Joe Murphy / Getty Images

Les Miles is now 34-6 at LSU, including a perfect 3-0 in bowls, and many of his own recruits have begun to emerge as stars on a team that was already loaded with NFL talent when he took over.

Although there will be a pair of new starters at linebacker, two at cornerback and one at safety, all of them have seen playing time and were ready to compete for starting roles, coaches said.

Peveto called his current linebackers "as talented of a group as we've had."

Senior Darry Beckwith is the only returning starter. He'll be joined by sophomore Kelvin Sheppard and junior Perry Riley, while junior Jacob Cutrera, who saw a lot of action last season, will rotate in regularly.

At cornerback, junior Chris Hawkins and sophomore Jai Eugene are expected to step in, with either Chad Jones, Danny McCray or Harry Coleman joining returning starter Curtis Taylor.

On offense, whoever wins the quarterback job will have plenty of help. A corps of big-play receivers return in Demetrius Byrd, Brandon LaFell and Terrance Toliver. Richard Dickson may be the best receiving tight end in the SEC.

In the running game, LSU has lost Jacob Hester to the NFL, but still has four regulars in Richard Murphy, Charles Scott, Keiland Williams and small but blazing fast Trindon Holliday, who also returns kicks.

With so much talent returning, Miles expects his new quarterback to do nothing more than master the fundamentals and limit mistakes. No need for the quarterback to try to be a star here.

"Anytime you bring a new starter to the mix, it's imperative that the strength of the offense help that quarterback," Miles said. "One of the strengths certainly is the offensive line. I like the idea that the running backs are veteran, the tight end is veteran, the full back, and the receivers are veteran.

"If you want to look at it, I think it's probably a great position for a newcomer at quarterback to get comfortable and understand that the guys that are around him are all capable."

Capable enough, certainly to have earned the national championship rings they were given during the offseason.

More news

AP

Slain UConn CB's family wants $5M

CFT: Stabbed to death following an altercation at a school-sponsored dance in October 2009, Jasper Howard‘s parents are seeking significant financial compensation for the parties they believe are at least partly responsible.

CFT: SEC's Slive no fan of plus-one playoff model

Headlines

• Label

Ex-QB Brian Johnson still directing Utes offense

CFT: Miami says it's 'committed to the ACC'

CFT: Clemson would listen to other conferences

CFT: Tennessee TE booted following felony arrest

CFT: Potential Cal starter kicked off team

Friends, fans mourn loss of Stewart

CFT: Ohio St. 'not facing any major ... violations'

CFT: Pitt FB suffers stroke, career likely over