One LSU Transfer has given the team something it has lacked in years

While its easy to load up on commitments and transfers on offense and defense with the thought that you can figure out special teams later on, it doesn't always work. That had been the case at LSU under Brian Kelly in his first two seasons as the Tigers would often stick skill position players back deep who weren't the most qualified returners. This cost LSU in crucial moments such as against Florida State as Malik Nabers was an incredible receiver but, wasn't the best returner.

In 2023, running back Kaleb Jackson led the Tigers in kick return yards with 249 while Gregory Clayton Jr led LSU with just 50 yards as a punt returner. In 2022, Noah Cain was LSU's only solid returner with 155 yards on kick returns but, LSU practically punted on having a punt returner.

The addition of Zavion Thomas from the transfer portal has transformed this LSU team as they now have a dynamic return man.

On kickoff, teams are kicking away from Thomas as he's clearly the biggest threat to beat them but, he still has 36 return yards. When teams can't avoid Thomas on punt, he dominates with 180 yards on eight returns averaging 22.5 yards per return.

The last time LSU had a returner with nearly as many yards was 2019 when Derek Stingley Jr finished the year with 163 yards on punt return. The last returner with more yards than Thomas has right now was DJ Chark in 2017.

Thomas has been a gamechanger for the LSU Football team

While it was easy to fall in love with some of LSU's other transfers like CJ Daniels, Jardin Gilbert, and Gio Paez, Thomas has been the best of the bunch. Thomas has given this team great field position with some incredible plays on punt and kick returns. In the abscence of Chris Hilton Jr, Thomas has been a reliable receiver as well ranking 5th on the team in catches and receiving yards and 2nd in touchdowns.

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