The LSU Tigers are set to face FCS Southeastern Louisiana in Week 4 on Saturday night. It's the third-ever meeting between the two Louisiana schools, with LSU winning the first two matchups by a combined score of 79-7. The schools are located just 45 miles apart, and Saturday's matchup brings a full circle moment for one LSU Tiger.
LSU tight end Bauer Sharp has gone down a long and winding road in his college football career to get to Baton Rouge. Hailing from Dothan, AL, Sharp began his collegiate career in Hammond with Southeastern Louisiana as a quarterback. It was the only offer he got. Now, he is set to go up against his former team for the first time as a member of the LSU Tigers.
Bauer Sharp faces former team where he was once a quarterback
Sharp played three seasons for the Lions, and initially began the 2021 season as a quarterback. After appearing in just one game, he met with the coaching staff to find a new position that would better suit his skill set and provide more of an opportunity to see the field. He made the move to tight end, and has since put together a strong college career at his new position.
Sharp hauled in 11 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown in his first full season as a tight end in 2022. He increased his production to 29 catches for 288 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. He also saw action as a Wildcat QB, totaling 133 yards and five touchdowns on 25 carries. That caught the attention of FBS programs, and Sharp made the decision to head to Norman to join the Oklahoma Sooners prior to the 2024 season. In his lone season with the Sooners, the 6-foot-5, 246-pound TE led all OU pass-catchers with 42 catches for 324 yards and two scores.
He then transferred to LSU, and through three games in his fifth-year senior season, Sharp has collected nine catches for 97 yards. He is coming off his best game as a Tiger, as he hauled in three passes for 71 yards with a long of 65 against Florida in Week 3.
With Trey'Dez Green sidelined, Sharp could continue to see an increased role in the LSU passing game as he faces his former team. Green is questionable to suit up in on Saturday night, which could bring more opportunities for Sharp. Interestingly enough, Sharp will face his other former team later this season when LSU heads to Oklahoma in the regular season finale on Nov. 29.