LSU football is no stranger to star wide receivers running around at Tiger Stadium, but the 2021 freshman class stands above the rest.
That's what Tigers coach Ed Orgeron said regarding his young pass-catchers as he joined SportsTalk Wednesday with Bobby Hebert, Kristian Garic and Mike Detillier, along with guest Deuce McAllister.
“I talked to the staff today about these guys getting an opportunity," Orgeron said. "All of them are going to be getting a fair opportunity to be able to play at the start for us. This is the best freshman wide receiver group I’ve been around.”
That group includes Chris Hilton Jr., Brian Thomas Jr., Deion Smith, Malik Nabers and Caster Arceneaux, all natives of Louisiana or Mississippi. The young pass-catcher group also includes Jack Bech, who's been converted to TE behind sophomore Kole Taylor.
Orgeron vowed that the young group will get its chance at opportunities alongside the Tigers established receivers in sophomores Kayshon Boutte and Koy Moore, juniors Jaray Jenkins and Trey Palmer and senior Jontre Kirklin.
Thomas, in particular, has stood out since Day 1.
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“You can tell the freshman that have [the potential] be great on the first day," Orgeron said. "That first day he took over. He made two or three touchdown passes on some good players. Very, very talented young player.”
The results on the field will speak louder than the coach in preseason, but the statement in itself is telling. Orgeron has coached LSU for four seasons and has been in coaching circles since 1984.
LSU only has to travel back to 2018 for a freshman class that included Ja'Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall, two players that went No. 5 and No. 59 overall in the recent NFL draft.
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LSU has an abundance of returning veterans for the 2021 season, but they've lost a pair of familiar names early on in camp. Quarterback Myles Brennan is out after undergoing arm surgery for a broken left arm.
The most recent injury loss is Glen Logan, whom Orgeron said Thursday will be out for a "while" after re-aggravating an existing injury.
“I really feel the defensive line’s going to be very strong because of the depth and the athletic ability and the tackling style that we use,” Orgeron said.
The coach noted Neil Farrel, who's slimmed down 10 pounds, and Maason Smith as players he's excited to see in action.
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