LSU’s offense lacked intrigue this spring for good reason. It has an established quarterback. It brought back starters on the offensive line. The majority of the weapons returned for another season, and some of the intriguing new additions won’t practice until preseason camp.
Instead of settling position battles, LSU worked on details. In particular, improvement in the vertical passing game. The Tigers want their receivers to easily continue upfield after the catch rather than have their back to the goal line on as many 10-to-15-yard routes. And they want to throw deep more often than last year.
“A lot more shot plays,” wide receiver Chris Hilton said. “You didn’t see that many last year, but now they’re being called more often.”
Though usually vanilla in the calls, LSU’s spring game Saturday at 1 p.m. inside Tiger Stadium offers a potential chance to see offensive tweaks and the personnel. Here is a projected offensive depth chart, based on what we have seen and heard to this point.
Quarterback
Starter: Jayden Daniels (Sr.)
Backups: Garrett Nussmeier (R-Soph.) and Rickie Collins (Fr.)
Coming into the spring, Kelly said LSU would have an “open mind” at quarterback. Daniels returned as the expected starter, but Nussmeier was going to receive first-team reps and have a chance to compete for the job.
There doesn’t appear to be a change in the pecking order. The staff sounds pleased with Daniels’ development as a passer, a sentiment Kelly supported Wednesday on 104.5-FM. He said Daniels this spring showed leadership, comfort in the scheme and “the ability to want now to stretch the offense downfield.”
“I think he can be the best quarterback in the country,” Kelly said. “There’s no doubt.”
Running back
Starter: Josh Williams (R-Sr.)
Backups: Noah Cain (Sr.), John Emery (Sr.), Armoni Goodwin (Jr.) and Trey Holly (Fr.)
Summer Enrollee: Kaleb Jackson (Fr.)
Cain and Holly split reps with the rest of the running backs out this spring. Cain, who got leaner since last season, wanted to prove himself as “a complete back.” He’ll compete for time come preseason camp. Holly may as well. Enrolling early helped him get used to the college game, and he impressed the staff with his vision.
LSU will still use a rotation. Williams didn’t need the spring after he established himself as a reliable option last year. Emery, who missed practice for academic reasons, brings an explosive element. Goodwin has played well when healthy, and Kelly expects him to get cleared from a knee injury by preseason camp. He has worked on his conditioning in pads during practices.
Wide receiver
Starters: Malik Nabers (Jr.), Brian Thomas (Jr.) and Kyren Lacy (Sr.)
Backups: Chris Hilton (R-Soph.), Aaron Anderson (R-Fr.), Landon Ibieta (R-Fr.), Jalen Brown (Fr.) and Kyle Parker (Fr.)
Summer Enrollees: Shelton Sampson (Fr.) and Khai Prean (Fr.)
The question entering spring practice was who would emerge alongside Nabers. Six weeks later, Thomas and Lacy have an edge on the spots.
“They know there’s some catches available, and those guys have competed every practice and shown that, ‘I’m ready. I’m that dude,’” offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said. “That’s been really nice to see.”
Thomas was always going to play. He recorded 720 yards receiving and seven touchdowns over the last two years. He just needed to take the next step. Lacy had more room to increase his stock, and Denbrock said “I love what Kyren’s done all spring.” The former UL transfer has a chance to start the opener against Florida State.
LSU will still rotate receivers, and the early enrollees worked themselves into the mix. Parker and Brown both made impressive catches and took second-team reps. Hilton, a now-healthy speedster, has mainly worked on the outside. Anderson didn’t practice after having an operation on his knee, but the Alabama transfer should contend once he’s healthy.
Tight end
Starter: Mason Taylor (Soph.)
Backups: Mac Markway (Fr.) and Jackson McGohan (Fr.)
Summer Enrollee: Ka’Morreun Pimpton (Fr.)
With Taylor (shoulder) out, the early enrollees received a lot of reps. Kelly said “they’re most likely going to be able to help us in the fall” in multiple-tight end sets, especially if LSU doesn’t find a veteran transfer. Markway would contribute early as a run blocker, while McGohan showed promise as a pass catcher. He needs another year in the weight room, Denbrock said, to handle blocks.
Pimpton has a potential path onto the field. One of the most athletic recruits in this class, the 6-foot-6, 227-pounder is a star high school discus thrower with a wide catch radius. LSU sent him workouts and plays to keep him up to speed until he enrolls. LSU needs to see how he practices, but Denbrock suspects he can help in certain situations.
Offensive line
Starters: Will Campbell (Soph.), LT; Garrett Dellinger (Jr.), LG; Charles Turner (R-Sr.), C; Miles Frazier (R-Jr.), RG; Emery Jones (Soph.), RT
Backups: Marlon Martinez (Sr.), C; Kimo Makane’ole (R-Soph.), OL; Bo Bordelon (R-Fr.), C
Summer Enrollees: Mason Lunsford (Jr.), OG; Zalance Heard (Fr.), OT; DJ Chester (Fr.), OG; Tyree Adams (Fr.), OT; Paul Mubenga (Fr.), OT
Martinez considered leaving this offseason, and Kelly hinted on the first day of practice that he might transfer during the second portal window. Now, Martinez said last weekend he plans to stay. After taking first-team center reps this spring while Turner recovered from a knee injury, he’ll compete for a significant role.
Whoever plays center, LSU has a strong group. It brought back essentially five starters and added options that let offensive line coach Brad Davis tinker. The newest addition is Lunsford. He started 23 games over the last two seasons as Maryland’s left guard, providing an experienced backup at the very least. LSU will also look in the transfer portal for more depth. And the freshmen, especially Heard, could push the others.
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