LSU Tigers secure a significant graduate transfer for thier offense

Just when fans thought the LSU Tigers were done adding to their 2023 football roster, Brian Kelly strikes again. On Tuesday, the Bayou Bengals added another significant player to their offense.

The LSU Tigers are adding Maryland graduate transfer Mason Lunsford to their 2023 football roster. Lunsford appeared in 29 games on the Terps’ offensive line, including 26 starts and the 2022 Duke’s Mayo Bowl. His commitment adds strength to LSU’s weakest offensive position group this Spring.

The Tigers’ offensive line returns talented players in 2023, but many lack experience. Also, LSU’s depth along the offense’s trenches leaves much to be desired. However, the unit is much improved after adding a 6-5, 305-pound lineman toting three seasons of experience.

It will be interesting to see how the LSU Tigers’ offensive line emerges after Spring practices. We assume Kelly is content with sophomores Will Campbell and Emery Jones returning to play offensive tackle. Both players started as true freshmen in 2022 and finished the season as a strength for the LSU offense. It is also safe to assume Charles Turner will return as starting center. However, the guard positions offer no guarantees.

Lunsford plugging in at guard is ideal for the LSU Tigers, especially considering last season’s issues along the interior line. Miles Frazier struggled throughout the season at left guard, and Garrett Dellinger remains a right guard in progress. With Lunsford, a three-player battle for two starting guard positions will ensue. Fans must expect improved strength and depth as a result.

Kelly recently offered Lunsford’s brother, Martin, a preferred walk-on position as a linebacker. But, of course, the prospect of his brother playing football in Death Valley helped secure the elder Lunsford’s commitment.

Lunsford is a former three-star recruit from Good Counsel High School in Maryland. The 21-year-old will graduate from Maryland this Spring and head to Baton Route with two years of remaining eligibility. Lunsford was slated to visit Arkansas but canceled upon deciding the LSU Tigers were the right program.