LSU has one of the most intriguing wide receiver groups in the SEC (and potentially one of the league’s best).
With elite playmaker [autotag]Kayshon Boutte[/autotag] returning from injury and sophomores [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Jack Bech[/autotag] looking to build on solid true freshman campaigns, there’s a lot to be excited about — assuming the Tigers can find a quarterback capable of delivering the ball to them.
However, there’s one thing this young group is lacking: Experience, and the leadership that comes with it. That’s where fifth-year receiver [autotag]Jaray Jenkins[/autotag] comes in.
Jenkins has made a moderate impact so far at LSU, and he’s coming off his most productive season. Boutte’s return will limit his opportunities a bit, but he can still be a major part of this passing attack.
Asked if Jenkins has stepped up as a leader in the receiver room after the Tigers’ open scrimmage on Wednesday, coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] called out the senior wideout.
“Yeah, that’s a good question,” Kelly said when asked if Jenkins had stepped up. “I wish he would take more of a leadership role. You’re hearing me, Jaray? Can he hear me? He’ll hear me won’t he?
“We need that leadership, and it comes from consistency. Will he hear that too? …He’s a great kid, we just need that (consistency) every single day. If we can get that from him every day, that room is going to be in great shape.”
Kelly certainly didn’t mince words here, and it’s clear from the way he said it that the coaching staff has been hoping for Jenkins to take a step up. He didn’t go super in-depth on what the veteran needs to do better, aside from being more consistent.
Jenkins started six games last fall, including five of LSU’s last seven after Boutte’s campaign was ended by a broken ankle. He finished with 34 catches (which ranked third on the team) for 502 yards and six touchdowns (both of which ranked second).
Even with a talented group, Jenkins is expected to take another leap this fall after mostly being a role player to this point in his career. We’ll see if he responds to this challenge from Kelly.
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