LSU football: Which players earned their stripes against FSU?

Mason Taylor (TE)

The LSU offense got a lot of love heading into the 2022 season. There were so many weapons that either Daniels or Nussmeier would be able to utilize, especially in the receiving core. Jack Bech, Kayshon Boutte, Jaray Jenkins, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. chief amongst them. Even at running back the Tigers had notable names in Noah Cain and John Emery Jr.

The one position nobody was talking about, large in part due to the uncertainty and lack of “sexy names” at the position, was tight end. All of that being said, many of us (myself included) look silly in hindsight for not paying more attention to the talent at that position.

Freshman Mason Taylor emerged as the early front runner for the starting job on Sunday night. He racked up 42 yards on five catches in the game, which was third and joint-first in each respective category. Those numbers understandably don’t jump off the page, but given that the passing game didn’t get going until late in the second half, it’s fairly impressive.

Taylor made his name known to the nation when he set up the potential game-tying touchdown inside five seconds. He’s now got all of the tools—at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds with great hands—to succeed in an offense where he’s quickly emerging as one of Daniels’ favorite targets.

Taylor wowed spectators inside the Superdome on Sunday in his first collegiate game. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor earned his stripes against the Seminoles, now it’s time for him to wear them with pride as he continues to excel.