LSU Tigers star Whit Weeks wants to bring a tough mentality back to his team's defense, as he steps futher into a leadership role.
The LSU Tigers took the stage at SEC media days this week, giving some star players a chance to speak ahead of the season beginning.
One of the most anticipated was Whit Weeks, a star linebacker and fan favorite entering his senior season. His junior year was disrupted by injuries that cost him all but one game. He had 125 tackles as a sophomore, but that dropped to 31 a year ago.
Weeks could have gone to the NFL, but now he is back and ready to be a leader on this team. They haven't announced who is getting the No. 7 and No. 18 jerseys this year, but Weeks is a perfect candidate for No. 18.
The linebacker already has an idea of what kind of playing culture he wants to lead the way on next year.
“I want to bring back that nasty mentality to an LSU defense. I think we’ve lacked that in the first three years, and I take that personally on myself,” said Weeks. “I want to bring back that nasty defense when teams turn on the tape, and they’re like, ‘holy cow, we’ve got to play these dudes on Saturday.”
The defense was indeed much better last season, already. They allowed just 19.8 points per game, yet it still felt like something was missing. Given how poorly the offense played, the defense often lacked the extra energy with how much they were on the field.
A new mindset won't be the only change to the linebacker room, though, as new head coach Lane Kiffin also brought in his brother, Chris, to coach the position. Previously, it was just Blake Baker. Now, Baker is free to help with other positions as well.
“I think it’s awesome to have Coach Chris with us, because he’s a guy who’s been all around. He’s been in the NFL, he’s coached some great linebackers, and he’s really helped all of us with our technical work,” said Weeks. “I think the biggest thing that he’s done for us is just working on our feet. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your footwork at linebacker.”
Along with being coached by Chris Kiffin, Weeks also talked about the benefits of playing against Lane's high-powered offense every day in practice.
“I think it’s awesome to have Coach Chris with us, because he’s a guy who’s been all around. He’s been in the NFL, he’s coached some great linebackers, and he’s really helped all of us with our technical work,” said Weeks. “I think the biggest thing that he’s done for us is just working on our feet. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your footwork at linebacker.”
This is an important year for Weeks. It's his last chance to suit up in Baton Rouge, which has become a very important city for his family. He and his two brothers were all on the team last year, before West moved on to the NFL. They had a special moment where all three hit the field at the same time.
“It meant everything to me. That was such a special moment for my family when my two brothers and I were able to get out there on the field. That’s a moment I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” said Weeks.
Weeks also mentioned being a mentor for his brother, Zach, who is entering his redshirt freshman season. All three did share the field, but Zach only played a handful of snaps all year long. He might not see the field once again, but he’s the future of the linebacker position for the Tigers.
LSU will remember the Weeks family for a long time. For this campaign, it’ll be up to Whit to cement his legacy as the Tigers try to win a title in the first year under Lane Kiffin.
