One week of Fall camp is in the books for LSU, and some players have capitalized on opportunities for playing time. Youth and potential breed intrigue, so it’s only natural to wonder which freshmen could make an impact. While no players from LSU’s seventh-ranked incoming class are expected to start, several are trending to contribute heavily this year. In an ode to the future, we’ll profile five prospective freshmen impact players.
Potential Impact Freshmen for LSU
Gabe Reliford – Defensive End
The Shreveport native and Evangel alum enrolled in January to get a head start on his college career. Spring practice was fruitful as he made his mark early. Reliford flashed his athleticism throughout the spring, culminating in a two-sack performance in the spring game.
LSU’s first-round prospect at left tackle, Will Campbell, was complimentary of Reliford during media availability last week.
“He’s a great player, and the future is bright for Gabe Reliford. He’s one of the hardest-working kids on the team; he’s got it,” said Campbell.
As impressive as Reliford is as a pass rusher, he’s already 270 pounds as a true freshman. He could easily add weight to his frame and move inside to bolster one of the team’s thinnest position groups. The Tigers aren’t short on ends with Sai’vion Jones, Bradyn Swinson, and Da’Shawn Womack, among others. Reliford will have a role in some capacity this year, regardless of the depth chart.
Trey’Dez Green – Tight End
At 6-7 and 245 pounds, Green stands out on the field before taking a snap. Green did not enroll early, but his ability to pick up the offense has impressed Brian Kelly this fall. It’s no coincidence that sophomore tight end Mac Markway decided to transfer from LSU shortly after Green’s arrival.
Green is not the only big target the Tigers have at tight end; Ka’Morreun Pimpton is 6’6”. What separates Green is his explosiveness and agility at his size. Green is also listed on LSU Basketball’s roster, which speaks to the rare athlete that he is. Don’t be surprised to see him become an impact freshman in the red zone.
PJ Woodland – Cornerback
Another early enrollee, Woodland impressed his teammates during spring practice with his competitive nature. He never backed down from the challenge of facing future draft picks like Kyren Lacy, despite his 160-pound frame. By the end of the spring, Woodland had played his way into the two-deep.
Woodland played both ways in the highest classification of Mississippi high school football and was named the 7A defensive player of the year. He’s already played beyond his three-star ranking since arriving on campus. With former starter Zy Alexander only recently being cleared for full contact, Woodland has the ability to ascend to the first-team defense.
Dominick McKinley – Defensive Tackle
McKinley was the highest-rated recruit in LSU’s 2024 class at its biggest position of need. Of course, he’s on this list. The 6’6” 315-pound tackle has ideal size but also has the quickness to be a disruptive force up front.
The highly touted freshman has been competitive in one-on-one reps against starting offensive linemen but dominated the underclassmen. No coach wants to bank on a freshman on the interior of his defensive line. Fortunately, Bo Davis won’t be depending on McKinley by the time he works his way into the rotation.
Ju’Juan Johnson – Star
LSU was able to secure the commitment of the all-time Louisiana high school offensive yardage leader after he first committed to Colorado to play defensive back. Johnson’s athletic prowess has never come into question, but it can be hard to tell how offensive players will adjust to playing on the other side of the ball.
The freshman has gained over 15 pounds since his days as a high school quarterback to better equip himself as a defender. His hips and ball skills are everything they were projected to be, and he’s now listed as the backup star defender behind Major Burns.
Names to Remember
More freshmen figure to play in 2024, but there are also players to get excited about for the years to come. Both Dashawn Spears and Kylin Jackson are likely to see reps at safety and special teams. True freshman edge Kolaj Cobbins has seemed impossible to block at times. Finally, redshirt freshman wideout Shelton Sampson has made a few spectacular catches that flashed the traits that earned his once-five-star ranking. Michael Turner was a projected wide receiver with game-breaking speed who has shown impressive coverage ability as a corner. He has the tools to be a high-upside defender once he adds weight to his 6-1 frame.
