Welcome everyone to the latest edition of the LSU Tigers position previews! This week it’s the biggest position when it comes to LSU’s offense: the running back.
After having two of the best backs in program history head for greener pastures the last couple of seasons, you’ve got to wonder who will take that role to new heights
Departing Players:
LSU had a total of three players depart last season, the biggest of which was Derrius Guice. The junior running back was the workhorse for the Tigers in 2017, rushing for 1,251 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was a big part of LSU’s offense and is now getting ready for his first season in the NFL with the Washington Redskins.
Outside of Guice, Darrell Williams was the other notable departure, being the RB2 for the Tigers last season rushing for 820 yards and nine touchdowns. Without last year’s RB1 and RB2, it could be an uphill climb for the Tigers
Returning Players:
While the Tigers lost some key players, there are still some positives in the backfield headed into the 2018 season. One of the players looking to prove his worth has to be Nick Brossette. The senior had a rough 2017 with the lowlight being the fumble on the first play on offense for the Tigers against Troy. He’ll be the favorite to be the RB1 heading into fall camp, but it will be an uphill climb for him once things get underway.
One player looking to take that spot has to be Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He came onto the scene with a lot of hype behind him, but was used sparingly last year, rushing for only 31 yards on nine attempts. Expect to see that number go up. Another player to keep an eye on has to be Tory Carter. He’s listed as a fullback, but that was a position that LSU shifted into other roles under Matt Canada. Could Steve Ensminger use the fullback position more in 2018? We shall see.
The Other Guys:
While there are some returning players, the incoming freshmen are making fans take notice. The big one is Chris Curry, a 6’0” 213-pound running back out of Florida. He’s been called a bruiser and will look to make waves during fall camp and make an immediate impact.
The other freshman in Tae Provens is a little smaller in size, but makes up for that size in versatility. The Alabama native was hampered due to injury his senior season so hopefully he can be ready to go once fall camp gets jumpstarted.
Overall Thoughts:
This may not be the deepest running back room, but there are some diamonds in the rough that will help the run game out in 2018. If I were to give a way too early prediction, I’d go with Edwards-Helaire as the RB1 and Chris Curry right behind him in the depth chart for the opener against Miami.
-Clint Domingue