LSU Wide Receiver Zavion Thomas' impact will truly be felt in the return game

This offseason, the LSU Football team landed a massive transfer when Mississippi State Wide Receiver Zavion Thomas announced he'd be transferring to LSU. The first thing most LSU fans likely did was look to see his stats as a receiver last season and the 503 yards and a touchdown gave the Tiger faithful plenty to be excited about. What doesn't show up right away however, was Thomas' ability as a kick and punt returner.

The LSU Football team has been plagued by punt return issues in the past few seasons costing the team games. This issue has specifically plagued LSU in its openers against Florida State as the Tigers muffed two punts in 2022 and another in 2023 which even garnered tweets from LeBron James.

Now with Zavion Thomas returning kicks for LSU, Tiger fans will no longer have to close their eyes when a punts in the air but, they'll be dying for the moment Thomas begins his return. In 2022, Thomas burst onto the scene with 202 punt return yards on 15 returns with a touchdown.

In 2023, Thomas was still impressive as a punt returner averaging 11.6 yards per return but, he took a massive step in the kick return game. On his six kick return attempts, Thomas recorded 202 yards averaging 33.33 yards per return with a touchdown.

The past performances by Zavion Thomas were rewarded as he was named the Pre-Season First-Team All-SEC All Purpose Specialist and the Second-Team All SEC Return Specialist.

Thomas will become a fan favorite in Baton Rouge

The departures of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr will allow for new faces to emerge in LSU's wide receiver room. The ability Thomas shows with the ball in his hands will make him a player that Joe Sloan finds ways to involve in the passing attack which should provide electric plays. The first time the Tiger faithful sees Zavion Thomas return a kick or punt for a massive gain, he'll instantly become a fan favorite.

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