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How LSU Football's 2021 Signing Class has fared entering their Senior Season

By Nicholas Rome

Linebacker Greg Penn III 30 celebrates after an interception as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023.
Linebacker Greg Penn III 30 celebrates after an interception as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023. / SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA
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The Four Stars

Sage Ryan - Safety

As a freshman, it was expected that Sage Ryan would see playing time on defense however, injuries kept Ryan out of the lineup for all but, four games allowing him to redshirt. 2022 saw Ryan play in all 14 games starting once recording 23 tackles and a forced fumble. The 2023 season saw Ryan become a starter where he spent a majority of his time at cornerback and nickel. Heading into 2024, Ryan is expected to be the team's full-time Nickel but, he'll need to take the next step if this LSU defense is going to improve.

Chris Hilton - Wide Receiver

As a freshman, Hilton barely played due to a strong LSU Receiving room finishing the year with two catches for 81 yards and a touchdown. The 2022 season was more of the same for Hilton as he finished the year with seven catches for 109 yards. In 2023, Hilton's production took a step up as he finished the year with 13 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns. After losing Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr to the NFL Draft, Hilton will be one of the players pushing for a starting role as a redshirt Junior.

Deion Smith - Wide Receiver

After signing with LSU, as a freshman Smith recorded 11 catches for 186 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Smith then entered the transfer portal ending up at Holmes Community College for two seasons before transferring to Ole Miss this winter.

Brian Thomas Jr - Wide Receiver

In this recruiting class, it's arguable that Brian Thomas Jr is the biggest success outside of Malik Nabers. Thomas Jr was ranked just higher than Nabers as a recruit but, both followed the same career path. Thomas Jr finished his LSU Career with 1,897 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns as one of the best wide receivers in the country in his Junior Season. Thomas Jr was one of three LSU first-round picks this season and will look to continue his success in the NFL next season.

Armoni Goodwin - Running Back

The former four-star running back saw playing time at LSU but, never panned out as expected. In his LSU career, Goodwin recorded 356 yards rushing and receiving while adding five touchdowns. After dealing with injuries that kept him from receiving any playing time in 2023, Goodwin transferred to UAB.

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