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When Brian Kelly arrived at LSU, the offensive line was one of the biggest worries on the team. With only one starter from 2021 back on the roster, LSU had to try out five different combinations in the first six games before finding one that worked. On the year, the O-Line gave up 45 sacks, the most since 1997.
Also, true freshmen Will Campbell and Emory Jones became to first true freshmen to start at both tackle spots in the same game in school history.
Now, four starters from last season return, and the offensive line is suddenly a major strength for the Tigers in 2023.
Will Campbell
Campbell started in every game he played in, missing one game due to injury. But the true freshman was impressive on the field, considering how unique it is to start that young in the SEC.
Campbell stands at 6’6″, 325 pounds, and has done a lot of work at LSU to get his body where he needs it to be to be effective. I like the growth and maturity we’ve seen from him, and I think he continues to build and become a nasty left tackle in the conference.
Miles Frazier & Garrett Dellinger
The reason these two are getting coupled together is because of how interchangeable they can be at the two guard positions. Both Frazier and Dellinger have played either side, with Frazier having nine starts at left guard last season.
Dellinger has started 10 games in the two years he’s been at LSU, so he brings experience to a young offensive line along with Frazier, who spent two seasons at FIU before coming to Baton Rouge. I expect these two to be the leaders and anchors of the line this season.
Charles Turner
Turner is back at the center position after starting 12 games for the Tigers a year ago. He played very well after Garrett Dellinger was moved from center to guard.
When you look at the chemistry between a center and a quarterback, it’s encouraging to know that both Turner and Daniels will be back in the offense for another season.
Emery Jones
One of the more exciting players on the offensive line, Jones is the second true sophomore in this group after appearing in all 14 games last year, starting 12. At 6’6″ and 325 pounds, he and Will Campbell have very similar builds and they both play with a similar passion and ferocity that is hard to coach. Just like in 2022, big things should be expected from Jones in 2023.
Others to Watch
Zalance Heard is a name that jumps off the page. High school teammates with Campbell, Heard stands at 6’6″, 308 pounds, and is a bulldozer. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get playing time at some point.
Marlon Martinez is the backup center on the depth chart after appearing in 12 games a year ago. He has plenty of experience (33 games played) and provides key depth at a crucial position.
Mason Lunsford is the other name to look out for. A transfer from Maryland, Lunsford started 24 games at center, left guard, and right guard so Brian Kelly will be able to use him in different sports when needed.