As the No. 8 LSU Tigers face the daunting task of taking on the No. 14 Texas A&M Aggies on the road in Kyle Field, the team will welcome back deep-threat wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr., who is set to make his highly-anticipated season debut.
The big-time SEC matchup has major implications within the conference and the College Football Playoff race. Hilton Jr. could be a difference-maker in the matchup.
Hilton Jr. has been with the program since 2021, but has sparingly seen the field. Now in his fourth season at the collegiate level, Hilton Jr. has appeared in only 20 games and recorded 22 receptions for 415 yards and three touchdowns.
While his stats may seem underwhelming, he’s been plagued with injuries. However, it’s worth noting that he averages 18.9 yards per catch and will be a factor on LSU’s offense that the Aggies will have to account for.
When speaking on Hilton Jr.’s health, Tigers head coach Brian Kelly made it clear that this is not an attempt to rush him back from injury and risk losing him for additional time.
“More than anything else, you don’t bring a wide receiver back after this long out, unless he’s properly conditioned. Because then, (what if) you go pull a hamstring? We’re not concerned, and he’s not concerned about the leg,” Kelly said. “This is much more about a conditioning element relative to soft tissue. We think we’re in pretty good position. Now, it’s just about getting him game ready.”
Hilton Jr.’s 2024 season debut could not come at a better time, as both LSU and Texas A&M view this game as a must-win matchup to remain competitive within the SEC and at the national level.
College Sports Wire will continue to follow all things college football as the 2024 season progresses.