Why LSU football fans should love Racey McMath

Senior wide receiver Racey McMath should be a favorite among LSU football fans.

LSU football‘s Racey McMath arrived in Baton Rouge in 2017 as a raw wide receiver full of potential.

McMath, 6-foot-3/224 lbs, is a former three-star recruit who possesses an ideal size/speed combination (he once recorded a 4.3-second 40-yard dash).

Despite his rare physical abilities, McMath has yet to make a major impact for the Tigers.

McMath didn’t record any stats as a true freshman. As a sophomore, the New Orleans native caught just two passes for 42 yards. Last season, playing behind Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall, McMath caught 17 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns.

2020, however, is supposed to be McMath’s coming out party. Tigers offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger said in May that he believes McMath will have a breakout season.

And wide receivers coach Mickey Joseph praised McMath’s practice skills earlier this year, telling 104.5 ESPN “I gotta drag him off at practice, I gotta make him get out”.

Everything is aligning for McMath to have a special season in 2020, playing alongside Chase and Marshall, while catching passes from quarterback Myles Brennan.

Why LSU football fans should love McMath

McMath’s patience should pay off with a big season in 2020.

But the fact he’s still at LSU is what’s most amazing.

After barely being used his first two years in Baton Rouge, and seeing the plethora of wide receiver talent on the Tigers’ roster, it would’ve been easy for McMath to hit the transfer portal.

McMath surely would’ve found success a lot quicker at another program. After all, McMath’s issue at LSU has never been his ability, it’s the fact he’s played on a roster loaded with talented wide receivers.

“The problem Racey has is that Racey plays at LSU, and he plays in a packed room,” explained Joseph to 104.5.

McMath hasn’t let the challenge at LSU deter him, though. In fact, it’s only made him work harder.

According to The Athletic, McMath’s hard work includes running on a treadmill for seven or eight miles while catching footballs that are thrown at him (side note: that sounds like a miserable way to spend an afternoon).

McMath is the type of player that should receive a standing ovation from LSU fans. He’s remained dedicated to the Tigers despite the adversity, and hopefully, we’ll see that dedication pay off in a big way this upcoming season.