Photo by: LSU Football
As LSU gears up for Week 2 of Fall Camp, the focus shifts to intense padded practices. The team's defense has garnered significant attention with various position battles, while the special teams also have notable players to watch. With the second week of camp approaching, here are the main storylines, key position battles, and the updated depth chart after the first week.
Depth Chart Highlights After Week 1
Quarterback
- Starter: Garrett Nussmeier (R-Jr.)
- Backup: Rickie Collins (R-Fr.)
Running Backs
- Starter: Josh Williams (Gr.)
- Backup: Kaleb Jackson (Soph.)
LSU is expected to use a committee approach in 2024, with Williams and Jackson leading the charge. Caden Durham and John Emery will also compete for significant playing time, with Fall Camp playing a crucial role in determining their contributions.
Wide Receivers
- Starters: Kyren Lacy (Sr.), Chris Hilton Jr. (R-Jr.), CJ Daniels (Grad.)
- Backups/Rotation: Aaron Anderson (Jr.), Zavion Thomas (Jr.), Kyle Parker (R-Fr.)
Kyren Lacy has emerged as LSU's top receiver, with Chris Hilton also securing a starting spot. Liberty transfer CJ Daniels has joined them as a key player. A deep rotation is expected, with multiple players vying for backup roles and significant playing time.
Tight Ends
- Starter: Mason Taylor (Jr.)
- Backups: Mac Markway (Soph.), Trey'Dez Green (Soph.)
Taylor is poised for a bigger role under new playcaller Joe Sloan, who has praised his abilities. Markway and Pimpton, both sophomores, are improving, while freshman Trey'Dez Green is expected to rise quickly on the depth chart.
Offensive Line
- Starters: Will Campbell (Jr.), Garrett Dellinger (Sr.), DJ Chester (R-Fr.), Miles Frazier (Sr.), Emery Jones (Jr.)
- Backups: Tyree Adams (R-Fr.), Paul Mubenga (R-Fr.), Coen Echols (Fr.), Bo Bordelon (R-Soph.), Weston Davis (Fr.)
Four starters return from last season, with DJ Chester being the new addition. Campbell and Jones aim to be the top tackle duo in college football, and Chester has received positive feedback for his performance.
Defense
Defensive Tackle
- Starters: Jacobian Guillory (R-Sr.), Gio Paez (Gr.)
- Backups: Dominick McKinley (Fr.), Kimo Makane'ole (R-Jr.), Shone Washington (R-Soph.)
- Others: Jay'Viar Suggs
Guillory and Paez lead the defensive tackles, with McKinley gradually being integrated. It will be intriguing to see his role develop in 2024.
Defensive End
- Starters: Sai'vion Jones (Sr.), Bradyn Swinson (Sr.)
- Backups: Paris Shand (Sr.), Da’Shawn Womack (Soph.)
A new defensive scheme under coordinator Blake Baker benefits Swinson and Jones. Womack, a former five-star recruit, is expected to play a significant role, with freshman Gabriel Reliford also a player to watch.
Linebackers
- Starters: Greg Penn III (Sr.), Harold Perkins (Jr.)
- Backups: Whit Weeks (Soph.), West Weeks (Sr.)
STAR Role
-Starter: Major Burns (Sr.)
- Backup: Kylin Jackson (R-Fr.) or Ju'Juan Johnson (Fr.)
Burns excels in his hybrid safety/linebacker role, with Kylin Jackson pushing for playing time. This battle will be closely watched.
Cornerbacks
- Starters: Ashton Stamps (Soph.), Sage Ryan (Jr.)
- Backups: PJ Woodland (Fr.), JK Johnson (Jr.)
- Others: Zy Alexander, Javien Toviano, Michael Turner, Jyaire Brown
Safeties
- Starters: Jardin Gilbert (R-Jr.), Jordan Allen (R-Soph.)
- Backups: Dashawn Spears (Fr.), Kylin Jackson (R-Fr.)
Special Teams
- Kicker: Damian Ramos (R-Jr.)
- Punter: Peyton Todd (R-Jr.) or Blake Ochsendorf (Grad.)
- Long Snapper: Slade Roy (Sr.)
- Return Specialists: Zavion Thomas (Jr.), Aaron Anderson (R-Jr.)
Storylines to Follow
Shuffling in the Secondary
The secondary is set for movement as padded practices begin. With several players competing for starting roles, including Ashton Stamps, Javien Toviano, and Zy Alexander, the competition will be fierce.
Defensive Line Adjustments
Bradyn Swinson and Jalen Lee return after missing Week 1, which will impact the defensive line rotations. Da'Shawn Womack has been impressive, but Swinson's return will test the established lineup.
Nussmeier's Consistency
Garrett Nussmeier has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to find consistency. After a challenging first week, his response in Week 2 will be crucial as he works with a talented receiving corps.
LSU's Fall Camp is heating up, and Week 2 will be pivotal in shaping the team's depth chart and overall readiness for the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Tigers prepare for a highly anticipated season.
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