After winning a national championship in 2019, a down year for the Tigers in 2020 was expected. Going .500 with a 5-5 record was much further down than almost anyone would have predicted. The team has battles at key positions and has lost a lot of talent to the NFL in the last two drafts. There is a lot of talent, and it was on showcase during their spring game.
Quarterbacks
Max Johnson – So
Johnson finished the 2020 season as the starter and led the Tigers to a huge victory over Florida late in the season. Johnson looked good in this game; he was the ‘starter’ and played the first several series for the White team – the first-string offense. He had a touchdown throw called back and a few bad throws but had a good command of the offense.
Myles Brennan- rSr
Brennan came in after Johnson for the White team and threw two touchdown passes. Brennan was going to be the veteran starter last season, and an injury derailed those plans. He also had a good command of the offense and led the team down the field with authority. The battle will come down to Brennan and Johnson, and I think the senior has the upper hand.
TJ Finley – So
Finley could start at many programs but could end up being the odd man out at LSU. He has great size at 6’6” and 250 pounds, and he has a strong arm. Finley is raw, and he needs time starting to learn the nuances of being a quarterback. He made a few excellent throws but also telegraphed an awful interception in the throw below.
Garrett Nussmeier – Fr
The future is Nussmeier, but it may be a few seasons until he takes over the offense. He did get reps for both sides in the game, had a late touchdown pass, and threw a couple of bad interceptions.
Running Backs
Ty Davis-Price – Jr
The starting running back will likely be Davis-Price, and he received a bulk of the carries in the spring game. He rushed for 81 yards on 15 carries, including the 28 yards run on the clip below. He also had a critical goal-line fumble in the game.
It’s tough for me to be excited for him as a prospect; he runs upright and doesn’t seem to have much wiggle or elusiveness. Davis-Price will have some decent statistical games and will be serviceable as a starter.
Nick Demas – So
Demas carried the ball seven times for 18 yards but is listed as a linebacker in most places I could find. It appears they will be using him in more of a fullback role and possibly a short-yardage banger.
John Emery Jr. – Jr
Emery did not play in this game and could be the starter if healthy. He has not proven his lofty recruiting profile in several seasons at Baton Rouge due to injuries.
Corey Kiner and Armoni Goodwin – Fr
The freshman duo did not factor in this game but both are talented enough to factor in to the LSU running game.
Wide Receivers
Kayshon Boutte – So
Possibly the best receiver in college football, Boutte caught 11 balls for 162 yards and a touchdown. He also had another long touchdown called back. He abused the secondary and wins in so many ways. Boutte has strong hands, tracks the ball well, and isn’t afraid to get physical. He is the center of the offense and will be a monster all season.
Jontre Kirklin – Sr
The other guy in the receiving starting lineup could be Kirklin; he caught ten passes for 166 yards and a pair of touchdowns and had a key fumble after catching a long pass. He doesn’t have overwhelming attributes but should be a solid WR2/WR3 for the Tiger offense.
Jaray Jenkins – rJr
Jenkins caught five passes for 36 yards and could also find some targets but again, not someone I have on my radar in Devy or C2C leagues.
Koy Moore – So
One I do have on my radar, Moore could fill the slot role and see targets. He raked in four catches for 28 yards and a touchdown in the spring game. Moore has the size and skillset – he loves to work in the middle of the field and is a natural receiver.
Deion Smith, Brian Thomas Jr., Chris Hilton – Fr
The talented freshman trio did not factor in the spring game, but all three possess traits and tools that could get them into the offense. Outside of Boutte, any of these three could emerge and garner targets.
