Paul Dietzel gave to the defensive unit he organized in 1958, which helped LSU to win its first national championship. The next season, the 1959 Chinese Bandit defense held their opponents to an average of only 143.2 yards per game. No LSU defense since has done better. Jersey No. 18 Jersey No. 18 is an LSU tradition established in 2003 when quarterback Matt Mauck guided LSU to a national championship. After Mauck's final season, he passed jersey No. 18 to running back Jacob Hester, who helped LSU win the 2007 national championship. The jersey became synonymous with success on and off the field as well as having a selfless attitude. Each season, a player is chosen by the coaching staff to wear the No. 18 jersey. In 2017, it was the first year LSU awarded the jersey to two players, one each on offense and defense. No. 18 by season: 2003: Matt Mauck, quarterback 2004–2007: Jacob Hester, running back 2008–2009: Richard Dickson, tight end 2010: Richard Murphy, running back 2011: Brandon Taylor, safety 2012: Bennie Logan, defensive tackle 2013: Lamin Barrow, linebacker 2014: Terrence Magee, running back 2015–2016: Tre'Davious White, cornerback 2017: Christian LaCouture, defensive end and J. D. Moore, fullback 2018: Foster Moreau, tight end 2019: Lloyd Cushenberry, center and K'Lavon Chaisson, linebacker 2020: Chris Curry, running back and Damone Clark, linebacker 2021: Avery Atkins, placekicker/punter and Damone Clark, linebacker 2022: BJ Ojulari, defensive end "DBU" Beginning in 2012, LSU had a high number of defensive backs earn recognition for their play, leading to both current and former players to refer to the school as "Defensive Back University", or "DBU". This has led to a sense of pride among LSU defensive backs, who strive to continue the tradition of excellence at the position. Since 2005, 28 LSU defensive backs have been drafted into the NFL, including seven in the first round: LaRon Landry (6th pick in 2007), Patrick Peterson (5th pick in 2011), Morris Claiborne (6th pick in 2012), Eric Reid (18th pick in 2013), Jamal Adams (6th pick in 2017), Tre'Davious White (27th pick in 2017), and Derek Stingley Jr. (3rd pick in 2022). Rivalries Alabama LSU and Alabama have played every year since the 1960s. It has been mentioned by the LSU fan base, the origins of the rivalry date back to a 15-game undefeated streak Alabama had in Tiger Stadium, which is generally considered to be