Tag: Brian Thomas Jr

Watch Brian Thomas Jr.’s first NFL touchdown with Jacksonville Jaguars

Brian Thomas Jr. wasted little time making an impact in his rookie debut.

Former LSU receiver [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag], a first-round pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars this past spring, got the start in Sunday’s season opener against the Miami Dolphins. He wasted little time making an impact.

In the second quarter, Thomas caught his first career NFL touchdown on a 14-yard dart from Trevor Lawrence, tip-toeing to keep his feet in bounds in the back corner of the end zone.

It was Thomas’ third catch of the game, putting him at 29 total yards, and he seems to be an early favorite target for Lawrence in his rookie campaign as he was drafted to help offset the loss of a 1,000-yard receiver in Calvin Ridley.

https://twitter.com/LaurieFitzptrck/status/1832833771613094197

It wasn’t Thomas’ only impressive moment in the first half. Earlier in the game, he beat All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey on a deep route and drew a pass interference call in the end zone. He almost caught the ball anyway, but the penalty set up a one-yard touchdown for Travis Etienne.

https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1832834282861322503

The former Tigers star could be poised for a big rookie season in Jacksonville.

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These 5 stats defined LSU’s loss to USC

These five stats defined LSU’s opening-season loss to USC.

After a 27-20 loss to USC marked the fifth-straight season-opening loss for LSU, Tiger fans are getting used to beginning the year with a letdown.

It was an entertaining contest that featured two top 25 teams battling in the final seconds, but USC made the plays it needed to win the game.

It was our first look at a few new elements for LSU, including new coordinators on both sides of the ball. On offense, LSU fans got to see what the offense looked like without [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag], [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag]

It was a bag of mixed results for LSU across the board. With the game in the rearview mirror, it’s time to take a look at some numbers that defined the loss for LSU.

It’s just one game, so the sample size here isn’t huge and who knows if these trends will stick throughout the season, but these stats should be able to offer some insight into who LSU is in 2024.

Three plays of 20+ yards

LSU had just three plays of 20+ yards all night. The Tigers were able to move the ball, but the lack of explosiveness put pressure on the offense to string drives together. That’s hard to do when an offense is struggling to run the ball like LSU was.

Regression was expected after the otherworldly explosiveness numbers LSU posted in 2023, but LSU needed a couple of more big plays than it got in the second half.

Nussmeier found [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] for a gain of 41 yards late in the fourth quarter, but that was LSU’s lone explosive pass in the second half.

-0.22 EPA/rush

LSU led the country in EPA/rush last year with 0.29 per run. Much of that is credited to Daniels, but LSU got what it needed from its running backs too.

The run game took a step back on Sunday night. Outside of John Emery Jr.’s 39-yard burst, there wasn’t much happening for LSU.

This is something that should work itself out in time. The offensive line is still one of the best in the country and the RB room is talented, but it was an issue last night.

27% success rate in the red zone

LSU put itself in a position to score but didn’t take advantage. Two drives, in particular, stand out,

LSU marched down the field on the opening possession but stalled inside USC’s 10-yard line and turned it over on downs. A score could have put LSU up and in control of the game early.

In the fourth quarter, LSU was inside USC’s 15-yard line again but had to settle for a field goal and a tie when it couldn’t finish the drive.

If LSU manages a TD on either of those drives, we are talking about a different result.

Garrett Nussmeier’s 88.1 QBR

We’ll take a look at a positive number here. Garrett Nussmeier’s 88.1 QBR was No. 16 in the country this week, a fine number for a QB making his second-career start.

He surpassed 300 yards and threw for two scores. In the first half, his connection with Kyren Lacy looked strong, connecting seven times for 94 yards. Nussmeier looked comfortable with Mason Taylor too.

The only knock was the previously discussed lack of explosive plays, but part of that is on LSU for not taking those shots.

Eight tackles for a loss

LSU struggled to get stops when it needed on defense, but the front seven played well,

LSU generated eight tackles for loss on Sunday night and held USC to 3.67 yards per carry and -0.21 EPA/rush.

There were concerns about LSU’s defensive line, but the Tigers held their own on the interior and remained competitive on the edge.

Tiger fans should feel better about LSU’s interior defensive line moving forward.

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Stock Up, Stock Down: LSU falls to USC, loses another season opener

Let’s look at who saw their stock rise and who saw their stock fall in the season-opening loss.

The 2024 football season is finally here. On Sunday night, No. 13 LSU kicked off the season against No. 23 USC in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. After an entertaining game and a lead going into the fourth quarter, USC came out on top 27-20.

Let’s look at who saw their stock rise and who saw their stock fall in this game.

Stock Down: The streak continues

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

This game went back and forth for four quarters as LSU looked to get their first season-opening win since 2019, but the streak continued after the Tigers lost to USC on a late field goal. [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] is now 0-3 in season openers while at LSU.

Stock Up: Kyren Lacy

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

With the loss of [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] to the first round of the NFL Draft, LSU needed a new star wide receiver. There has been a lot of buzz during fall camp around how great Lacy has been. He got his season off to a great start tonight.

Stock Up: Blake Baker

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Hallelujah. Tiger fans you can rejoice. LSU has a defensive coordinator who is not afraid to send the house. The coverage was still rough at times but the front seven was flying all over the field.

Stock Up: Garrett Nussmeier

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The gunslinger made his second start for the Tigers tonight in a tough season-opening matchup. He showed his prowess as he was calm, cool, and collected in the face of the Trojan pass rush. He finished the game 29-for-38 with 304 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Stock Down: 4th Quarter performance

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Entering the fourth quarter, the Tigers had a 17-13 lead over the Trojans. LSU looked to close the game out and come up with their first season-opening win since 2019, but LSU was dominated in the final quarter. USC outgained the Tigers 179-66 and outscored LSU 14-3 to win the game.

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LSU Wire Roundtable: Staff makes its picks for season-opener against USC in Las Vegas

Here’s how we see LSU’s season-opener against the Trojans playing out.

After months of discussion, practice and waiting, it’s finally time to begin the 2024 college football season.

LSU will be opening its campaign in the standalone Sunday night game in Week 1 as it heads to Las Vegas to take on USC at Allegiant Stadium in a battle of preseason ranked opponents that still face quite a few questions entering the season.

The winner will get a nice springboard into a tough conference schedule as the two College Football Playoff hopefuls look to separate themselves early. The loser will have to overcome an early slump as the schedule doesn’t get any easier.

Here’s how our staff here at LSU Wire sees the game vs. the Trojans playing out as the Tigers look to capture their first season-opening win since 2019.

Tyler Nettuno, Managing Editor

This may be the toughest game on the entire Week 1 slate to predict. Both these teams have so many questions, and they come in similar areas. USC did more in the offseason to improve a shoddy defense than LSU did, and both have questions on offense as Heisman-winning quarterbacks move on. But even with the losses, I believe in this LSU offense and [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag]. I’m skeptical about the rest, but that’s enough for me to give the Tigers the edge here.

Prediction: LSU 31, USC 24

Will Rosenblatt, Staff Writer

LSU hasn’t won a season opener since 2019. LSU’s managed 10-win in Brian Kelly’s first two years, but two season-opening losses to Florida State put LSU behind the eight ball. This year, LSU is looking to flip that script and buy some margin for error with a Week 1 win. Replacing [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag], [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag], and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] won’t come easy, but Garrett Nussmeier is ready for his chance to lead the offense. The defense will struggle, but Blake Baker’s aggressive play-calling will lead to some negative plays for USC.

Prediction: LSU 31, USC 26

Kyle Richardson, Staff Writer

I am a firm believer in the LSU offense this year and I think that Blake Baker will improve the defense in a huge way this fall.

Prediction: LSU 56, USC 35

Composite Prediction

Prediction: LSU 39, USC 28

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LSU receiver CJ Daniels discusses why he left Liberty for LSU

LSU wide receiver CJ Daniels on why he transferred to LSU.

When LSU receiver [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] spoke to the media last week, he revealed why he decided to transfer to LSU.

“For me, I was looking to play at the highest level. It’s every kid’s dream and I think LSU was the perfect spot for me, just because of the legacy of receivers. I’ve been an LSU fan just based on the receivers that come in and out of here,” Daniels said.

Daniels embraces the opportunity to catch passes from LSU QB [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] too.

“That’s my guy,” Daniels said of Nussmeier, “I can ask him about anything, whether it’s on the field or off the field. We’ve been doing a lot behind the scenes that’s helping our chemistry and I’m really excited for this upcoming season that he’s going to have.”

According to On3, Daniels was the No. 100 ranked transfer this cycle. That makes him LSU’s top-rated transfer of the cycle.

Daniels took some time to adjust as he got acclimated in the spring, but he’s taken control of a starting spot in fall camp. Daniels, alongside [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] and [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag], has a chance to form one of the top receiving trios in the SEC.

LSU needs it after losing [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] to the NFL draft.

By all accounts, Daniels is ready to play at an SEC level. His numbers at Liberty were some of the most efficient in the sport and he adds needed experience to LSU’s WR group.

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Watch: Thomas, Engram go long at Jaguars vs. Buccaneers joint practice

Watch: Thomas, Engram go long at Jaguars vs. Buccaneers joint practice

The Jaguars’ offense came out firing in Jacksonville’s second and final joint practice with Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence uncorked a pair of deep passes to starting Jacksonville pass-catchers, rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and tight end Evan Engram, in the early session of team drills against the Buccaneers defense.

Jaguars Wire caught both pitch-and-catches on camera. Watch those clips below.

Operating from the slot, Thomas released inside into a seam route and burned rookie Buccaneers defensive back Tykee Smith immediately upon shifting north.

Lawrence threw Thomas open by placing the pass inside and away from the defenders trailing the receiver, trusting the rookie would maintain his separation. Thomas did, and he tracked the ball in perfectly while between the hashes. He jogged into the end zone untouched from there.

Before the practice, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson praised Thomas for his development throughout his debut training camp and preseason with the club.

In a fashion similar to his big practice catch Thursday, Thomas hauled in a deep pass from backup quarterback C.J. Beathard for the first in-game (albeit preseason) reception of his NFL career on Saturday, a 41-yard gain against Kansas City.

“He’s been doing a really nice job. It showed up a couple of plays in the game last week and then this week in practice,” Pederson said.

“He continues to grow, and just he and Trevor keep talking and working. That’s what’s going to take, you’re not going to be a finished product right away, but if he continues to improve and just learn with the offense, grow with the offense. But he’s been doing a really good job.”

Engram’s reception did not go as long as Thomas’, but he similarly had green grass ahead of him after finding an opening between Buccaneers safety Kaevon Merriweather and linebacker Lavonte David up the seam.

Lawrence dropped the pass right over David’s head and into Engram’s hands, about 30 yards down the field.

Kickoff between the Jaguars and Buccaneers is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville.

How LSU rookies performed in their first preseason games

Here’s how LSU’s rookies performed in their preseason debuts.

The NFL preseason is underway. As we get closer to playing football that matters, we’re getting our first real look at rookies on a professional field.

As usual, LSU has several former players starting their NFL careers in 2024. The Tigers’ draft class was headlined by QB [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag], who the Washington Commanders selected with the No. 2 overall pick. Daniels was joined in the first round by receivers [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag]

Later in the draft, three defensive tackles were taken out of LSU. The Jaguars took [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] and [autotag]Jordan Jefferson[/autotag] while [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] landed in Detroit with the Lions.

Five of the six made their preseason debut in the last several days with Jefferson being the only holdout.

LSU’s put a few stars in the NFL in recent years and there’s hope this group produces a few more. Here’s how they performed in their pro debuts, starting with Daniels.

Jayden Daniels

Daniels played just one series but made a strong impression in a few plays. In three dropbacks, Daniels completed two passes for 45 yards.

We saw Daniels excel with ball placement downfield last year and it was more of the same in his pro debut.

The drive was capped with a Daniels rushing score.

Malik Nabers

Nabers played 12 snaps in his debut, but he wasn’t targeted, leaving his stat line empty.

Despite the numbers, Nabers ran routes at an NFL level. If New York can get him the ball, he’ll make plays in 2024.

Brian Thomas Jr.

Thomas wasted no time putting his perimeter playmaking skills on display. His lone catch was a 42-yard shot down the sideline that saw Thomas fight for position to haul it in as he went to the ground.

Thomas posted an impressive 79.2 PFF grade in limited action.

Mekhi Wingo

Wingo played 31 defensive snaps in his debut with Detroit. He didn’t record a tackle but he did manage one pressure.

After the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke highly of Wingo’s performance.

Maason Smith

Maason Smith played 21 snaps in his first game and according to PFF, was the 11th best-graded rookie defensive tackle in the first week. Smith was only on the field for nine rush plays, so it was tough to make an impact there.

Like Wingo, he added one QB pressure.

How did some of the UDFAs do?

The draft picks weren’t the only LSU rookies to make their debut. LSU had some undrafted free agents take to the field as well.

[autotag]Charles Turner III[/autotag] played 10 snaps for the Patriots and allowed two pressures but still posted a 75.0 PFF pass block grade.

[autotag]Ovie Oghoufo[/autotag] made a good first impression, recording four tackles, a pressure, and a batted pass for the Giants.

Linebacker [autotag]Omar Speights[/autotag] was one of the top-graded rookie linebackers after making four tackles and pressuring the quarterback twice with the Rams.

In his debut with the Eagles, safety [autotag]Andre Sam[/autotag] played 19 snaps and made a tackle.

As for players who didn’t play, Jefferson and [autotag]Noah Cain[/autotag] are awaiting their debuts.

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Brian Kelly expects big things from LSU WR Chris Hilton Jr. in 2024

After three years battling injuries and being buried on the depth chart, Chris Hilton Jr. could be poised to break out in 2024.

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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COLUMN: Kyren Lacy snubbed from Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list

Kyren Lacy was left off the Biletnikoff Award watch list. Here’s why that was a mistake.

It’s watch list season. With the 2024 college football campaign fast approaching, awards are starting to release the players they have an eye on entering the year.

The Biletnikoff Award, given to the best receiver in college football, released their list. Noticeably, LSU receiver [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] was absent. One Tiger did make the cut, and that’s Liberty transfer [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag].

It’s easy to see why Daniels caught the Biletnikoff’s attention. He posted a 1,000-yard season with Liberty last year and was one of the most efficient receivers in the sport.

But for the entirety of the offseason, there’s been no doubt about LSU’s WR1. It’s [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag]. With [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] gone, Lacy is the next star WR expected to emerge at LSU.

Lacy began to turn heads in the spring with a dominant spring practice and has continued that into fall camp. If he has the year LSU is expecting in this offense, Lacy will be in the Biletnikoff discussion.

Lacy is a fifth-year receiver who began his career at Louisiana. It’s rare to see a fifth-year player without an elite season generating this much hype, but the WR depth chart was clogged up by future NFL players over the last two years.

When Lacy got his chances, he made the most of them. He averaged 18.6 yards per catch, ranking third in the SEC. He caught seven touchdowns on just 30 catchers and showed an ability to play outside and in the slot. Lacy averaged 7.5 yards after the catch, one of the best marks in the SEC.

All the makings of a No. 1 receiver are here. A lot of the same could be said for Daniels, but Daniels didn’t cement a starting spot in the spring. Lacy’s led the room the whole way.

Setting fair expectations for Lacy is hard. 1,200 yards might be a lot to ask of a guy with a career-high of 557, but LSU is expecting its offense to pick up where it left off last year. That leaves a lot of production to go around.

Expect Lacy to get the bulk of it and perform like one of the best receivers in the country.

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Watch Brian Thomas Jr.’s first NFL reception with Jacksonville Jaguars

Brian Thomas Jr. was targeted two times during the Jaguars’ preseason game against the Chiefs, and he hauled in one catch for 41 yards. 

Another star from LSU’s offense in 2023 made his NFL debut recently. This time it was [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Thomas was targeted two times during the Jaguars preseason game against the Chiefs and he hauled in one catch for 41 yards.

Thomas Jr. was a key contributor for LSU last season as he and [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] were two of the best wide receivers in the country. Thomas Jr. had 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns. Those stats led to him being the No. 23 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jags needed some help at wide receiver for Trevor Lawrence as Calvin Ridley left in the offseason. Thomas comes in at 6-foot-4, 205-pounds and he provides a deep threat for the Jags that they have been searching for. The future looks bright for Thomas in Jacksonville.

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