The benefit of replacing so many departed stars from the 2019 LSU team that won the national championship is that it opened the door for several first-year players to make an immediate impact.
Cornerback Eli Ricks and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte were two freshmen who made a big impact on the field for the Tigers in 2020.
For their work, 247Sports released its true freshman All-American team this week, and both Ricks and Boutte were included.
Ricks, a 6-foot-2, 196-pounder from Rancho Cucamonga, California, played in all 10 games for the Tigers, making 20 tackles and finishing with four interceptions to lead the team.
With last year’s freshman All-American, Derek Stingley Jr., sidelined at times this season, Ricks was often LSU’s top corner. He proved up to the challenge.
Boutte, a 6-foot-0, 185-pounder from New Iberia, Louisiana, caught 45 passes for 735 yards and five touchdowns for LSU. He took off after Terrace Marshall Jr. opted out of the remainder of the season in November.
Boutte’s record-breaking performance in the season finale against Ole Miss showed everyone he is LSU’s next superstar wideout.
Boutte caught 14 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns. He finished the season with three straight games of 100 yards receiving or more.