LSU averaged 453 yards a game last season, which ranked in the middle of the pack in the Southeastern Conference. The Tigers also averaged 35 points per game, which was fourth in the SEC.
With LSU’s starting quarterback returning, top receiver returning, an emerging threat at tight end, a bevy of running backs and experience up and down the offensive line, the Tigers should put up even bigger numbers this year.
Also, out of the 14 teams in the SEC, LSU is one of four who has the same offensive coordinator as last year.
“It just a whole different feeling and vibe around the growth we made during the season allowing those guys to have a little bit more of a head start into what we can possibly become if we work really hard at it as fall camp goes along and as the season goes along,” said offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock.
LSU fans are eager to see what Jayden Daniels can do in his second season leading the Purple and Gold offense. This will be Daniels fifth season in college football and he’s yet to throw for 3,000 yards in a season. He threw for 2,913 yards last year.
In 2022, Coach Brian Kelly wanted Daniels to be more aggressive down the field.
Denbrock believes Daniels’ comfort level from a knowledge standpoint will allow him to let it rip a little more.
“He’s taken it upon himself to play that way and be aggressive and being smart with the football at the same time,’ said Denbrock. “He understands we got some pretty dynamic people around him that need to have their hands on the football.”
One of those dynamic players is wide receiver Malik Nabers, who had an SEC high 72 receptions for 1,017 yards and 3 touchdowns last season. Denbrock loves Nabers work ethic.
“He is somebody that is a good example for us, especially the younger players in our program to watch, to emulate on how to show up every day, how to put yourself in a position with skills necessary,” said Denbrock.
Former Zachary High star Chris Hilton is backing up Malik Nabers and Denbrock calls Hilton a smart player, who will see the field this year.
According to Denbrock, the most gifted receiver on LSU’s roster is six-foot-four Shelton Sampson. The freshman from Catholic High in Baton Rouge is a great athlete, who has a great catch radius and can run.
Denbrock also says former Edna Karr star Aaron Anderson has to touch the football. He’ll be a big part of their screen game, because of his ability to break people down in space.
Sophomore Mason Taylor is expected to touch the ball a lot after catching 38 passes last season. And Denbrock believes he’ll be a better blocker this year.
“Love where he is at from a physical development standpoint. His completeness of his game is really going to come through this year,” said Denbrock.
Denbrock says there’s also a whole different feeling with the offensive line after heading into last year’s season opener with a bunch of unknowns. The depth has been built up and Denbrock likes the addition of Maryland transfer Mason Lunsford, who will provide depth inside.
As far as having eight running backs on the roster, Denbrock admits it will take time to sort it out, but it gives them a lot of options and a chance to be more versatile.
