LSU Football: Ed Orgeron identifies breakout candidate for Tigers
By Zach Ragan
LSU football will need several young offensive players to step up to replace lost production from their 2019 squad.
LSU football lost a lot of talent from their 2019 national championship team.
But fortunately for the Tigers, they have plenty of talent ready to step up and contribute.
One of the players ready to take a big step this season is sophomore wide receiver Trey Palmer, a player that Ed Orgeron said earlier this month he’s expecting a lot from this year.
Sounds like Orgeron is hoping Trey Palmer can step up in Justin Jefferson's receiver spot.
— Brody Miller (@BrodyAMiller) March 4, 2020
"It's time for Trey Palmer to show his stuff." #LSU
Palmer signed with LSU during the 2019 recruiting cycle as a four-star recruit. He was rated as the No. 18 wide receiver in the nation (247Sports composite rankings).
The Louisiana native saw most of his action in 2019 on special teams. Palmer caught only one pass for six yards last season, but he showed off his skills on a 54 yard punt return for a touchdown against Northwestern State.
The true freshmen have blown this portion of the game open.
— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) September 15, 2019
Trey Palmer returned this one 54 yards for a touchdown.#LSU did not return a punt for a touchdown in 2018. DJ Chark returned two in 2017. pic.twitter.com/xptT6UJxX9
On Tuesday, after LSU’s practice, Coach O had plenty of praise for Palmer. Orgeron said the second year wide receiver had a big day.
#LSU WR Trey Palmer had a big day at practice today according to Ed Orgeron.
— Mike Scarborough (@ScarboroughMike) March 10, 2020
Coming out of high school, 247Sports recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks described Palmer as a player who showed “sometimes effortless top-end speed”. He also called Palmer a “legitimate vertical threat”.
Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr will obviously be the Tigers’ top two wide receivers in 2020. But I think Palmer is a player that could explode this season.
Everyone knows that quarterback Myles Brennan has a big arm. And defenses will absolutely be focusing on Chase and Marshall. They’ll also have to contend with true freshman tight end Arik Gilbert, who will certainly create some mismatches.
Opposing defenses can’t double-cover everyone. That means either Palmer will get extra opportunities, or he’ll prevent defenses from putting all of their focus on Chase and Marshall.
Palmer has the confidence of Orgeron. And it’s clear LSU plans on him being a big part of the offense in 2020.
Next. How Coach O's catchphrase is a major recruiting tool. dark
The Tigers have an embarrassment of riches at wide receiver (true freshman wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is a future stud as well). I wouldn’t want to be an opposing defensive back in the SEC. It’s not going to be an easy year for those guys when they line up against LSU.