Welcome to the third part of the series where each position for the LSU Tigers is broken down. This week it’s the wide receivers.
Who Left After Last Season?
There were a few players that departed after the end of last season. This includes players like Trey Quinn and John Diarse. Both players didn’t see a whole lot of action in 2015; in fact both saw their production drop significantly. A couple of other players left the squad but they were only on the squad.
Who’s Returning?
LSU may have lost a few players, but they have a pair of wide receivers that are returning that will be the starters in 2016 without a doubt: Travin Dural and Malachi Dupre. A lot of the Tigers seniors that are returning from last season are a big deal, but Dural coming back really help the Tigers offensively in 2016. Both players will see the majority of the snaps this season. Another player to watch out for in 2016 that is coming back is Tyron Johnson who was a freshman in 2015, but showed a good bit of potential with nine catches for 150 yards and two TDs.
The Other Guys
The Tigers have a few incoming freshmen that could make an impact, but only one is really sticking out to me: Dee Anderson. A four-star recruit who was an early enrollee at LSU has a ton of potential to shake things up in the wide receiver depth chart and get some playing time this season and be a starter in 2017. The biggest reason why is because as previously mentioned, he’s already on campus. He has been learning the plays during the spring and that is crucial for a freshman that wants to make an immediate impact.
Conclusion
The LSU Tigers on paper have a pretty solid corps in the wide receiver position. With a returning senior in Dural and a good junior in Dupre, the potential is there. However, you look at LSU and how they’ve played historically. It’s always been more of a run first ask questions later, especially when you’re talking about this team the last couple years with players like Jeremy Hill and Leonard Fournette being dominant on the ground. Expect more of the same, especially if Brandon Harris isn’t improving during camp. But if Danny Etling manages to start, the story could be different. Only time will tell though.
-Clint Domingue
LSU Tigers Position Preview: QBs
LSU Tigers Position Preview: Running Backs