5 LSU Football players that will push the starters for their jobs early on

August is nearly here meaning that we are just days away from the start of Summer camp for the LSU Football team. This team has few true position battles heading into the Summer as we'll need to wait and see the first teams Brian Kelly trots out at practice. Despite LSU having a solid group of starters, there are a few players that could push their way into starting roles.

Kaleb Jackson - Running Back

At the start of the season, Josh Williams will be the first running back on the field for the LSU Tigers and putting him in this conversation isn't a slight as he's a great player. After Kaleb Jackson's Freshman showing it's easy to believe that he's the best back for the team. In 2023, Jackson got 31 carries rushing for 165 yards and 4 touchdowns averaging 5.3 yards per carry. When the ball is in Jackson's hands there's a constant threat of explosive plays that makes him dangerous for LSU.

Gabe Reliford - Defensive Line

One of if not the biggest points of emphasis this offseason was adding talent and depth to the defensive line room as LSU lost three defensive tackles to the NFL Draft. While Dominick McKinley will certainly push for playing time early on as a freshman, the freshman we'll likely see the earliest is Gabe Reliford. The true freshman was an early enrollee and all he did was exceed expectations this spring. In the Spring Game, Reliford notched two sacks and will be a player to keep an eye on once summer camp gets underway.

West and Whit Weeks - Linebacker

The LSU Football team has two solid linebackers in Harold Perkins and Greg Penn and the group will be one of the strong points of this team. However, Blake Baker will have to scheme formations up to find ways to get West and Whit Weeks onto the field. Blake Baker raved about West's development while Whit was one of LSU's most underrated performers last season. Having four linebackers with starting ability is a great issue to have for Blake Baker.

Dashawn Spears - Safety

At Safety, LSU returns Sage Ryan while incoming transfer Jardin Gilbert will play alongside him. Given LSU's struggles in the secondary last season the outlook on the room will be more of a wait and see once games begin. The Tigers have a true freshman ready to make a massive impact in Dashawn Spears who had an impressive spring as an early enrollee. In Spears, LSU has a safety with the most length and height in the room which could be important when facing off against some of the bigger tight ends and receivers LSU will see this season.

Kylin Jackson - Star

At the Star position, Major Burns will start the season and get every opportunity as one of the veteran leaders of the defense. Moving Burns closer to the line of scrimmage should provide a massive boost in the run game as he'll no longer have to worry about pass coverage deep. The biggest threat to Burns is Kylin Jackson who had a great spring and will continue to push his way towards starting time as he continues to develop.

More LSU News: