Tag: 2023 Football Player Profiles

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 11 Brian Thomas Jr.

After two seasons as a mostly rotational receiver, Brian Thomas Jr. could be poised to break out in 2023.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

We’re looking at a player in the receiver room who has shown a lot of signs of promise but is yet to put it all together in the form of a breakout campaign in Brian Thomas Jr. Entering a receiver room that he’s poised to be a leader in during his junior season, he has the potential to do just that in 2023.

Brian Thomas Jr. Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Walker, Louisiana

Ht: 6-3

Wt: 205

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four Stars | No. 4 in Louisiana | No. 13 receiver

Class in 2022: Sophomore

Career Stats

Year G Rec Yards Avg TDs
2021 12 28 359 12.8 2
2022 13 31 361 11.6 5


Depth Chart Overview

A former top-100 recruit coming out of high school, Thomas has made 25 appearances over the last two seasons with 15 starts. He’s had just moderate production in that time, and though his numbers didn’t skyrocket as a sophomore, he did finish fourth on the team in receptions, fifth in yards and second in touchdowns.

With [autotag]Kayshon Boutte[/autotag] and [autotag]Jaray Jenkins[/autotag] heading to the NFL while [autotag]Jack Bech[/autotag] transfers out, that room is much less crowded in 2023. Alongside one of the SEC’s top receivers in Malik Nabers, Thomas could be an impact player in that group.

There will be others competing for targets, though, such as [autotag]Chris Hilton[/autotag], [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] and Alabama transfer [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag]. The Tigers added a pair of highly-rated true freshmen as well in [autotag]Jalen Brown[/autotag] and [autotag]Shelton Sampson Jr.[/autotag]

Brian Thomas Jr.’s Photo Gallery

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 11 Jaxon Howard

True freshman Jaxon Howard joins a defensive line that has to replace a lot of talent at the edge this fall.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

It’s time to take a look at one of the biggest additions for the Tigers in the 2023 signing class. Four-star edge rusher [autotag]Jaxon Howard[/autotag] joins a talented LSU defensive line, but it’s also one that replaces talent at the edge and could create an opening for a true freshman to make an impact.

Jaxon Howard Preseason Player Profile

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 10 Denver Harris

Denver Harris was one of the top transfer portal options this offseason.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

Once again, LSU hit the transfer portal hard to find replacement options in the transfer portal, and arguably the biggest addition in that group is [autotag]Denver Harris[/autotag], a former five-star recruit who saw limited action in his one season at Texas A&M but has a lot of potential to develop on this LSU defense.

Denver Harris Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 183

247Sports Composite Ranking

Five Stars | No. 6 in Texas | No. 4 Cornerback

Class in 2022: Freshman

Career Stats

Year G Total Solo TFL Sack FF PD INT
2022 (Texas A&M) 5 14 10 0 0 0 3 0


Depth Chart Overview

The former five-star from Houston was a major piece of one of the best signing classes in history for the Aggies, but after a true freshman season in which he only saw the field in a limited role and played in just five games, he’s looking for a new beginning.

LSU has a lot of talent in the secondary, and he may be looking at another season in a more rotational role. However, he will compete with transfers [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] and [autotag]JK Johnson[/autotag], as well as returning cornerback [autotag]Laterrance Welch[/autotag], for a starting spot this fall.

Denver Harris’ Photo Gallery

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 10 Rickie Collins

The Baton Rouge native was the Tigers’ quarterback in the 2023 signing class.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

We’re taking a look at LSU’s quarterback addition in the 2023 signing class. [autotag]Rickie Collins[/autotag] is a Baton Rouge native who the Tigers flipped from Purdue, and though he’s likely heading toward a redshirt season this fall, he could see some action as a reserve.

Rickie Collins Preseason Player Profile

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 8 Malik Nabers

Malik Nabers is expected to be one of the best receivers in the country after a breakout 2022 season.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

We continue to break down LSU’s receiver room, and now we’ve reached the most anticipated player in that group. [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] had a breakout 2022 season, emerging as the favorite target of new quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag], and he enters 2023 expected to be one of the top receivers in the entire country.

Malik Nabers Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Youngsville, Louisiana

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 199

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four Stars | No. 8 in Louisiana | No. 39 Wide Receiver

Class in 2022: Sophomore

Career Stats

Year G Rec Yards TDs YPC
2021 11 28 417 4 14.9
2022 14 72 1,017 3 14.1


Depth Chart Overview

Nabers was an immediate impact player with the Tigers as a true freshman, appearing in 11 games and starting six. He finished in the top five of the team in terms of receptions, yards and touchdowns while earning Freshman All-SEC honors.

Entering his sophomore year, most of the eyes were on [autotag]Kayshon Boutte[/autotag] but it was ultimately Nabers who emerged as the top receiving target. He led the SEC in receptions and finished second in the league in yards, becoming just the 10th 1,000-yard receiver in LSU history.

He had a strong chemistry with Daniels, whose return bodes well for Nabers. He’s seen as one of the best receivers in the country this fall for good reason, and he should have another huge year for the Tigers.

Malik Nabers’ Photo Gallery

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 6 Shelton Sampson Jr.

The blue-chip wideout joins a talented receiver room, but the Baton Rouge native has the talent to make an impact as a true freshman for the Tigers this fall.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

We’re breaking down one of the biggest signees from the 2023 class in hometown prospect [autotag]Shelton Sampson Jr.[/autotag] The blue-chip wideout joins a talented receiver room, but the Baton Rouge native has the talent to make an impact on offense as a true freshman for the Tigers this fall.

Shelton Sampson Jr. Preseason Player Profile

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 5 Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels comes back for a fifth year to lead an LSU team with high expectations.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

We’re taking a look at a guy whose success will largely determine LSU’s at-large. Quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] was one of the more surprising players in the country last fall after transferring in from Arizona State, and he could be poised to be one of the nation’s top signal-callers as he returns for his fifth season as a starter.

Jayden Daniels Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: San Bernandino, California

Ht: 6-4

Wt: 205

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four Stars | No. 3 in California | No. 2 Dual-Threat Quarterback

Class in 2022: Senior

Career Stats

Year G Pct Yards Avg TD INT
2019 (Arizona State) 12 60.7 2,943 8.7 17 2
2020 (Arizona State) 4 58.3 701 8.3 5 1
2021 (Arizona State) 13 65.4 2,381 7.9 10 10
2022 14 68.6 2,913 7.5 17 3

Depth Chart Overview

A top-40 overall prospect coming out of high school, Daniels became an immediate starter as a true freshman at Arizona State. His first two seasons were promising, but he struggled quite a bit in 2021, opting to enter the transfer portal.

He landed at LSU, where he beat out [autotag]Myles Brennan[/autotag] and [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] for the starting quarterback job. He ultimately had his most productive season since his true freshman year last fall. In addition to his passing numbers, he totaled 885 rushing yards and 11 scores on the ground.

Daniels comes into 2023 as the clear-cut starter, though Nussmeier will likely see some action, as well. Expectations are high for Daniels, who is widely seen as one of the best returning quarterbacks in the SEC and even as a possible Heisman contender.

Jayden Daniels’ Photo Gallery

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 4 Harold Perkins

Harold Perkins is expected to become one of the best defensive players in the country this fall.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

We’re looking at one of the most anticipated players on the entire roster in [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag]. The linebacker and former five-star recruit had a breakout season in his first year with the Tigers, and he’s expected to become one of the nation’s top defensive players as a sophomore.

Harold Perkins Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

Ht: 6-1

Wt: 220

247Sports Composite Ranking

Five Stars | No. 2 in Texas | No. 2 Linebacker

Class in 2022: Freshman

Career Stats

Year G Total Solo TFL Sack FF PD INT
2022 14 72 39 13 7.5 4 2 1


Depth Chart Overview

Originally from New Orleans, Perkins played his high school ball in Cypress, Texas. He was committed to in-state Texas A&M but became a late flip for the Tigers, becoming the top recruit in Kelly’s transition class.

Perkins saw a lot of action as a true freshman, appearing in all 14 games with eight starts while emerging as the team’s top pass rusher. He finished as the team leader in tackles for loss and sacks, earning Freshman All-America honors while also taking home First Team All-SEC from the AP and Second Team by the coaches.

Perkins enters Year 2 poised to expand his role. He’s been working at off-ball linebacker and will likely be used as a weapon both rushing the passer off the edge and dropping back into coverage or stuffing runs from the middle.

Harold Perkins’ Photo Gallery

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 4 John Emery Jr.

John Emery Jr.’s status entering the fall is unclear after he has been away from the team focusing on academics.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

We’re looking at the biggest question mark in LSU’s running back room this season, [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] A former five-star recruit, Emery is a talented player that has shown flashes at times but hasn’t lived up to the expectations.

Academic issues have limited his ability to get on the field over the past couple of seasons, and it’s unclear if he’ll be with the team for his fifth season this fall.

John Emery Jr. Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: St. Rose, Louisiana

Ht: 5-10

Wt: 220

247Sports Composite Ranking

Five Stars | No. 2 in Louisiana | No. 2 Running Back

Class in 2022: Senior

Career Stats

Year G Att Yards YPA Rec Yards Total TDs
2019 10 38 188 4.8 6 60 4
2020 9 75 378 5.0 14 73 3
2021 (Suspended) – – – – – – –
2022 11 76 375 4.9 13 129 8


Depth Chart Overview

A former top-15 recruit nationally coming out of high school, Emery largely saw a rotational role in the running back room in his first two seasons, though he started three games as a sophomore in the COVID season in 2020.

Emery entered 2021 with high expectations but ultimately sat out the entire season due to academic suspension. He returned to the field in 2022, though he missed the first two games due to an extension of the suspension.

It ended up being his most productive season. He didn’t see a lot of carries on the ground but had a career-high in receiving with 13 catches for 129 yards. His eight total touchdowns (six rushing, two receiving) also marked a career-best.

Emery’s future with the team is unclear. He has been away from the program during the offseason as he focuses on academics, Kelly has said. The Tigers have been reticent to give updates on his status, and it’s unclear if he will be on the active roster this season.

John Emery Jr.’s Photo Gallery

2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 3 Logan Diggs

Logan Diggs joins a crowded running back room after starting eight games at Notre Dame last year.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

We’re looking at a late offseason transfer addition for LSU but one that should make a major impact on the field in 2023. The Tigers added former Notre Dame running back [autotag]Logan Diggs[/autotag] following the spring, and he’s hoping he can break through in a deep room following his reunion with Kelly in Baton Rouge.

Logan Diggs Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Boutte, Louisiana

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 216

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three Stars | No. 16 in Louisiana | No. 35 Running Back

Class in 2022: Sophomore

Career Stats

Year G Att Yards YPA Rec Yards Total TDs
2021 (Notre Dame) 8 52 230 4.4 6 56 4
2022 (Notre Dame) 12 165 822 5.0 10 211 6


Depth Chart Overview

A three-star recruit coming out of high school, the Louisiana native and Archbishop Rummel player ultimately signed with Kelly at Notre Dame. He appeared in eight games as a true freshman, making a moderate impact as a rotational running back.

Under new coach Marcus Freeman, his role expanded in 2022. He appeared in 12 games with eight starts, leading Fighting Irish running backs in carries and finishing second in yards.

Now he’s reuniting with Kelly, but he joins a crowded backfield that returns [autotag]Noah Cain[/autotag], [autotag]Armoni Goodwin[/autotag] and [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] while adding a couple of freshmen, as well. Still, Diggs should see a good amount of carries as one of the most game-tested of the bunch.

Logan Diggs’ Photo Gallery