Tag: PJ Woodland

LSU player ratings updated in EA Sports’ College Football 25

Here’s how Tigers players saw their ratings change in the latest roster update.

We’ve all been busy for the last few months building our dynasties and winning championships at underperforming programs in EA Sports’ College Football 25. But now, for the first time since the game’s release, we’ve seen an update to player ratings based on their real-life performances.

LSU was no exception, with quite a few players seeing bumps in their ratings — though some, such as safety [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag], saw their ratings decrease. The biggest risers come among young players who are seeing action as freshmen, such as cornerback [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] (+5) and defensive lineman [autotag]Ahmad Breaux[/autotag] (+4).

Players like [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag], [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] and [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] all saw ratings boosts, as well. Here are all the players who saw their ratings change in the latest update to CFB 25.

Ratings Updates

  • TE Mason Taylor – 92 (+2)
  • WR Kyren Lacy – 88 (+1)
  • QB Garrett Nussmeier – 87 (+2)
  • WR Chris Hilton Jr. – 81 (+2)
  • CB Ashton Stamps – 80 (+2)
  • WR Aaron Anderson – 80 (+1)
  • FS Kylin Jackson – 79 (+3)
  • FS Austin Ausberry – 78 (+4)
  • QB Rickie Collins – 78 (+1)
  • CB JK Johnson – 78 (+1)
  • FS Jordan Allen – 78 (-1)
  • RG Paul Mubenga – 75 (+4)
  • RG Kimo Makane’ole – 75 (-1)
  • CB PJ Woodland – 74 (+5)
  • DT Ahmad Breaux – 74 (+4)
  • LG Bo Bordelon – 74 (+1)
  • HB Ju’Juan Johnson – 74 (+1)
  • C Coen Echols – 72 (-2)

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5 overreactions a month into the 2024 LSU football season

LSU is four games into its season. Here are five overreactions.

We’re 25% of the way through the college football season. It doesn’t feel like a lot, but the season is moving fast.

That means it’s time for some overreactions. We’re at an interesting point in the year when it comes to analysis. We have ample data points to make real conclusions, but the majority of teams are far from a finished project.

There’s a lot we think we know that will turn out to be completely wrong come November. But that shouldn’t deter us from jumping to conclusions and overreactions.

Here, we’ll look at five overreactions that can be made after LSU’s first four games. There was a lot we didn’t know about LSU entering the year, but the first month of the season told us a lot about this team.

Of course, it brought some more questions too, especially with the key injuries to [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag], [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]Jacobian Guillory[/autotag] creating uncertainty at some positions.

Here are five overreactions after LSU’s first four games.

LSU can’t run the ball

LSU made a living on explosive runs but the 2024 lacks the same firepower. Most of that is due to the loss of [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag]’ rushing ability. He was one of the most elusive players in college football — an explosive play waiting to happen.

LSU’s struggled to create the same plays without him. With a running back-centric approach, LSU’s run game is off to an inconsistent start.

LSU had just seven successful runs against USC for a success rate of 27%. Against Nicholls, that total increased to eight.

The last two weeks have shown some improvement with Caden Durham’s performance against South Carolina while [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag] and [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] both averaged over four yards per carry against UCLA.

LSU’s ground game was serviceable against UCLA, but there was only one run of 10+ yards. That explosiveness element still isn’t there. On the year, LSU ranks 27th in explosive run rate.

It’s understandable LSU would take a step back in this department without Daniels, but consistency is needed if LSU wants to compete for a spot in the 12-team playoff.

The secondary is too young

LSU is relying on young players across the defense, but especially in the secondary.

At corner, [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] is a true sophomore. [autotag]JK Johnson[/autotag] is a veteran by age but has just one year of real experience and it was at Ohio State in 2022. Next up at corner is [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag], a true freshman.

[autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] offers a veteran presence, but he’s been in and out of the lineup with injury issues.

USC took advantage of this group in LSU’s week one loss. LSU has gotten away with facing lesser passing offenses the last three weeks, but the Tigers will see high-powered attacks in SEC play.

It’s a talented bunch, but it’s fair to ask if this secondary is ready to compete at the highest level.

Garrett Nussmeier can win the Heisman

Four games in, Nussmeier ranks second in the FBS with 13 touchdowns and seventh with 1,247 yards. He’s shown up in big moments when LSU needed it against South Carolina and USC.

He’s not quite in the Heisman conversation, but his numbers are good enough to make a run if the opportunity presents itself. Last year, it took Daniels some time to build his campaign before emerging as a clear favorite.

Nussmeier will get a chance for a signature win against Ole Miss in a few weeks. If he puts up gaudy numbers there, Nussmeier’s name could start being tossed out there.

LSU’s defensive tackle room is in a good spot

Before the year, Guillory was considered a “can’t lose” player for LSU. Well, the Tigers lost him for the year after an injury in week two.

LSU did its best to build up the defensive tackle room over the summer, but questions circled. Guillory was the only returning DT with LSU experience.

Luckily for the Tigers, depth is emerging now. This room is not the problem many thought it would be.

True freshmen Dominick McKinley and Ahmad Breaux both look ready to contribute, and Wisconsin transfer Gio Paez is playing competent football under the tutelage of defensive line coach Bo Davis.

There’s also Jay’Viar Suggs, who made the most of his limited action against UCLA.

LSU should be cautiously optimistic about this group moving forward.

Whit Weeks will save the defense

Without Perkins, there are questions about LSU’s linebacker core. Perkins was a playmaker and had rare speed and athleticism for the position.

Now, LSU will count on Whit Weeks to replace that production. Weeks provides some of that versatility that Perkins did. He’s athletic enough to drop into coverage or come after the quarterback. He’s still a young player, but he’s showing All-SEC flashes.

LSU DC Blake Baker needs to make the most of Weeks if this LSU defense is going to figure it out.

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Changes expected on LSU’s defense ahead of South Carolina game

LSU’s defense will look different when it meets South Carolina on Saturday morning.

As LSU enters conference play against South Carolina, the Tigers are tinkering with the defensive personnel.

The most notable of which is at the linebacker spot, where LSU will showcase more 4-3 looks. Expect to see [autotag]Greg Penn III[/autotag], [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] and [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag] on the field together.

LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said Weeks is too good to be a rotational player, indicating he’s too good to keep off the field.

In those 4-3 looks, LSU has the option to move [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] to safety, his traditional position. Burns has played DC Blake Baker’s STAR spot so far in 2024.

Another change is increased playing time for [autotag]Dashawn Spears[/autotag]. The four-star true freshman continues to draw rave reviews and it’s getting harder for LSU to keep him off the field.

LSU will have to balance that with [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] moving. The return of cornerback [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] provides LSU with a veteran option on the outside and the Tigers feel more comfortable bumping Ryan back to safety.

Another beneficiary of Ryan’s move is [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag]. The true freshman corner played just nine snaps against USC but got the start in Week 2 and played 26 snaps vs. Nicholls.

On the defensive line, following the injury to [autotag]Jacobian Guillory[/autotag], LSU is moving [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] back inside. Shand played defensive tackle at Arizona before shifting to defensive end when arriving at LSU. But LSU needs the depth up the middle and Shand has the size to make an impact at the position.

The general takeaway is LSU finding a way to get its best 11 players on the field, even if it means making some moves.

LSU fans will get their first look at the changes when LSU and South Carolina kick it off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday morning.

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LSU vs South Carolina: What to watch for as Tigers open SEC play

Can LSU get it going on the ground? How does LSU manage personnel on defense? Here’s what to watch for when LSU faces South Carolina.

2024 continues to be a mirror image of 2023 for the LSU Tigers football team.

Both years opened with a neutral site loss on Sunday night to a big-name opponent. Both seasons followed that up with a Week 2 win over a Louisiana FCS school. Now, Week 3 features an SEC road trip against a team projected to finish near the bottom of the SEC.

Last year it was Mississippi State. This year, LSU travels further east to face South Carolina.

According to BetMGM, LSU is a seven-point favorite. A smaller line than the double-digit look-ahead spread posted in the summer. The loss to USC and first-half struggles against Nicholls brought the skeptics out, but head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] reiterated his confidence in this team.

South Carolina shouldn’t be a measuring stick for LSU, but the Tigers need to show they can take care of business on the road against a less talented squad.

Here’s what to watch for when LSU and South Carolina kick off on Saturday.

When LSU has the ball

When LSU’s on offense, I’ll be looking for two things:

  1. Can LSU run the ball?
  2. Can LSU generate explosive plays?

The fact that we have to ask the first question is a surprise. LSU’s offensive line was projected to be one of the nation’s best, and while it has held up in pass protection, LSU is yet to get a consistent push on the ground.

LSU ranks 112th nationally in rushing success rate and 89th with 3.93 yards per carry. Both marks are below the gaudy numbers posted last year and short of what’s expected of a team with this much talent.

The Tigers miss [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag]’ dual-threat ability and lack a feature running back, but with two first-round tackles and veteran guards, the offensive line should be creating lanes.

South Carolina’s defensive front is strong, but it’s better at rushing the passer than it is at stopping the run. The Gamecocks stuff rate is in the 23rd percentile and their EPA/rush allowed is slightly above average.

If LSU can’t run the ball on Saturday, it signals concern for the remainder of 2024.

As for the second question, LSU needs to be more explosive. The Tigers are one or two more explosive plays from being 2-0. LSU struggled in the red zone vs. USC and the easiest way to fix that is scoring before you even get there.

LSU’s offense made its living on deep shots to [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] in 2023. I understand the personnel is different, but Nussmeier has the arm to push it down the field.

With a defense that’s still finding its way, LSU needs to be explosive enough to keep up in a potential shootout.

Following the USC loss, Kelly said LSU needs to keep [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] involved throughout the game. We’ll see if OC [autotag]Joe Sloan[/autotag] dials anything up for his top receiver on Saturday.

When South Carolina has the ball

That Week 3 game against Mississippi State was LSU’s best defensive performance in 2023. The Tigers took advantage of a defense that wasn’t as talented.

It didn’t mean much the rest of the year as the unit regressed back to what it was in the Week 1 loss to Florida State, but it showed LSU had the pieces to bully a less talented team.

LSU hopes for a similar result tomorrow.

South Carolina’s offense struggled last year and then lost Spencer Rattler and Xavier Leggette — its top two players. Rebuilding a unit is hard, especially when you lose the stars.

LaNorris Sellers took over for Rattler and is yet to show anything particularly impressive. The offensive line is improved, but they didn’t have to do much to cross the low bar set in 2023. When it comes to the pass catchers, South Carolina is still searching for the next WR1 after Leggette’s departure.

This is the rare opportunity for the LSU defense to face an SEC offense with an equal amount of questions and concerns.

I’ll be keeping an eye on how LSU manages its personnel. Kelly said that linebacker [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] is too good to keep off the field and we could see [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] play some safety, allowing LSU to get three backers on the field.

On the backend, [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] is expected to play safety, opening time for [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] and [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] at corner.

LSU needs to ensure this isn’t the game South Carolina figures it out. The Tigers have the talent and speed to get stops here.

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5 takeaways from LSU’s win over Nicholls State in Week 2

LSU is in the win column in 2024. Here are five takeaways from the Tigers win over Nicholls.

LSU football got its first win of the 2024 campaign as the Tigers returned home to host Nicholls State on Saturday night. Brian Kelly’s group took some time to find their footing, but LSU pulled away in the second half for a final score of 44-21.

It was the opening night for Tiger Stadium’s 100th anniversary season and Tiger fans were treated to a brand new video board, new LED lights, and an improved sound system.

On the field, LSU QB [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] led the way with six touchdowns. Three of those went to WR [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag], who paired the scores with five catches for 65 yards.

LSU is still waiting for its run game to wake up, with [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag] pacing the team with just 19 yards apiece.

It was a thrilling day around the sport, but luckily for Tiger fans, LSU avoided the chaos.

The win should help stabilize LSU as it opens conference play against South Carolina next week. Here are five takeaways from LSU’s win over Nicholls State.

Sloppy start for the Tigers

LSU expects to have its way with an FCS opponent. That’s not what happened in the first half and it was another sloppy start for the Tigers.

LSU picked up a first down but failed to score on the first drive. The offense eventually picked it up, but it wasn’t smooth sailing the first two quarters.

The bigger concern was on the defensive side of the ball. Nicholls was more physical than LSU up front, methodically moving down the field and controlling the football.

Nicholls didn’t throw a single incompletion in the first half and LSU didn’t do much to make the Colonels uncomfortable.

The first half was capped with a special teams error as [autotag]Damian Ramos[/autotag] pushed a field goal right.

A few injury scares

You want to exit these buy games healthy, but LSU had a few scares on Saturday night.

Nussmeier and Lacy both left the game to receive attention from the trainers. Both players returned, but seeing two key pieces on the sideline wasn’t a welcome sight for LSU fans.

The bigger concern is defensive tackle [autotag]Jacobian Guillory[/autotag], who left the game and was later seen in a cast and wheelchair.

LSU is already thin at defensive tackle and Guillory is the only proven DT on the roster. If LSU is without Guillory for an extended period of time, it changes the outlook for LSU up front.

Ju’Juan Johnson makes his RB debut

[autotag]Ju’Juan Johnson[/autotag] has played running back for just a few days, but you wouldn’t know that if you saw him on the field Saturday.

Johnson was a QB in high school and recruited as a DB, but with LSU’s RB growing thin, the Tigers are giving Johnson a shot. He was involved early on Saturday night, getting his first touch on LSU’s second drive.

Later in the half, Johnson caught a pass and made a few defenders miss. Not long after that, Nussmeier found Johnson for a score.

Johnson is no stranger to having the ball in his hands. He was a star quarterback at the high school level, after all.

We’ll get a better idea of LSU’s plans for Johnson next week. Were the Tigers just using an FCS opponent to get him some reps or does he factor into LSU’s rotation in conference play?

Aaron Anderson continues to emerge

We knew Lacy, [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] and [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] would factor into this offense, but there was suspense surrounding LSU’s fourth receiver.

[autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] was the obvious candidate, but he’s missed the first two games with an injury. In Hilton’s absence, [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] has stepped up,

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said the redshirt sophomore had a breakout game last week and Anderson produced again on Saturday night. The numbers weren’t gaudy, but Anderson caught five passes for 63 yards.

LSU doesn’t need Anderson to be a gamebreaker, but he’s on pace for a 762 yard season after two games. That’ll do.

Questions remain entering conference play

LSU got it together in the second half, but there will be anxiety entering conference play. LSU’s SEC schedule gets underway with a road trip to South Carolina next week. The Gamecocks impressed on Saturday with an emphatic win over Kentucky.

If South Carolina repeats that performance and LSU comes out flat again, LSU won’t like the result next week.

LSU should feel good about its passing game, but health at receiver is a minor concern. The run game is the biggest question on LSU’s offense. The depth at RB is worth monitoring and LSU’s offensive line will be tested again next week after it struggled against USC.

On defense, LSU is still working out its rotation in the secondary. LSU likes what it has with [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] and [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] at corner, but both are young and mistakes are inevitable.

Up front, the Guillory injury complicates things even further.

LSU’s ceiling is still the College Football Playoff, but its impossible not to ask a few questions after LSU’s 1-1 start.

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5 takeaways from LSU football’s season-opening loss to USC

LSU football dropped a fifth-straight season opener on Sunday night. This time it was a 27-20 loss to Lincoln Riley and USC.

Another kickoff, another letdown for LSU. For the fifth straight year, LSU dropped its season opener. All five losses came at the hands of power conference opponents, all in games where LSU was favored.

This time, it was USC’s turn to deliver the season-opening blow to LSU. Lincoln Riley’s offense marched down the field in the final minute to break a 20-20 tie with a Woody Marks touchdown. LSU got the ball back with eight seconds left, but a [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] interception sealed a 27-20 win for USC.

LSU had several chances to take control of this game in the second half, but USC stuck around and eventually made the plays in the fourth quarter. The Tigers lacked the signature explosive plays that made the 2023 offense the best unit in the country and [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag]’ legs were sorely missed.

Brian Kelly entered his third year at LSU with high hopes. With the playoff expanding to 12, postseason hopes aren’t completely dashed, but LSU’s margin for error is slim the rest of the way.

Nussmeier finished with 304 yards and two touchdowns while John Emery led LSU on the ground with 10 carries for 64 yards.

Here are five takeaways from LSU’s loss to USC.

Garrett Nussmeier meets expectations

It’s hard to put this loss on Nussmeier. The redshirt junior was impressive, completing 29 of 38 passes for 304 yards and two scores. Nussmeier looked like a veteran, checking calls at the line of scrimmage and taking what the USC defense gave him.

Nussmeier protected the football and did a fine job taking calculated risks. [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] and [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] got the bulk of the targets, but Nussmeier spread it around and threw at 11 different Tigers.

USC did a good job disguising its pressures, which caused trouble for LSU at times, but Nussmeier handled it and got the ball out. He made throws within the pocket and delivered some balls on the run too.

Despite the loss, LSU should feel good about its passing attack.

LSU struggles to establish the run

Without Daniels, there were questions about how LSU would generate explosive plays on the ground. The Tigers struggled to accomplish that on Sunday night.

There were flashes, but the rushing attack was inconsistent. [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag], the two backs expected to lead LSU’s RB room, averaged 3.4 yards per carry. Nussmeier was a nonfactor on the ground.

[autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] injected life in the second half and finished with 10 carries for 61 yards, but that was about the only positive takeaway in this department.

It’s possible this was just a bad night, but LSU is supposed to have the best offensive line in the country. That should be reevaluated moving forward.

Secondary remains an issue

LSU was plagued by a young and injury-riddled secondary last year. Sunday night wasn’t quite as bad as 2023, but it wasn’t good.

[autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] and [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] had a few highlight plays at cornerback, but USC continued to take advantage of one-on-one matchups on the outside.

The nail in the coffin came when Miller Moss found Kyron Hudson on the final drive. LSU corner Sage Ryan failed to redirect Hudson and Moss found a window.

Earlier in the half, Moss found Ja’Kobi Lane one-on-one with Stamps for a score.

LSU will face more talented receivers when it gets into conference play. Right now, that looks like trouble.

LSU struggles to find explosive plays

LSU was the most explosive offense in the country last year, but the big plays didn’t come at the same clip on Sunday night.

We knew LSU would regress some here after the gaudy numbers put up in 2023, but according to GameOnPaper, LSU had just one explosive play on the ground.

LSU created four big plays through the air, but it missed the 50-yard bomb we’d see from Daniels and [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] last year.

Without the big plays, pressure was put on LSU to sustain drives. That was tough without a consistent run game.

Another season-opening loss

LSU fans are probably getting tired of starting 0-1. The last time LSU won a season opener, [autotag]Joe Burrow[/autotag] was throwing passes.

Again, LSU’s season isn’t over with the playoff expanding, but LSU will have to overperform against a tough SEC schedule if it has postseason hopes.

The schedule is favorable, relative to what other SEC teams face, but it’s by no means easy.

LSU has a lot to fix if Kelly hopes to avoid falling short of expectations again.

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What Brian Kelly said as LSU kicked off fall camp on Thursday

Brian Kelly addressed the media following LSU’s first practice of fall camp on Thursday.

The complete 2024 LSU Tigers football team took the field for the first time on Thursday as it kicked off fall camp.

We’re now exactly one month out from LSU’s season opener against USC in Las Vegas as it looks to take a step forward and compete for a college football playoff spot this season. There’s a lot of optimism surrounding this roster, but there are quite a few questions, as well.

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] led off training camp with a press conference addressing his squad entering Year 3 in Baton Rouge. Here are the highlights from what he had to say as the Tigers begin a crucial fall camp.

Sage Ryan playing cornerback

LSU’s reputation as DBU has lost some luster in recent years, but one of the more recent five-star defensive backs they’ve landed was [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag]. He emerged down the stretch in 2023, starting nine games at both corner and nickel.

He’s expected to play safety this year after spending all spring at the position, but Ryan was back at corner as camp began on Thursday. Kelly emphasized Ryan’s versatility and said they wanted to get him exposure as they feel he can play both positions.

“We’re cross-training him… We wanted the entire spring to be at safety,” Kelly said. “We feel like he’ll become that one player who could play both positions for us.”

TE Trey’Dez Green learning quickly

The four-star true freshman tight end was a late bloomer in football and will also play basketball for the Tigers. But Kelly said that physically, Green looks like he belongs on the field and has picked things up quickly on the mental side as well.

Kelly wouldn’t guarantee that Green will see the field in Year 1, but he thinks the young tight end could be on his way.

“He’s picked things up very well for a guy who has not played this game very long… It has not been a very difficult transition for him,” Kelly said. “That bodes well for players that are in their first year.”

WR Kyren Lacy stepping into No. 1 role nicely

Perhaps the biggest question surrounding the entire team will be whether the Tigers can replace a pair of first-round receivers in [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag]

There’s talent in the receiver room, however, and [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] in particular has been tabbed as a player who could step up in his third season with LSU and fifth season overall after he transferred from UL-Lafayette.

Kelly said Lacy has taken up the mantle of being the No. 1 option and the responsibility that comes with it.

“I would say that he has embraced that,” Kelly said. “Some guys don’t embrace it, they just continue to be who they are. He’s embraced that and wants to be that next great wide receiver at LSU. We have such a great tradition, so he wants to live up to that standard.

“I’ve seen a great deal of growth… It’s been fun to watch that maturation.”

CB PJ Woodland searching for more consistency

[autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] was just a three-star prospect coming out of high school, but the true freshman early enrollee turned heads during spring ball and entered fall camp expected to compete for a starting job on the outside.

Kelly cautioned some patience, however, and said that while the staff loves Woodland’s potential, he needs to be more consistent to earn regular playing time in Year 1.

“I think we’re at a point in Day 1 where it’s truly about the consistency of performance. We like PJ and we love his competitiveness. But if you remember, he made a great play, and then the next play, we threw the ball over his head.

“With young players, we’re looking for consistency, and he has got a huge upside. And he is going to be a really good player in the SEC. But in the SEC, you make one play, they’re coming right back at you, and they’re going to test you.”

Kelly added that the same is true for other young defensive backs competing for playing time, such as sophomore [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag].

Javien Toviano reinstated

Sophomore cornerback [autotag]Javien Toviano[/autotag], who was expected to compete for a starting job, was suspended indefinitely last month after his arrest for video voyeurism.

Kelly said that Toviano was reinstated Thursday and will be a part of the team for fall camp as he works his way back into the fold.

“Javien’s been reinstated by the university,” Kelly said. “He’s back in football activities and we’ll kinda get him going again and back in the mix, and obviously he’ll be a competitive player for us.”

The legal situation with Toviano remains ongoing.

Zy Alexander is totally cleared

LSU doesn’t return many proven veterans in the secondary, but [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] is one of them. The Southeastern Louisiana transfer impressed last season before suffering a season-ending torn ACL on an interception return.

After missing the spring, Alexander is back for the fall and has been cleared from a health perspective, but Kelly said he’s still slowly working his way back into football activities.

“He’s been cleared for everything,” Kelly said. “But when you have a knee, you need to experience some things like getting tripped up in the hole and cutting off of it and feeling the scar tissue and going ‘Oh my goodness, that’s what that feels like.’

“So he’s full-go, but he’s in that process of getting back into football activities and that sometimes takes some time before you feel real comfortable.”

When healthy, Alexander is expected to start for the Tigers on the outside.

WR Shelton Sampson Jr. making progress in Year 2

One of the more interesting potential breakout players in the receiver room is redshirt freshman Shelton Sampson Jr. With a 6-foot-4 frame, he has the potential to be a big play threat, and he made an impressive catch on Thursday while high-pointing the ball.

Kelly said Sampson has gotten a lot better in those 50/50 situations this offseason.

“I think that’s what we’re looking for from him, his ability to go up and get the football and compete for it,” Kelly said. “He was not a 50/50 guy last year, he was a 20/80 guy — he lost 80% of those. I believe he’s a 50/50 guy, he can go and get those balls.”

Kelly said that Sampson hit his head on the play in question, and that ended his practice out of an abundance of caution.

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LSU’s Dashawn McBryde named a top freshman defensive back by Phil Steele

The highest-rated defensive back in LSU’s 2024 class could make an instant impact for the Tigers.

When it comes to LSU’s secondary in 2024, the name of the game will be development.

The Tigers have some proven pieces, to be sure. Veteran transfer cornerback [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] was a bright spot when healthy last season, while safety [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] is coming off a career year and will be playing alongside an experienced transfer addition in [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag].

But elsewhere, LSU is hoping second-year players like [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] and [autotag]Javien Toviano[/autotag] will take steps, and it could be relying on young players for depth as [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] seems to be pushing for a starting spot on the outside as a true freshman.

Woodland isn’t the only true freshman defensive back to watch out for, though. Safety [autotag]Dashawn McBryde[/autotag] was the top-rated defensive back in the Tigers’ class, and the Denham Springs native was named the No. 24 freshman defensive back in the country this season by Phil Steele.

McBryde was a top-100 prospect nationally and the No. 3 player in Louisiana coming out of high school. It remains to be seen if he can see the field early, but he could be part of the safety rotation as a true freshman.

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Cornerback PJ Woodland named a potential true freshman star for LSU in 2024

PJ Woodland is already turning heads at LSU based on early reports out of spring ball.

[autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] was far from the most highly regarded player in LSU’s 2024 signing class.

A three-star prospect from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, who ranked outside the top 500 coming out of high school, Woodland seemed like a prime candidate for a redshirt year.

But the early enrollee turned heads in spring ball, and now it seems that he will not only be pushing for playing time on Day 1 but could even make a push for a spot with the first team, based on promising reports out of camp.

CBS Sports broke down the true freshman most likely to make an impact for each top-10 team, and while LSU’s signing class featured a five-star at a major position of need in defensive lineman [autotag]Dominick McKinley[/autotag], it’s Woodland that got the nod.

Woodland had a strong spring for the Tigers to the point he’s at least in the mix as a potential starter this fall. Sources have indicated he’s very advanced for a freshman and has quickly put on weight in the strength and conditioning program after arriving at 160 pounds; Top247 Rank : 88 rating, No. 46 CB

Woodland emerging would be huge for an LSU secondary that has a lot of questions and will be relying heavily on freshmen and sophomores for depth. The path to the field is there, and it seems like he’s well on his way to earning the right to play as a true freshman.

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True freshman LSU cornerback PJ Woodland reportedly pushing for first-team reps in spring camp

The early enrollee was just a three-star coming out of high school, but he may compete for early playing time.

Freshman cornerback [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] was not one of the most heralded prospects in LSU’s 2024 signing class, but the early enrollee is quickly turning heads at spring practice.

The Hattiesburg, Mississippi, native was just a three-star recruit and ranked outside the top 500 nationally, yet he may compete for early reps this season as he’s been spotted running with the first team opposite [autotag]Ashton Stamps[/autotag] at cornerback, according to On3’s Matthew Brune.

“Competitiveness. PJ Woodland is a competitor,” new defensive coordinator [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] said, per Brune. “ He’s feisty, he’s physical, and he can run. More than anything, for a freshman, we’ve thrown him out there with the ones some and thrown him out there against our top receivers and he competes. That’s where it starts, but he has the physical tools. He has long levers, he’s physical and he can run, so I’ve been impressed with him. It wasn’t easy. Those first three days before spring break I guarantee you he was saying ‘what in the world did I do coming here early?’ but he’s been really impressive these last few days.”

Woodland has reportedly shined in Baker’s new, more aggressive defensive scheme, which will ask cornerbacks to be a lot more physical and play more press. With a 5-foot-11, 160-pound frame, that may be difficult for him early on, but it seems he’s made an impression on the new defensive staff, particularly Baker and cornerbacks coach [autotag]Corey Raymond[/autotag], who returned to LSU after spending the previous two years at Florida.

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