LSU: Who replaces Jalen Collins at DB?

Every year, programs must replace key players.

This is a team-by-team look at 13 SEC programs (Chip Towers and Seth Emerson have UGA covered) and a key player who must be replaced this season.

Jalen Mills has started all 39 games in three years and was seventh on the team with 62 tackles in 2014. (AP photo)

Who replaces Jalen Collins? From one Jalen to the next.

Jalen Mills appeared to be headed to the NFL this spring, much like fellow defensive back Jalen Collins (the Falcons’ second-round pick), but Mills decided to stay at LSU, where he’ll be the leader of the defensive backfield this fall.

He’ll also attempt to continue the legacy of LSU’s defensive backs. The program claims it’s “DBU” – or Defensive Back University – boasting recent players like Eric Reid, Tyrann Mathieu and Collins.

Mills, who moved from cornerback to safety, has started all 39 games in his three years at LSU and was seventh on the team with 62 tackles in 2014.

He’s learning new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele’s defense and is expected to team with cornerback Tre’Davious White and Ed Paris, and safety Jamal Adams for LSU’s newest edition of “DBU.”