. 

Sanchez: Who are some of the teams that you have met with so far?

Montgomery: Some of the teams that I’ve met with are the Bengals and Chargers. I’ve also met with the New York Giants, talked to them a little bit, and the Vikings. A lot of teams are interested, but, you know, these last final months I really want to let people know what kind of person I am. 

Sanchez: How would you describe yourself as a player off the field?

Montgomery: I’m just a humble guy who is looking to make his mark. I’m waiting for the opportunity. 

Sanchez: Can you tell us a little about how you got your nickname, “Sonic”?

Montgomery: Yeah, Sonic the Hedgehog. It was actually a game that me and my brother used to play. When my brother got shot and killed, I just took over the name “Sonic” to keep his memory going. I wanted to let him know that I never forgot about him, so I carry around the one memory that we cherish together. 

Sanchez: How will you be spending draft day?

Montgomery: I think I am going to spend draft day in Greenwood, South Carolina and bring it home to the place that helped build me as a person. I think it’d be right to give back to the community because they helped to create me and send me out in to the world. 

Sanchez: When you are with all of those people who have supported you the entire way, how do you think it will feel to finally get that call from an NFL team and realize everything you have worked so hard for is finally a reality?

Montgomery: I feel like regardless of what happens, I can rejoice with my family and the people who raised me. I know that they will be happy with whatever happens and, mentally, I can never lose. 

Sanchez: Do you have any goals for your rookie season?

Montgomery: Yes, I want to make the Pro Bowl my first year. Shoot for the stars, so even if you miss you land in the clouds.

Sanchez: Do you have any words for the fans that you may end up playing in front of some day?

Montgomery: Only one thing: When I step out on to the field, I just want to earn my respect. I want to earn everything that I am given. I have no problem with working hard and showing people that I belong there. So just accept me with open hands and give me a clap when I get drafted.

I’d like to thank Sam for taking the time out of his schedule and wish him the best moving forward in his career.

August 2, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (7) during the fall camp practice at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier Friday morning, a USA Today report surfaced that former LSU Tigers defensive back Tyrann Mathieu failed more than ten drug tests during his time at LSU and that immediately raised questions about whether or not the university did enough to help the troubled corner with his issues.

While failing ten drug tests of any kind is troubling, Mathieu responded in a way that has shown his maturity.

Mathieu wanted to take full responsibility and stated that LSU tried to help him as much as possible. Mathieu is shouldering all of the responsibility and his willingness to disclose information to teams throughout the draft process has helped him a lot.

Here is what Mathieu had to say about the USA Today report, via LSU SportsNet:

 “It is irresponsible and shows a lack of integrity for anyone to disclose medical information regardless of how it was gathered. I would expect that conversations regarding my drug testing history during the course of my medical treatment would be private.  LSU has a strong drug testing program and LSU went to great lengths to help me in my treatment and recovery.  I understand that many people enjoy reading about the negative side of sports, but to publish those second-hand comments without being given a chance to address that comment prior to the publication of the article is irresponsible.”

You have to respect Mathieu for taking the blame.

It shows that his efforts to improve are paying off and he appears ready to tackle the NFL with a new sense of responsibility. That is very promising to the teams that are considering spending a pick on Mathieu two weeks from now.

August 2, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (7) during the fall camp practice at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

We all knew that former LSU Tigers defensive back Tyrann Mathieu had a marijuana problem, but we weren’t sure exactly how serious it was. I remember being personally told the day that Mathieu was dismissed from the team that he had failed 13 drug tests at LSU. I didn’t want to believe that it was true, but what Mathieu is telling teams proves that bit of information is very close to the truth.

According to Jarrett Bell of USA Today, NFL teams have been asking Mathieu how many drug tests he failed in college and the number is staggering.

“I quit counting at 10,” Mathieu answered. “I really don’t know.”

That’s a bigger issue.

At some point LSU needs to stand up and help Mathieu. It was clear that he had a problem and they allowed him to play and smoke away his collegiate career. They put football before helping the younger man and that is completely unacceptable.

Sure, Mathieu shares the responsibility and shouldn’t have been lighting up, but the lack of support and help could have made the problem much bigger than it ever should have been.

It’s easy to see why Mathieu left LSU to get better.

Now, Mathieu has been spending a lot of time in South Florida as he rehabs himself. He’s been impressing NFL scouts throughout the draft process and his NFL career has been given new life. He has shown a new sense of maturity and understanding and that has gone a long way.

In the NFL, Mathieu will receive the support and help that he never got at LSU. Hopefully he will be able to stay on the right path and have a successful career.

With the draft less than two weeks away, Mathieu looks like a third- or fourth-round pick.

While the private workouts and interviews are the final stages of evaluation for NFL teams, they will always go back to the film to see how the players performed this past season and throughout their entire career. With that in mind, we are going back through the games and watching some of the top draft prospects in this year’s class that your team could be welcoming to town in a matter of weeks.

September 10, 2011; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Kevin Minter (46) against the Northwestern State Demons during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Next up on the list of scouting reports is LSU Tigers linebacker Kevin Minter.

Minter is a player that you see popping into the first round of mock drafts everywhere as early as the twenties and most often to the Baltimore Ravens at pick No. 32.

He was the most consistent defender for LSU all season long and he fits multiple NFL schemes. The options and matches for Minter are there in the first-round, but is he worth the first round pick?

Here’s what the tape had to say:

Player: Kevin Minter
School: LSU
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 246-pounds

Pros:

• Aggressive
• Hard-hitter
• Excellent against the run
• Great tackler
• Sideline-to-sideline defender
• Fits multiple schemes
• Solid blitzer
• NFL ready body

Cons:

• Lacks coverage skills
• More of a reactor than a reader
• Low awareness
• Can get fooled easily with misdirection
• Lacks burst, closing speed

Overview:

Minter fits multiple teams in the bottom of round one — Houston, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Denver to name a few — so it seems all but certain that he will be drafted in the first-round. While he is an excellent run defender and physical presence in the middle of your defense, his lack of coverage skills and burst are a bit troubling. As I noted, Minter is more likely to react to what is going on around him rather than anticipate the play.

When you pair his lack of burst, coverage skills and play awareness, the fear begins to mount that Minter could be a two-down linebacker.

It’s not the popular belief surrounding Minter, but it’s what I see when I watch him play. Many people believe Minter is a three-down backer and if that’s the case, he is worth a first-round pick. For me, I would hold off on taking Minter until the 40-50 range to be sure I get an elite playmaker with my top pick in the draft.

Videos via DraftBreakdown.com.

While the private workouts and interviews are the final stages of evaluation for NFL teams, they will always go back to the film to see how the players performed this past season and throughout their entire career. With that in mind, we are going back through the games and watching some of the top draft prospects in this year’s class that your team could be welcoming to town in a matter of weeks.

November 17, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA LSU Tigers defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) against the Ole Miss Rebels during a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Ole Miss 41-35. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Next up on the list of scouting reports is LSU Tigers defensive end Sam Montgomery.

Montgomery has a very rare combination of size, speed and strength and he looks the part of an NFL defensive end. There is still some work for Montgomery to do in order to fine tune his game, but his natural skills are going to attract an NFL front office and he should be off the board sometime in round two.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Montgomery’s game?

Here’s what the tape had to say:

Player: Sam Montgomery
School: LSU
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 262-pounds

Pros:

• Experienced; started playing as a redshirt freshman
• Very intense on the field, plays with passion
• Plays whistle to whistle
• NFL ready body
• Very physical, strong upper body
• Delivers big hits
• Has effective bull rush
• Plays with great pad level
• Excellent run defender
• Very solid, productive pass rusher
• Holds up against blocks well
• Well-rounded player

Cons:

• Needs to add more pass rushing moves
• Slow first step
• Misconception about work ethic
• Injury concerns
• Reacts to plays; uses less instinct
• Stiff hips when dropping back
• Relies on natural ability

Overview:

You cannot deny Montgomery’s natural talent and the combination of raw size, speed and strength. He has all of the tools you would like to see in a prospect that you are looking to mold into a star defensive end. There are concerns about Montgomery’s work ethic that have surfaced on occasion, but his teammates have nothing but good things to say about him and he was always playing his best ball against the best competition. And when you watch the games, you will always see Montgomery hustling and pursuing the ball carrier until the whistle.

Montgomery was battle tested in the SEC and has the experience as a collegiate player. His ability to defend both the run and pass is a valuable trait that should generate enough interest for him to be selected in the first 50 picks of the draft.

He would work out very well for a team like the Atlanta Falcons or New York Giants.

Videos via DraftBreakdown.com.

While the private workouts and interviews are the final stages of evaluation for NFL teams, they will always go back to the film to see how the players performed this past season and throughout their entire career. With that in mind, we are going back through the games and watching some of the top draft prospects in this year’s class that your team could be welcoming to town in a matter of weeks.

Oct 20, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) in action against the Texas A&M. Mandatory Photo Credit: USA Today Sports

Next up on the list of scouting reports is LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo.

Mingo was part of the dynamic duo along with Sam Montgomery at LSU, with the two excellent pass rushers bookending the defensive line. He is viewed as a tweener prospect due to his incredible athleticism, but he may lack the strength to play 4-3 DE and could be a difference maker as a rush linebacker in a 3-4.

Mingo has the makings of a top ten pick and when you watching his best moments on the film you certainly see that.

Here’s what the tape had to say:

Player: Barkevious Mingo
School: LSU
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 241-pounds

Pros:

• Elite speed
• Freak athlete
• Long frame
• Quick first step
• Gets to full speed within first few steps
• Great intensity
• Excites players around him with passion for the game
• Scheme versatile
• Has experience playing as stand up rusher
• No off-field issues
• Hard-worker
• High ceiling
• Rare combination of size/speed
• Fluid hips
• Ability to dip and blow by offensive linemen
• Teams can be forced to gameplan around his disruptiveness
• Anticipates throws and can get hands up in passing lanes

Cons:

• Struggles against the run
• Needs to strengthen his base; add 10-15 pounds of muscle
• Can over pursue; takes himself out of plays by running around blockers
• Can get caught up in only rushing the passer
• Needs to develop a wider range of pass rushing move
• Could improve using hands and shedding blockers

Overview:

It could take a year or two for Mingo to become a three down player at the next level, but he possesses the raw athleticism to become a major difference maker with his pass rushing ability. He is still raw and could improve his technique, but he will have an impact from day one thanks to his rare speed at the position. His junior campaign may have been a bit of a let down, but the tape from his freshman and sophomore year show you everything you need to know.

Once he fully develops as a player, Mingo can be a star.

When the draft rolls around, it would be a surprise to see Mingo slide out of the top ten selections. A team like the New York Jets would be an excellent fit.

Videos via DraftBreakdown.com.

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as draft prospects pose for a group photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Every year a number of players are invited to attend the NFL Draft live and in person so that they are provided the opportunity to soak in their big moment and walk across the stage as they shake hands with the NFL commissioner and sport the cap of their new team.

Who will get the honor of beginning their NFL career with a big moment in front of a number of fans and being welcomed to the league by the commissioner?

Here is the current list of players set to attend the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall:

• Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, LSU
• Bjoern Werner, Defensive End, Florida State
• Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama
• Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
• Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama
• DJ Fluker, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
• EJ Manuel, Quarterback, Florida State
• Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
• Ezekial Ansah, Defensive End, BYU
• Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia
• Jonathan Cooper, Guard, North Carolina
• Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, Texas
• Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
• Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
• Margus Hunt, Defensive End, SMU
• Menelik Watson, Offensive Tackle, Florida State
• Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Florida
• Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virginia
• Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback, Florida State

Are there any players who deserve to be on the list that were left out? Of course, it’s important to remember that a number of players turn down invitations in order to experience their big day out of the media’s eye and with their families and that a few prospects could still be added to this list.

The 2013 NFL Draft begins on April 25.

Oct 20, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; LSU Tigers safety Craig Loston (6) shows emotion after a tackle against the Texas A&M. Mandatory Photo Credit: USA Today Sports

The LSU Tigers play in the toughest conference in college football and face off against NFL caliber talent on a weekly basis. When you are preparing for the grind of a tough schedule every week, you need to make sure your team is mentally and physically prepared for the battles on the gridiron. For the Tigers, that means practicing as hard as you are going to play.

The Tigers conduct a “Tiger Attack” drill that has one player running down the sideline while shedding attacking players until they make it through the gauntlet. There are big hits and punishment for the runner, but it instills toughness in the team.

We previously shared video of the team’s first “Big Cat” drill of the season, and now we have video of the “Tiger Attack” drill from a practice session.

Here is video of the drill:

What do you think of the strategy to be so physical during practices? Will it help the team during games or add unnecessary wear and tear to their bodies? Sound off in the comments section and let your opinion be heard.

Mar 1, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; LSU former football player Tyrann Mathieu watches the New Orleans Hornets play the Detroit Pistons at the New Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Mathieu was kicked off of the team last summer after a very public fallout resulting from failed drug tests. The last time Mathieu was on the LSU campus, he was arrested on marijuana charges and now he will be looking for redemption.

There are some that will question the decision by LSU to allow Mathieu back on campus for the Pro Day, but Tigers head coach Les Miles says Mathieu has worked hard for his second chance and deserves this opportunity to put his skills on display.

“Here’s a guy who’s worked awfully hard to be a part of us and is deserving to work out in a place where he participated in ball,” Miles said, per Jim Kleinpeter of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

“I think he’ll be most comfortable in these surroundings. I think we have made a positive impact on him. I suspect he will be understanding of the path that he needs to have success. I think that will guide his steps.

“I talked to him. His traditions are here. I wouldn’t want him to have to go someplace else. I’m satisfied he’s taking positive steps toward his future.”

Mathieu impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and will have the same opportunity to put a positive image in the scouts heads today. He is currently viewed as a mid-round pick and he can solidify that standing with another standout performance.

A number of NFL teams have interest in Mathieu as a slot cornerback and return specialist, so he will certainly get his shot.

It will be a matter of how convinced teams are that Mathieu has changed and matured and how soon they will be willing to take a chance on the one time Heisman Trophy finalist.

Where would you select Mathieu in the draft? Sound off in the comments section and let your voice be heard.

Dec 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) drops back to pass in the first half against the Clemson Tigers during the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The LSU Tigers defense was decimated by early entries to the 2013 NFL Draft, but they managed to keep a number of their offensive skill position players on the roster. One of the key members of the offense is quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who will be looking keep the Tigers among the SEC’s elite.

Mettenberger will need to improve the entire passing offense if LSU hopes to make another national title run and he is off to a good start in spring practice according to his head coach.

At the Tigers first scrimmage of the spring, Mettenberger reportedly completed 20-of-30 pass attempts for two touchdowns.

LSU head coach came away impressed with his quarterback after the scrimmage and offered some praise for his veteran signal-caller.

“He made a couple of intuitive throws today,” Miles said, via the university. “He saw things very quickly and got the ball out of his hand. Guys anticipated the catch and down the field it went. He looked good and 20-of-30 to start is really nice. Two series were against the second team but the rest of the day was against the first team defense.”

Mettenberger will need to keep pace with Georgia’s Aaron Murray and back-to-back national champion A.J. McCarron of the Alabama Crimson Tide, but it looks like he is off to a start this season that will give Tigers fans something to get excited about.

There is still a lot of time left before the season and things can change, but it is encouraging that Mettenberger is starting the spring off on the right foot.

April 9, 2011; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; The LSU Tigers purple and white teams line up during the 2011 Spring Game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

LSU Tigers spring practice is well under way and the intensity has finally picked up. With their signature “Big Cat” drill, Les Miles got his troops to lift their level of competition during practices and go all out in one-on-one competition. The Big Cat drill is football in it’s purest form. You line up man to man and determine who is the most dominant force.

During the drill, a player representing the offense and a player representing the defense will come to the line and get down in their three-point stance. When the whistle blows, the players fire out of their stance and crack pads then drive to see who can pick up the most ground.

The player that loses the most ground is on the wrong end of the drill.

This season, the Big Cat drill could be more important than ever. With LSU losing key members along the offensive and defensive line, the new players who will be stepping up need to understand the importance of the position. In the Big Cat drill, they will learn the toughness and fire that it takes to compete in the trenches in the best college football conference on a weekly level.

Here is LSU’s first Big Cat drill of spring practice courtesy of NOLA.com and, man, is it incredible:

If the intensity from this Big Cat drill is any indication of the fire that LSU is going to be entering the 2013 college football season with, then their opponents better be ready for a war in the trenches.

April 9, 2011; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) during the 2011 Spring Game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The LSU Tigers kicked off spring football practice 48 hours ago and they are one of the more intriguing teams in college football this season. Not only do they play in the nation’s toughest conference, but the team is returning just eleven starters — four on offense and seven on defense — for the 2013 campaign.

While there are only seven starters returning on offense, you can expect the Tigers offense to be much improved from a year ago. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger has a year of experience under his belt and will be running an offense led by former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. The offensive line will need to plug some holes, but the skill positions are loaded with talent from Jarvis Landry to Odell Beckham to Jeremy Hill.

The offense should be fine, but the defensive is a cause for concern.

LSU will have to find a way to replace the likes of Barkevious Mingo, Eric Reid, Sam Montgomery, Kevin Minter, Tharold Simon, Lavar Edwards and many more. It will be up to John Chavis to rally his troops and make sure they don’t let the offense down, but it will be tough with the massive loss of talent.

However, if there is one thing we have learned about LSU, it is that Les Miles is always great at filling in talent. The Tigers should once again be a major threat in the college football landscape.

Here is video of the practice from DandyDon.com: