LSU Spring Practice came to a close on Wednesday as the Spring transfer portal window came to a close. The Spring was important for the LSU Tigers as Brian Kelly is bringing in a massive freshman class along with a transfer portal class with 16 new players. Spring camp helped get the new additions up to speed as LSU will need all of its piece to gel together with Clemson on the schedule in week 1.
As LSU brings in a loaded Freshman class, the hope was that the Tigers young pieces would prove early on that they can contribute. Last year, Caden Durham, Ahmad Breaux, and Dominick McKinley all gave key contributions to the team but, in a class of 29 recruits its not that massive of a group.
In his press conference on Wednesday, Brian Kelly spoke on the Freshman class as a whole and how impressed he's been with this group.
"This is the first class that I've had at mid-semester where it's not like, 'that guy is so far away.' It just feels like they've been here, and that's been a bit of a surprise."Brian Kelly
If LSU fans are looking for a few Freshmen to look out for this season, Brian Kelly named three by name who are standing out as players who are adapting to the jump so quickly.
"I just think overall, the understanding of how to go out and compete in practice has been really, for me, outstanding for the young guys to pick it up, like Solomon Thomas and Carius Curne. They've done an incredible job as young players coming in and understanding how to compete. The DJ Pickett's, all of our mid-year freshmen, have come in and really have adapted so quickly. And I guess that's why they're mid-years"Brian Kelly
This comes after Brian Kelly spoke highly about 5-star running back Harlem Berry after the "Spring Open Practice".
"He’s a natural runner of the football, he sees things that you just don’t coach. The great backs have that natural, uncanny ability to see things on the move, and you just let it go. He’s got to be coached on protections, schemes, how to eat. He’s very receptive. He’s really good. I think he lives up to the billing of the best (prep) running back in the country because of his natural instincts. He’ll play for us as a freshman, yeah."Brian Kelly
Hearing how impressive the freshman class is has to excite LSU fans especially heading into a season that feels like a College Football Playoff or bust season. When you look at the roster, several of the Freshmen will have every chance to not only play but, to start for the Tigers next season.
DJ Pickett will have every chance to compete for a starting role at cornerback as soon as week one against Clemson with the talent he showed this Spring. LSU replaces four of five starters on the offensive line and with two elite offensive line recruits, Carius Curne and Solomon Thomas can compete for roles at guard or tackle. Harlem Berry likely won't start but, he can serve a role similar to Caden Durham last season giving the Tigers a big play threat in the rushing attack.
This Summer will be important for the Freshman class again as the Summer enrollees get to campus bringing another 11 players into the mix. If some of the Summer enrollees can come in and prove they're ready to contribute, it''ll give the Tigers a ton of depth heading into Week 1.