The Tigers have returned to the practice field with urgency and the intent to continue to improve. Although early observations from LSU’s fall camp won’t offer a complete picture, they provide starting points in the assessment of a few position groups of interest. The season opener against USC is less than a month away. Obviously, there’s no time to waste for the staff to determine how to put its best foot forward.
Early Observations from LSU Fall Camp
Curveball at Cornerback
It came as no surprise to see returning sophomore Ashton Stamps as a first-string cornerback, as he logged a considerable number of snaps as a true freshman. Sage Ryan, however, was thought to have finally found his home at a more natural fit of safety. Ryan ran with the ones as a cornerback at the first practice, igniting the PTSD of many Tiger fans in fear of surviving another year with subpar corner play.
There’s no reason to panic yet. Ryan has shown he can help the team at corner, but this also could be Brian Kelly’s way of motivating freshman cornerback PJ Woodland to mature quickly. Kelly spoke on Woodland after practice.
“We’re at the point where on Day 1, consistency is key. We like PJ. We love his competitiveness. But after making one great play today, we threw the ball over his head on the next play,” said Kelly.
Ryan’s move could also speak to the staff’s confidence in Jordan Allen a contributor at safety, who started in Ryan’s place. The move does not bode well for JK Johnson’s potential to take one of the starting spots, especially considering that former starter Zy Alexander has been cleared for full contact.
Potential Pass-Catchers
The first three receivers to hit the field at LSU’s fall camp were Kyren Lacy, CJ Daniels, and Chris Hilton. Despite his depth chart position, former five-star and redshirt freshman Shelton Sampson flashed his potential on the first day of camp. Sampson had multiple spectacular catches during media availability. He has a chance to play his way onto the field and has as much physical talent as any receiver on the roster.
True freshman tight end Trey’dez Green of Zachary was one of LSU’s brightest stars of its latest recruiting class. He also flashed his athleticism and catch radius early on at camp. His head coach marveled at his progression as such a young player.
“He certainly looks the part. He controls his body really well. He has a great deal of confidence and he doesn’t look out of place in any shape or form from a physical standpoint and he’s picked things up very well,” Kelly stated.
Lacy has emerged as the alpha of the receiving room and practiced like a top option. Younger players like Sampson and Green add valuable depth to the room to make up for the star power that is off to the NFL.
The Dreaded Third Phase
LSU’s special teams’ contributions have been underwhelming under Kelly, specifically when it comes to returning punts. The Tigers played it safe the past two years after muffing punts early in the season. Could this be the year the Tigers finally take advantage of a premier athlete returning punts?
Mississippi State transfer Zavion Thomas figures heavily into the receiver rotation but also was fifth in the country in average punt return yardage as a freshman. Thomas has returned a punt and kickoff for touchdowns during his career. If LSU’s fall camp is any indication, he projects to be the Tigers’ first option to field punts in 2024.
Aaron Anderson is in the mix again after limited opportunities in 2023. Apparently, hope is not completely lost for Anderson to be a weapon on special teams. Parker has a blend of hands and elusiveness that makes him a solid candidate. Kyle Parker and Jelani Watkins also returned punts at practice. Watkins has a 10.2 100-meter speed and might be the fastest Tiger since Trindon Holiday. None of this matters until one of these players proves to be reliable in a game. Fortunately, LSU seems to be in a spot to end the fair catch frustration.
