Q&A / T-BOB HEBERT, LSU: ‘I’ve been looking forward to this …’

About this time a week ago, things could not have been better for T-Bob Hebert. A redshirt freshman at LSU, the son of former Falcons quarterback Bobby Hebert was living his lifelong dream.

A center by trade, the Greater Atlanta Christian graduate was on the Tigers’ No. 1 punt and kickoff return teams while waiting for his chance on the offensive line.

Then Hebert injured his left knee on LSU’s first punt against South Carolina on Saturday. It was a torn ACL, sidelining him for the season —- starting with Saturday’s game against Georgia.

Growing up in Atlanta, most of his friends either go to UGA or were huge fans. The Bulldogs recruited him relentlessly. But he went with his heart and his heritage —- both granddad and dad were huge LSU fans.

Hebert talked to staff writer Chip Towers about his situation and Saturday’s game in Baton Rouge.

Q: First, about your injury. How are you doing, and how’d it happen?

A: I’m doing OK, as well as I can be, I guess. It was on the first punt of the game against South Carolina. I was running down the field trying to make a tackle. I planted my foot and my leg went one way and my body went the other. That was that.

Q: That had been your primary role this season, right, playing special teams?

A: I’d been doing a bunch on kickoff return and punt, and I was also practicing some as a backup fullback. … But my real position is still center. They were just thinking they might could use a big body in the backfield for certain situations.

Q: But obviously LSU recruited you as an offensive lineman. Where did you see yourself fitting in there?

A: We’re going to have two centers graduating after this year, Brett Helms and Ryan Miller. I’ve kind of been their understudy, learning everything from them. So I’m trying to get back for spring and hopefully I’ll be able to get that starting job. I came into a pretty good situation.

Q: Let’s talk about the Georgia game this weekend. I assume that’s one you’ve been looking forward to?

A: Oh, man, I can’t wait. I’ve got some friends on the team, and I’ve got some people from back home that are coming down to visit. I really do wish I could be playing in the game, but I’m trying to make the best of it. I’m still going to enjoy watching the Bulldogs and the Tigers play. I’ve been looking forward to this for a while, actually. Me and my dad did a Father’s Day Show on 790 The Zone a couple of years ago when I was being recruited, and I actually mentioned this game as a game that I couldn’t wait for. I was thinking I’d be playing in it then, but I guess I’ll be watching it. It’s going to be a lot of fun, though.

Q: What are your thoughts about the University of Georgia?

A: Well, Georgia was definitely the second school on my list. But I kind of just felt with all my family back here and currently where LSU’s at, I just felt like this is where I belonged. Georgia was definitely second on my list. They’re a great program and have a great coach, and I really enjoy Athens in general.

Q: Any Bulldogs that you are close to?

A: Brannan Southerland, of course, went to my high school. Me and him are real close. He’s my older sister’s age, so he used to come over a lot. I was a freshman when he was a senior, but we’re real close. Caleb King, I played with him my senior season at GAC, so I know him. I know a lot of people on the team and a bunch of people at the school. I grew up going to Athens a bunch for games and, of course, the recruiting process. So I can’t wait to see them.

Q: So who’s going to win?

A: I think my opinion might be slightly biased, but I’m hoping the Tigers will come out with a win.