Welcome back, Tiger fans! In a year like we’ve never seen before, we’re now less than three weeks away from seeing the defending champs (or what’s left of them) line up against Mississippi St. After the first game of the 2019 season, I joked that LSU had obviously proven themselves as the best team in history. Little did I know they would go on to break every offensive record of significance in an effort to prove themselves at least worthy of being in the conversation. 14 players from that team were drafted and 6 more signed as undrafted free agents. No biggie; we still have Ja’Marr Chase and Tyler Shelvin, right? Wrong. Chase, Shelvin, and nickel back Kary Vincent all chose not to play this year due to Covid related concerns. Welcome to the 2020 College football season, where the only thing I know is whatever I think I know will change. Today, I’ll move forward in previewing the 2020 LSU Tigers’ offense.

Quarterbacks

In the age of constant transfers, I respect Myles Brennan for waiting his turn at quarterback. He’s the unquestioned starter in what’s now his junior season. Brennan has prototypical size at 6’4” 215 lbs with a stronger arm than Joe Burrow. He appears to be accurate, but only time will tell if he can display the toughness and resilience needed to be successful as a QB. There is a healthy competition at backup QB between Max Johnson and TJ Finley. Johnson, son of former NFL QB Brad Johnson, is the more athletic of the two. Finley resembles Jamarcus Russell with his 6’6” height and cannon for an arm. Coach O has commended Finley for improving his accuracy in the off season. Any time you’re replacing Joe Burrow, there is going to be a drop off in play. That being said, Brennan has the physical talent to be an All-SEC QB. LSU is still in good hands, but it’s imperative that they get game experience for the backups when they can due to their inexperience.

Offensive LIne

LSU returns two offensive line starters in LG Ed Ingram and RT Austin Deculus, but also return sophomore LT Dare Rosenthal, who started multiple games early last year. Rosenthal’s light feet and athleticism gives him more potential as an NFL LT than LSU’s 2019 starter, Saadiq Charles. Harvard transfer Liam Shanahan has surprised many by earning the job as the starting center. His emergence has allowed junior OG Chasen Hines to remain at guard, his more natural position, as he was expected to move to center for the 2020 season. Don’t be surprised to see talented redshirt freshmen Anthony Bradford and Kardell Thomas see meaningful minutes at either guard spot. LSU will remain athletic and physical on the offensive line, but I’m careful not to underestimate the loss of center, Lloyd Cushenberry. He was an unsung hero of last year’s team at a critical position on the offensive line.

Running Backs

Last year I assumed one of the highly recruited freshmen would supplant Clyde Edwards-Helaire at some point in the season as the starter. Eventually, I stopped wondering what was wrong with the newcomers, and appreciated Helaire for what he was: a first round, every down back. The talented freshmen, John Emery and Ty Davis-Price, are now sophomores and will battle yet another overlooked recruit, Chris Curry for snaps. Curry burst onto the scene in the playoffs against Oklahoma with a one cut, bruising style reminiscent of Alley Broussard. I expect Curry to start, but all three of the aforementioned RB’s to get meaningful snaps. Coach O has repeatedly mentioned true freshman Tre Bradford when speaking to the media, the only RB taken in this year’s class. That leads me to think the staff will find ways to get the ball in the hands of the explosive back from Lancaster, TX.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Losing Ja’Marr Chase this close to the season felt like getting blind sided while chasing a ball carrier; I was dazed and confused. I don’t blame him for leaving, but the timing of the decision was surprising. The good news is this is the deepest position group on the team. Terrace Marshall (Jr.)  is now the go to guy, and he’s equipped with all the tools necessary. He has elite size, good speed, and catches the ball with his hands extended away from his body. If you watch his jump balls closely, he often catches then turns away from the defender, denying him the chance to knock the ball loose. 6’3” senior Racey McMath has produced whenever given the opportunity, and he’ll have plenty of them now. I’m excited to see sophomore Trey Palmer and true freshman Kayson Boutte. They’re similarly built, speedy playmakers that should excel in the slot. There are some players whose athleticism jumps off the screen and Palmer is one of them. Boutte appeared to be polished beyond his years when watching him in the Under Armour All-American game. LSU also returns lengthy sophomore Jaray Jenkins and senior Jontre Kirklin at WR. The Tigers signed the highest ranked TE in the history of 247 Sports in 6’5” freshman Arik Gilbert from Marietta, GA. This is a freak that will start from day one, overshadowing the fact that they also have freshman TE Kole Taylor, who has shown good hands and fluid movement at 6’7”. Ja’Marr Chase is gone, but this group is loaded.

The volatility of 2020 has instilled a fear of a letdown that has tempered my enthusiasm since March. As I write about this version of the Tigers, I find myself letting my guard down. I think of the possibilities, and the fear subsides. The enthusiasm won’t be denied. The Tigers are almost back, and I honestly need them for the sake of my sanity. After 6 months of phases, masks, bars disguised as restaurants, lost loved ones, and working all week, every week, looking forward to NOTHING, we have a light at the end of the tunnel. Walk into the light, my friends! GEAUX TIGERS!!!