LSU will return to the field on March 21st when it will resume its spring practices that will lead up into the annual spring game that will be held on April 22nd. Brian Kelly and his staff are coming off a successful first season in Baton Rouge as they were able to lead the Tigers to a ten-win season. They were able to hit the ten-win mark for the first time since the 2019 season when LSU won the national championship.
There is room for optimism that this year’s LSU team has a chance to reclaim their SEC Western division crown with the talent they have on both sides of the ball. With the 2023 season months away it is still early to tell who will get the starting gig at each position. Here are the early projections for what the starting lineup will look like for the purple and gold on the offensive side of the ball:
Quarterback, Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels stepped onto the scene at LSU prior to the start of the 2022 season as he transferred in from Arizona State. He showed his ability to be an all-around quarterback by making plays with his arms and his feet. During the 2022 season, Daniels threw for 2,917 passing yards and 17 touchdowns. Daniels would be able to keep his turnovers to a minimum throughout the season as he had only three interceptions on the year. On the ground, the veteran quarterback rushed for 885 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Running Back, Josh Williams
Josh Williams showed that even as a former walk-on that he can be an every down back for the LSU offense. He has proven that he can be a dependable running back, both with running the ball and as a pass protector. Williams would have his best season yet with the Tigers in 2022 as he had 97 carries for 532 yards and six touchdowns. He would also tack on 21 receptions for 132 yards in the receiving game.
Wide Receiver-X, Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers took over as the WR1 for the Tigers and he will step into a similar role heading into the 2023 season. Throughout his collegiate career, Nabers has been able to make plays all over the field and is a threat to score every time he has the ball. During the 2022 season, Nabers hauled in 72 receptions for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns. He would log three games with over 100 receiving yards on the year (129 vs. UAB, 128 vs. Georgia and 163 vs. Purdue).
Wide Receiver-Y, Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr. has become a big-play threat for LSU and he was able to play in a significant role in the offense during the 2022 season. Thomas Jr. has the ability to make the difficult catch and make a tough catch in traffic. In 2022, Thomas Jr. hauled in 31 receptions for 361 yards and five touchdowns. His best game would come in a 38-0 win over New Mexico. Against New Mexico, Thomas Jr. registered two catches for 65 yards and a touchdown.
Wide Receiver-Z, Aaron Anderson
Aaron Anderson spent his first collegiate season in 2022 before transferring to LSU over the offseason. Anderson’s debut season was slowed down due to injuries and he only saw the field once for the Crimson Tide. He would see action in week 11’s contest against Austin Peay, but he didn’t have anything to show for. There is still to like about Anderson as he was highly regarded as one of the nation’s top prep wide receivers in the Class of 2022.
Tight End, Mason Taylor
Mason Taylor had a stellar freshman campaign for the Tigers in 2022 as he was able to make clutch catches, especially in LSU’s 32-31 win over Alabama. Taylor does everything that is needed to be a successful tight end and he was able to step in a position that was in need of some firepower. In 2022, Taylor caught 38 receptions for 414 yards and three touchdowns. His best game would come against Purdue where Taylor recorded five receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown.
Left Tackle, Will Campbell
Will Campbell would make an instant impact during his freshman season in 2022. Campbell started 13 games at left tackle and would help the Tigers set a school record in rushing touchdowns (39). He would play a total of 973 offensive snaps and would earn SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week in LSU’s win over Florida. Campbell would continue to receive accolades for his performance on the field as he would earn second team All-SEC honors and be named to the Freshman All-American team.
Left Guard, Miles Frazier
Miles Frazier spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Florida International before transferring to LSU prior to the start of the 2022 season. Frazier was a dominant offensive lineman that would immediately step into a vital role on the interior of the Tigers offensive line. He was moved around the whole season and was able to show his versatility that he can be impactful at multiple positions.
Center, Charles Turner
Charles Turner is a veteran offensive lineman that can play at any position and to add to that he is very athletic. Turner is able to provide experience that is needed at a position that is so crucial in college football. He was able to take over Dellinger’s role and it doesn’t look like Turner will be willing to give that up.
Right Guard, Garrett Dellinger
Garrett Dellinger made an immediate impact for the Tigers offensive line. To start the season, Dellinger would be the primary starting center for LSU, but he was passed up by Turner. Since that move, Dellinger has moved to right guard and has excelled at the position. Dellinger has proven that he is one of the most talented on the depth chart and it’s hard to see anyone passing him up.
Right Tackle, Emery Jones
Emery Jones showed that he can be one of the most dominant offensive lineman in college football with his instant impact he had during his freshman season in 2022. Jones is very powerful and has the ability to move defenders against their will. He has the potential to get better with every game that he plays with. Along with Campbell, Jones has shown they have the potential to be the best dynamic duo in college football.
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