With LSU out of the Playoff hunt, these ten Tigers need more playing time
The Tigers loss on Saturday killed the slim chances of LSU making the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff. This team clearly is lacking the top end playmakers that they've had in years past years. As LSU starts to turn its attention towards next season, these ten players should start to see an increase in playing time in order to speed up their development heading into next season.
DaShawn Spears - Safety
When it was announced that Sage Ryan was suspended for the first quarter against Florida it felt likely that we'd see DaShawn Spears back in the lineup at Safety. The suspension of Ryan paired with the units poor play as a whole made it surprising that DaShawn Spears didn't play any snaps on defense. Spears is a player that LSU may need to rely upon heavily next season and getting him as many reps as possible is the best for his development.
Caden Durham - Running Back
Ever since his breakout performance against South Carolina, Caden Durham has been a mainstay in LSU's backfield. His usage in most of LSU's games hasn't been as high as you'd like considering he has given LSU the biggest spark in the run game. Going forward, Josh Williams can't continue to out snap Durham as he needs to be on the field to give LSU a greater shot at breaking a big play. The area you'd like to see Durham get his feet wet is in pass protection as LSU has deployed Josh Williams for help but, as evidenced on the play Garrett Nussmeier got hurt Williams also has flaws in that area.
Kylin Jackson - Safety/Star
This summer, Kylin Jackson spent most of camp alongside DaShawn Spears as LSU's second team safety. Given the issues at the position, Jackson is another player we should see enter the rotation as he could be in line for a starting role next season. Jackson looked the best at the star position making some solid plays this summer and with Major Burns running out of eligibility, he could be next in line for the job.
Trey'Dez Green - Tight End/Wide Receiver
When LSU moved Trey'Dez Green to wide receiver for the rest of the season we expected to see him a ton especially down in the red zone. Green missed a block this weekend which was a tough play to make and after that point we never saw LSU really turn to him. The Tigers will need Green next season especially if Mason Taylor heads off to the NFL. Given the Tigers struggles in the red zone getting a bigger body on the field that can go up and catch a 50/50 ball can at least give LSU some help.
Ka'Morreun Pimpton - Tight End
Along with Trey'Dez Green, Ka'Morreun Pimpton was one of the standouts from camp this Summer. Despite the standout camp, Pimpton hasn't gotten a ton of playing time especially as a receiving option as he has just three catches for 21 yards on the year. While Green likely translates best as a wide receiver, Pimpton fits the mold of the traditional tight end that could replace Mason Taylor next season.