On Sunday, news broke that star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase opted out of the 2020 season to focus on his preparations for the 2021 NFL draft.
The Tigers lost 14 players to the NFL draft this past off-season and two assistant coaches. Now, their Biletnikoff Award receiver is gone. Chase recorded 84 receptions for 1,780 yards with 20 touchdowns in 2019.
The departure of Chase leaves LSU with a few open starting spots at the receiver position, and a few freshmen could now earn extended playing time.
1. Terrace Marshall Jr.
Junior wideout Terrace Marshall Jr. will now likely be the Tigers’ main target on the outside. Over the course of his career in Baton Rouge, Marshall has recorded 61 catches for 737 yards and 13 touchdowns. In 2019, he had 46 catches for 671 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Marshall is expected to have a breakout season in 2020 after he finished third on the team in receptions last year. With Chase gone, the opportunity for the junior to emerge as the Tigers’ top target is wide open.