With Spring practice underway in Baton Rouge, the coaching staff is gathering information to find the best fits and maximize the talent on this year\u2019s team. We\u2019ve made a few LSU Spring camp observations that give a glimpse into the staff’s mentality and the players’ potential. No sweeping conclusions will be made during the Spring here. However, the following developments will help form the Tigers’ version that will take the field in the Fall.<\/p>\n
LSU made headlines with its offseason acquisitions of five-star freshmen<\/a> and a star-studded transfer class<\/a>, but nothing has been given to the newcomers. The most frequent starters on the offensive line have all been returners from the last year. This could and likely will change<\/a>, as the general assumption is that Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore<\/a> will take the starting center job. Also, Northwestern transfer Josh Thompson joined the team this week and projects to start.<\/p>\n Players like Barion Brown<\/a> have had impressive moments at receiver, but they haven\u2019t broken through the top three of Aaron Anderson, Chris Hilton<\/a>, and Zavion Thomas. The edge defenders made up one of the most notable position groups in the Tigers\u2019 transfer class, but rising sophomore Gabe Reliford has consistently worked with the ones during media availability.<\/p>\n Players like Patrick Payton and Jack Pyburn will have significant roles for the Tigers. However, the coaches have made it apparent that nothing will be given based on hype or expectations, and that\u2019s a good thing.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t assume that LSU\u2019s additions are more hype than substance simply because not all of them are sitting at the top of the depth chart. Freshman cornerback DJ Pickett is making waves with his play during LSU Spring camp. Mansoor Delane<\/a>, another Virginia Tech transfer, has been impressive in his own right while running with the ones at cornerback. Delane spoke highly of Pickett while speaking with the media after practice.<\/p>\n \u201cI don’t to put too much out there, but whatever that five-star plus is, that’s true. He’s as good as advertised,\u201d Delane said while approving of Pickett\u2019s elite recruiting distinction.<\/p>\n Trey\u2019Dez Green<\/a> will likely enter 2025 with one of the most highly anticipated tight-end seasons in recent memory. That said, don’t forget about Bauer Sharp<\/a>. The Oklahoma transfer adds much-needed help in that room. As the leading receiver in Norman last year, his skill as a pass-catcher comes as no surprise. His experience with some of the more technical aspects of the position and as a blocker will be an asset to Green and the LSU offense.<\/p>\n The secondary play has been the LSU Spring revelation that could turn out to be the most impactful. The 2024 group wasn’t exactly formidable and lost its best cornerback Zy Alexander. In true Spring fashion, the secondary is blooming into a competitive group. Delane and Pickett have brought more skill and competition to the cornerback room but give Ashton Stamps credit for holding his starting position so far.<\/p>\n The wild card in the cornerback conversation is redshirt freshman, Michael Turner<\/a>. Turner wasn\u2019t the biggest name when he committed. But Corey Raymond saw a skinny receiver with long arms and track speed, and here we are. The ball skills are natural, and he has the speed to run with the Browns and Chris Hiltons of the world. Turner has turned heads.<\/p>\nImpressive Newcomers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Surging Secondary<\/strong><\/h3>\n