Five Underclassmen Players Poised for a Breakout with the LSU Tigers in 2024

The LSU Football team is bringing back loads of talent and loads of experience which could see the team competing for a college football playoff bid. The thing that typically helps push a team over the top is when the team gets massive contributions from underclassmen who weren't expected to fill big roles. The LSU Football team could potentially have a ton of contributions from underclassmen with these five being the most likely candidates.

Caden Durham - Running Back

The LSU Football team has a serious need at running back especially if Trey Holly's legal issues continue to loom. While Caleb Durham wasn't an early enrollee, the moment he steps onto campus this Summer he'll have a serious shot to be a contributor in this offense. The true freshman was a four-star recruit as the Nation's sixth-ranked running back in the class. Ideally, the LSU Football team will have three running backs making contributions to the offense and Durham will play his way into significant playing time in year one.

Aaron Anderson - Wide Receiver

In his first season at LSU, Aaron Anderson played sparingly recording just twelve catches for 59 yards. The losses of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr will allow for some new receivers to make an impact and Aaron Anderson will certainly be in contention for a starting role. Anderson's fumble on a muffed punt against Florida State limited his impact in 2023 as well as the loaded receiving core but, this year he may see serious time as a starter. Anderson has speed that makes him a home-run threat on any pass and if you need any more convincing listen to what Nick Saban said to Anderson last year:

Kylin Jackson - Defensive Back

As a True Freshman, Jackson played mostly on Special Teams while also seeing a few snaps on defense. The defense was a disaster in 2023, and Kylin Jackson may be a part of turning around the secondary in the future. The Tigers return a veteran group at safety however, the second one of them slips up Kylin Jackson may grab the reins and he's talented enough that he may never give the job back. Jackson has the coverage ability to be a great defender while his physicality will help bring the LSU defense's identity back to where it belongs.

Kaleb Jackson - Running Back

The running back that will likely benefit the most from Trey Holly's long absence may be Sophomore Kaleb Jackson. As a Freshman, Jackson rushed for 165 yards and four touchdowns adding 53 yards receiving. In his brief playing time, Jackson showed an ability to be a serious threat at the running back position and he will likely play a massive role in this offense in 2024.

Gabe Reliford - Edge Rusher

The incoming freshman, Gabe Reliford was ranked as the nation's 40th-ranked defensive lineman as a four-star recruit. After an impressive Spring, Reliford showed how talented he was in the Spring game recording two sacks against the second-team offense. The LSU Tigers may need to be creative in how they deploy their defensive linemen with the latest misses in the transfer portal which may open up further playing time for Reliford. The True Freshman has the size to play a more traditional defensive end and the speed and skill to play at edge rusher.

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