Ten Underclassmen to watch for LSU Football vs Nicholls State
After facing a top 25 opponent in Week One, LSU has a much softer landing spot in Week Two as they take on Nicholls State. The Tigers should win this game and pretty easily which is much needed after last weeks game. LSU should run away with this one and while the starters won't face a ton of pushback, this game provides a unique opportunity. Given that LSU should get to empty the bench in this game, here are the ten underclassmen you should keep an eye on this Saturday as they continue to push for playing time.
DaShawn Spears - Safety
Jardin Gilbert's fourth quarter targeting ejection will cause him to miss the first half of the game against Nicholls State. Regardless of Gilbert's status, we likely would've seen plenty of Spears on Saturday night but, now we may see Spears run with the starters. All offseason, Spears has looked like arguably LSU's best recruit and we'll finally get to see him in game action. He's looked like a true ball hawk throughout both camps and this LSU defense could use any help it can get in the turnover department. We may see LSU tinker with it's defensive lineup to start a veteran deep but, DaShawn Spears is the direct backup to Gilbert on LSU's depth chart.
Trey'Dez Green - Tight End
We saw very little of Trey'Dez Green in the season opener as he was targeted once on what looked like a miscommunication between Garrett Nussmeier and Green. Given how much talent Trey'Dez Green has and how special he looked in Summer camp, you can expect a heavy dosage of Green and likely with the starting offense. The Tigers could use a player like Green especially in the red zone where the Tigers struggled so I'd expect that Joe Sloan gets Green a ton of touches.
Caden Durham - Running Back
In the season opener against USC, the Tigers struggled running the football as John Emery Jr was the only back that had a ton of success. We'll see a ton of Emery, Kaleb Jackson, and Josh Williams as the trio continue to jockey for carries. Don't be surprised if Caden Durham gets a ton of touches on Saturday night either as the freshman back has a ton of ability. LSU has continued to struggle with getting production at running back so it wouldn't be a shock if fresh faces got a chance.
PJ Woodland - Cornerback
As a True Freshman, PJ Woodland saw extensive playing time at cornerback against one of the Nation's best passing attacks. Woodland did take a pass interference penalty but, the way he came back the next play and broke up a pass has to be exciting for LSU. If Woodland can continue to develop over these next few games he'll likely become the starter opposite Ashton Stamps.
Javien Toviano - Cornerback
Off the field issues likely hurt Toviano's chances at starting this season which is a shame as he showed a ton of promise in 2023. He spent the better portion of the Spring paired with Ashton Stamps at cornerback and we may even see the two pair up again this weeknd. If Toviano can make some plays this weekend don't be surprised if his name is back in the rotation at cornerback.