LSU football 2015 depth chart projections — Part 1: QB’s, RB’s & WR’s
In Part 1 of our LSU football depth chart projections series, we take a look at the outlook for the Tigers at the quarterback, running back and wide receiver positions.
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Part 1: QB’s, RB’s & WR’s
Sep 13, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Anthony Jennings (10) and quarterback Brandon Harris (6) prior to a game against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Starting Quarterback: Brandon Harris
Backup: Anthony Jennings
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Any debate regarding the starting quarterback of the LSU Tigers is sure to be a fiery one. Brandon Harris is the fan favorite for the job, and ultimately who I believe will be the Tigers’ starting quarterback, at least for the majority of the season.
That is nothing against Anthony Jennings, a player that I believe will still have an impact in a much smaller role than last year, when he was the starter. I simply believe Harris will eventually win the job due to his talent and game-changing potential, even if it takes a few games for him to take over the starting spot.
Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) reacts after he scored a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Starting running back: Leonard Fournette
Backup: Darrel Williams
Next: Are Leonard Fournette and Darrel Williams a top 5 SEC running back duo?
Running back has never been an issue for the LSU Tigers as of late, with Les Miles’ running back-by-comittee system sending running backs to the NFL in seven of the past eight drafts. This season will be no exception.
Leonard Fournette is a Heisman candidate for a reason. Several reasons, actually.
He has the body of an NFL running back entering his sophomore year of college. He also has a nasty streak that he put on full display down the stretch of the 2014 season, dominating Texas A&M and Notre Dame in LSU’s final two games of the season.
Need evidence? Take a look at him punishing this poor Aggie defender last year.
Darrel Williams is no slouch either, and he will be taking over the No. 2 running back spot. Expect plenty of touches for Williams this season, especially in short-yardage situations. As for the incoming freshmen at the position, it is difficult to know what to expect until the fall, but Nick Brossette, Derrius Guice and David Ducre should all make an impact in the running game this year.
Nov 29, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Travin Dural (83) carries the ball in front of Arkansas Razorbacks cornerback Jared Collins (29) for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Arkansas 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receivers
No. 1: Malachi Dupre
No. 2: Travin Dural
No. 3 – 6: John Diarse, Avery Peterson, Trey Quinn and D.J. Chark
Travin Dural and Malachi Dupree are both premier SEC receivers, and both likely have a future in the NFL ahead of them. I have Dupree as the Tigers’ top receiving threat, simply because of his incredible upside. As good as he was as a true freshman for the LSU football team, he is almost certain to see major improvement in his sophomore campaign.
However, if Anthony Jennings ends up as the starting quarterback, expect Travin Dural to be his go-to guy, as the two have built a strong chemistry together over the past couple years. Dural is a playmaker, just like Dupree, and he has a knack for using his top-notch speed to burn opposing defensive backs.
As for the rest of the top-six receivers for LSU, it is difficult to separate any of the four from the rest of the pack.
Will Avery Peterson finally have a breakout season and become the explosive offensive weapon that Tigers fans have been waiting for? Is Trey Quinn or John Diarse going to build off of their performances from last year, or will D.J. Chark step in and become a top receiving option?
Only time will tell, but this LSU football team has an extremely talented group of offensive skill players that could very easily contribute to a successful and exciting season for the Tigers.