Finding help along the offensive line in the transfer portal is a bit trickier than at the skill positions.
Whereas running backs and receivers could enter the transfer portal for a number of reasons ranging from usage, scheme or personnel, an offensive lineman who is good enough to start will rarely enter the portal. But there are exceptions to every rule, and [autotag]Tre’Mond Shorts[/autotag] may be one.
Shorts was a four-year starter at the FCS level with East Tennessee State, and he comes to Baton Rouge in his final season of eligibility looking to boost his draft stock. He should be a starter at one of the guard spots, and if he can handle the improved competition, he could be one of the best interior linemen in the SEC.
Entering the 2022 season, Shorts ranked No. 9 among transfer portal linemen in a recent list from On3’s Mike Huguenin.
The particulars: Transfer from East Tennessee State
The skinny: After redshirting in 2017 as a true freshman, Tre’Mond Shorts became a four-year starter at guard for East Tennessee State. He earned some FCS All-America acclaim in each of the past two seasons and was a two-time first-team All-Southern Conference selection. ETSU has a run-oriented offense, and Shorts (6-4, 326) is a road-grader in the running game. Shorts is expected to start at guard for a Tigers team rebuilding its offensive line. LSU’s run-blocking has been spotty the past two seasons.
As Huguenin points out, Shorts’ chops as a run-blocker should provide an immediate boost to LSU’s ground game, which was a point of weakness last fall. The Tigers have a talented group of running backs, the bigger question is whether they have the talent up front to create holes. With Shorts, they can rest a lot easier.
LSU saw a lot of turnover along the line this fall with four of five starters from 2021 moving on. That transition won’t be easy, especially with a first-year staff, but having a player like Shorts, who has started 41 games, should make it a lot smoother.
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