A lot of the discussion about LSU’s offseason has centered around the receiving corps and how the Tigers will replace a pair of first-round draft picks in [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag].
There’s still talent at wideout with [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] potentially poised for a breakout and [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] coming in after a 1,000-yard season at Liberty in 2023. But another returning player who could finally make a major impact is [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag]
After injuries limited his first two seasons in Baton Rouge, Hilton played in 11 games with two starts in 2023, finishing with 13 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns, all career highs.
Now that he will likely be thrust into a starting role, coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] had a lot of positive things to say about the work Hilton has put in this offseason.
“It’s his time. He’s waited patiently. I think he’s put himself in a great position physically,” Kelly said. “He’s healthy, he’s worked for it, he’s put in the time in the offseason. He had a really good spring and I think he’s had a good camp. He’s caught the ball, he’s been effective, I expect him to have a really good season for us.
“He’s a deep-ball threat, but he’s shown a proficiency in terms of his route-running. He’s gotten better since even preseason camp… I think that learning curve for him is real, and he’s gotten better each and every day. But I think he’s going to be a real impact player for us this year.”
With a new starting quarterback as well in [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag], the Tigers need to be able to trust their talent out wide to make plays. Hilton has shown those flashes, and he could be poised for a breakout campaign in 2024.
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