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’s team. We’ve 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.
Takeaways From LSU Spring Camp
It Starts With the Returners
LSU made headlines with its offseason acquisitions of five-star freshmen and a star-studded transfer class, 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, as the general assumption is that Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore will take the starting center job. Also, Northwestern transfer Josh Thompson joined the team this week and projects to start.
Players like Barion Brown have had impressive moments at receiver, but they haven’t broken through the top three of Aaron Anderson, Chris Hilton, and Zavion Thomas. The edge defenders made up one of the most notable position groups in the Tigers’ transfer class, but rising sophomore Gabe Reliford has consistently worked with the ones during media availability.
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’s a good thing.
Impressive Newcomers
Don’t assume that LSU’s 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, 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.
“I don’t to put too much out there, but whatever that five-star plus is, that’s true. He’s as good as advertised,” Delane said while approving of Pickett’s elite recruiting distinction.
Trey’Dez Green 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. 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.
Surging Secondary
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.
The wild card in the cornerback conversation is redshirt freshman, Michael Turner. Turner wasn’t 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.
Returning starter Jardin Gilbert is out for the spring while recovering from a shoulder injury, and North Carolina State transfer Tamarcus Cooley has taken full advantage of the circumstances. Cooley has practiced as a first-string safety alongside Javien Toviano. The combination appears to make LSU more athletic at the position than it was last year.
We haven’t seen the final version of this secondary, but the upgrade in talent is evident. Time will tell how cohesive they can become while the new players get acclimated to Blake Baker’s defense. At the very least, there are now more SEC-ready options on the roster.
Main Image: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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