The days are hot, but the recruiting is hotter. LSU has gained three commitments in the past week, and now have their quarterback for the 2023 class in Woodlawn’s Rickie Collins. Shelton Sampson of Catholic is a 5 star wide receiver and is now the highest rated player in the class, and the Tigers were also able to keep Zachary’s 4 star safety, Kylin Jackson, at home. We are now three weeks away from watching the Tigers line up against Florida State, and every practice observation, comment, and video is instantly devoured for survival until September 4. On that note, I’ll list a few updates on fall camp developments.

• It has not been confirmed by coaches, but it is seemingly established that the quarterback race is down to Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier. With Nussmeier nursing an ankle injury, Daniels took the majority of first team reps in the last practice of which the media was allowed to attend.
• Garrett Dellinger is working out at center. His potential at the position could solidify a first team offensive line of Campbell, Shorts, Dellinger, Frazier, and Bradford (L-R). This would also be a major upgrade physically from the center position of last year.
• Many linebackers will play, but Mike Jones is a constant.
• The secondary is far from settled. Jay Ward and Major Burns lead a deep safety group.

There has also been news at running back, which brings me to the next two position groups of the preview series, the running backs and tight ends.

Running backs

By all accounts, John Emery is ready to live up to his 5 star billing in his senior season. Standing at 5’11” and 220 lbs., he looked more physical in the spring. He’s always had the home run ability from anywhere on the field. It was notable that Penn State transfer Noah Cain also got reps with the first team last week. Now a senior, Cain has yet to regain his freshman form of over 5 yards per carry. To be fair, the quarterback play at Penn State last year did not help his cause. The departure of Tre Bradford said a lot about the ascent of Cain and Armoni Goodwin. Goodwin is the fastest of the group but showed the ability and willingness to run between the tackles. John Williams is a dependable former walk on that tends to be forgotten but might be the best pass protecting running back on the roster. He will continue to have a role.

Tight Ends

Despite the opinions of the masses, this is not a bad group. Kole Taylor returns for his junior season listed at 6’7″, 250 lbs. He’s a better receiving threat than given credit for; it’s tough to get targets with so much talent at wide receiver. He’ll need to be more physical as a blocker. Jack Mashburn does not have an issue with being physical. Mashburn will likely start at the position and proved his worth as a blocker last year. Nick Storz, the former Tiger pitcher, also returns, but coaches have raved about the ability of true freshman, Mason Taylor. Taylor is the son of former Miami Dolphins star, Jason Taylor. Don’t be surprised to see him have an impact in his freshman season.

This is one of the more underrated running back rooms in the conference. Emery and Goodwin are exciting, explosive backs. The addition of Noah Cain is significant in that it gives LSU another element of power that I don’t think they have if Emery gets injured. The tight ends have been condemned as the worst position group on the team, and that might be true. However, I don’t see them as a liability. All I ask is they sufficiently help out the offensive line and avoid drops with the rare targets they get in the passing game. With Brian Kelly’s history, one can trust that he’ll get the most out of their ability. Geaux Tigers!!