'Brothers' Andre Anthony, Ray Thornton push each other at LSU's Buck LB position

When healthy, LSU's unquestioned starter at the Buck linebacker position will be one of the top returning defenders in college football: Arden Key.

But with Key not on the practice field because of his offseason shoulder surgery, the Tigers are using a trio of freshmen in his place: redshirt freshmen Andre Anthony, redshirt freshman Ray Thornton and true freshman K'Lavon Chaisson, as well as sophomore Sci Martin, who is still recovering from offseason surgery as well.

Anthony and Thornton have been playing the Buck position since the spring - when Thornton moved over after starting at the F position on the opposite side of the defense.

It was both players' first time working in the role,…