As we continue to review the 2021 season and look ahead to 2022, we have the freshman class of last season. The team dealt with injury after injury forcing the young guns into action.
Some earned bigger roles due to their talent level such as Maason Smith. Others were forced onto the field earlier than expected due to the growing number of injuries at the position, such as Malik Nabers. He likely would have seen the field regardless but the injury to Boutte forced them to up his number of snaps. Not to mention Trey Palmer had issues prior to joining the transfer portal.
One player that isn’t on our list of freshmen poised to have big seasons next year is quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The redshirt freshman in 2022 would certainly qualify but it is likely that Myles Brennan could win the starting role for the LSU offense in 2022.
Should Brennan struggle or suffer yet another injury then Nuss will need to be ready to go. With a new system and a new quarterback coach in Joe Sloan, his development will be key. He seemed erratic at times when on the field in 2021, the new staff will need to reign him in a bit. Brian Kelly typically likes to roll with a veteran quarterback, so be on the lookout for Brennan to take hold of the starting job in 2022.