There is no question that the LSU Tigers have a lot to address this offseason as they head into spring football. The new staff found themselves with more questions than answers when they agreed to come to Baton Rouge.
Prior to the signing period and the litany of incoming transfers, they had just one quarterback on scholarship with Myles Brennan still in the transfer portal, Max Johnson on his way to College Station, and Walker Howard had yet to sign with LSU.
The team also had to deal with a mass exodus at the cornerback position, but there were a couple of groups where the team had a strength. Despite the loss of leading rusher Ty Davis-Price to the NFL draft, running back had plenty of capable guys in that room to carry the load in 2022.
They return former five-star signee John Emery Jr to the team. He had to sit out the 2021 campaign due to an eligibility issue. In the two seasons on the field, Emery tallied a total of 566 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Not exactly monster numbers in two seasons but he was splitting time with Ty Davis-Price in 2020 and the backup to Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2019.
Emery is viewed as the starter with some help from former Penn State running back Noah Cain, who transferred into the program. The team also has former Ohio ‘Mr. Football’ in sophomore Corey Kiner. You can add Armoni Goodwin, Tre Bradford, and Josh Williams to the mix. The team could also have a four-star freshman in the fold. TreVonte’ Citizen has yet to make up his mind as to where he will play in 2022. The Auburn Tigers and Florida Gators are among those in the mix for his commitment.
Regardless of whether Citizen signs with his home-state team or not, the running back room has plenty of talent. Emery, Cain, and Kiner are likely the three backs who could see the most playing time next season. This isn’t to take anything about from a wide receiver group that returns one of the best in the nation, Kayshon Boutte.
What about on the defensive side of the ball?