LSU is set to open the 2020 season Saturday against Mississippi State. The Tigers released their initial depth chart Monday and based on head coach Ed Orgeron’s descriptions of fall camp, there weren’t many surprises.
Here’s five takeaways from LSU’s depth chart:
Myles Brennan is listed as the starting QB
No surprise as Orgeron essentially said the job was Brennan’s to lose.
“Has a strong arm, probably a stronger arm than Joe Burrow had,” Orgeron said. Can extend plays with his feet, not quite like Joe did. He's learning the offense. I think the spring kind of hurt for him not being with us, or us not practicing with his receivers, but I think he did a good job of catching up during COVID and catching up in the summertime.
"He was very accurate with the football in all three scrimmages. The only thing that we don't know and I do believe that he's going to do very well is how he's going to do in the fire, and the only way to know that is put him in the fire. I trust Myles. He's become a team leader. Short passing game is his strength. The deep ball is something that he is very good at, but I think that takes time for him and his receivers to get the timing down and hopefully he can improve in that throughout the year."
Three listed as the top running back
Chris Curry, Tyrion Davis and John Emery are all listed as the starting running back. Orgeron has touted all three during fall camp highlighting each of their unique skillsets.
Orgeron did say that he thinks Curry, who was recently awarded the No. 18 jersey, will play first vs. Mississippi State Saturday.
“But I consider him, Tyrion and John all starters,” Orgeron said. “I think that they're going to get equal reps. I think they're going to do things very well, and they're going to complement each other, and I think that, you know, eventually as the season goes on, let's see who our leading back is.”
Orgeron said LSU feels running back is a strength of its offense and touted new running backs coach Kevin Faulk with helping to prepare the unit.
He also said the staff feels confident running backs Kevontre Bradford and freshman Josh Williams, who was awarded a scholarship by the Tigers last week, “can go in the game and do very well.”
True freshman pass catchers slotted highly
With the reigning Biletnikoff award winner Ja’Marr Chase opting out and the Tigers losing, receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end Thad Moss to the 2020 NFL Draft, LSU has several open spots in the passing game. Chase, Jefferson and Moss combined for 242 catches in 2019.
Vying for those opportunities along with LSU’s top returner receivers Terrace Marshall Jr. and Racey McMath are several true freshmen.
At tight end is Arik Gilbert who’s drawn rave reviews from both coaches and his teammates this camp and at the third receiver slot is Kayshon Boutte. Orgeron described Boutte as a “homerun hitter.”
“I think he's going to be an excellent receiver,” Orgeron said. “The day that Ja'Marr Chase left, he looked like we didn't skip a stride out there.
“He was outstanding. But you know what, he's a freshman, and he's going to have to come along. But he's going to be put in some big shoes. He's probably going to start for us. So I expect him to do a very good job throughout the season and get better throughout the season.”
Grad transfers earn starting spots
Graduate transfers Liam Shanahan and linebacker Jabril Cox are both listed as starters after joining the Tigers this Summer.
Orgeron has praised Cox in recent weeks, highlighting his versatility and athleticism and said that Shanahan has been a big plus for LSU.
“Very smart as we know that; can make all the calls. But he's physical enough,” Orgeron said. “Now, he's going to get tested throughout the year, especially when they put one of those 350-pounders right on top of them. He's going to have to block them. But I think he can. In fact, I feel good about it. I'm very glad that we have him.”
Lots of new starters on the defensive line
LSU has only one returning starter on the defensive line, senior Glen Logan, after Tyler Shelvin opted out of the season.
Line up next to Logan is sophomore Apu Ika, junior Ali Gaye and Senior Andre Anthony.
Orgeron spoke highly of Gaye Monday.
“He's 6' 6. He's smart. Works hard every day. Very humble young man, wants to learn, physical at the point of attack. A very good pass rusher,” Orgeron said. “He's tall; he's got a lot of batted balls. He had a batted ball for interception I think the third play of the scrimmage last Friday. Great young man. Him and Travez Moore are going to anchor down that left end.”
