LSU Football: Tigers to be without another talented true freshman against UCLA
By Zach Ragan
LSU Football will be without a couple of promising true freshmen in the season-opener on Saturday against the UCLA Bruins.
On Wednesday, Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron confirmed that true freshman Malik Nabers won’t play against UCLA (and he might not return at all for a few games).
Nabers was having a terrific fall camp and is expected to make a significant impact for LSU this season. That impact, however, will have to wait a bit.
Later on Wednesday, Coach O revealed that another heralded true freshman will also miss the UCLA matchup.
Former four-star running back Armoni Goodwin, an Alabama native, has been ruled out for Saturday.
This is probably a wise move as Goodwin has been dealing with an undisclosed injury during camp.
Who gets the running back reps for LSU football in week one?
While noting that Goodwin will be out against UCLA, Orgeron also mentioned that fellow true freshman running back Corey Kiner will have a role in week one.
Kiner, a former four-star recruit from Ohio, was the Buckeye State’s Mr. Football as a senior.
Here’s what Orgeron said about Goodwin and Kiner on Wednesday evening (via 247Sports):
"“Armoni Goodwin is hurt, he will not play. Corey Kiner will get some plays.”"
Veteran running backs Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery Jr will see the bulk of the action for the Tigers.
Davis-Price led LSU in rushing last season with 446 yards and three touchdowns. He also had eight receptions for 47 yards.
Emery totaled 378 rushing yards and three touchdowns while adding 14 receptions for 73 yards.
Ultimately, I don’t think the Tigers will miss Goodwin in the season-opener —  there’s plenty of talent in the backfield for LSU.
Next. LSU's advantage over UCLA. dark
But it would still be nice to see Goodwin on the field. He has the talent to be a star in the SEC. Hopefully, we see him sooner than later.