Welcome everyone to the latest edition of the LSU position preview! This week, we look at the position of wide receiver.
With Steve Ensminger at the helm for the 2018 season, it’s expected that the Tigers will have a spread offense with a pro-style quarterback at the helm. With all that in mind, the wide receiver corps is going to be one of the most important positions.
Departing Players:
The most notable departure from the LSU roster has to be DJ Chark. The Alexandria native was drafted in the second round, joining Leonard Fournette in Jacksonville. The Alexandria native had a great junior season, averaging 21.9 yards per catch in 2017 and also had a phenomenal punt return for a touchdown. His ability to produce results offensively will be missed in 2018.
Another big player in 2017 that the Tigers will be without is undoubtedly Russell Gage. The numbers don’t exactly pop off the paper like Chark’s, but he was still able to help the Tigers get points on the board with three receiving touchdowns and one rushing TD.
Returning Players:
When you look at LSU’s wide receiver corps, it’s going to have a lot experience coming back. One of the more notable players coming back has to be Stephen Sullivan. He’s one of two players on the 2018 roster to have double digit receptions last season and he racked up 219 yards and a touchdown. Standing 6’6” is going to make the sophomore a strong candidate for the WR1 spot.
A likely WR2 for the Tigers has to be Derrick Dillon, who had 14 receptions for 125 yards in 2017. He has a solid case for that spot, but there are several talented players on the roster to keep an eye on as we get closer to fall camp.
Outside of Dillon and Sullivan, Dee Anderson and Drake Davis should continue to have some playing time after catching a combined six receptions, but won’t see a significant increase
The Other Guys:
The most notable player that is going to be seeing playing time is undoubtedly Jonathan Giles. The transfer out of Texas Tech had to sit out the 2017 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but certainly has developed a rapport with the offense during practice.
Another big reason why I’m hyped up on him is because he’ll be wearing the number seven jersey, which is typically awarded to the player that is going to be an absolute beast on the field. Think about some of the notable players that have been awarded that jersey number. The expectations are high for the junior, and he’ll come up big for the Tigers in the offense.
Racey McMath, who was on the practice squad last year, is one player that could see some playing time in 2018. He has the speed, but he will need to have a great fall camp to see the field this year considering how deep the wide receivers run.
Overall Thoughts:
When Steve Ensminger took over the helm as the offensive coordinator, he mentioned that the wide receiver was going to be the most important position for the team. There’s no reason why the passing game doesn’t have a turnaround this season with the guys in place.
-Clint Domingue