LSU football: The offensive X-factor is emerging in fall camp

LSU football will enjoy much continuity on offense in 2023. But they need an X-factor to get over the hump. Indeed, one is emerging early in fall camp.

On Sunday, LSU football posted a practice highlight that offered a glimpse of what makes the 2023 offense a more explosive unit. Indeed, I’m talking about an emerging X-factor that projects as an impact player.

That player is wide receiver Aaron Anderson who, by the looks of it, is already connecting with quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Anderson missed spring practices while recovering from a minor procedure to remove scar tissue in his knee. Suffice it to say, seeing the Redshirt Freshman in pads and scorching LSU football defense at practice is like a shot of expresso. Anderson looks confident and fast.

Also, we anticipate offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is cooking up multiple ways to get Anderson the ball in the open field. By the looks of it, feeding the speedster slot screens is already in the LSU football playbook.

The Tigers will feature Malik Nabers, Kyren Lacey, and Brian Thomas Jr. as starting receivers in 2023. We also expect tight ends Mason Taylor and Ka’Morreun Pimpton to be featured in the passing game. However, I think Anderson will be LSU’s lightning rod this season.

I don’t think predicting Anderson as the most impactful college football transfer for 2023 is ridiculous. Consider Jameson Williams’s impact on the 2021 Alabama Crimson Tide roster. Williams was a speedster that added big play and game-breaking abilities to a depth chart headlined by possession receivers.

The Tide were not the same offense after losing Williams to a torn ACL in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Such speaks volumes regarding his imprint on Nick Saban’s roster. Ironically, Saban likely expected an eventual similar dynamic from Anderson after recruiting him in 2022.

Anderson departed Tuscaloosa after one season in which he was sidelined with a knee injury. The New Orleans native transferred to Baton Rouge this offseason.

Anderson was a top 100 recruit from Edna Karr High School that also lettered in track and field.