LSU Fall Camp Evaluations: The Offensive Line
Brian Kelly and Co. flaunt an embarrassment of riches in their offensive line room with several returning pieces from a season ago.
Along with returning the entire starting unit from a season ago, the Tigers went out and added a myriad of newcomers during the offseason to provide depth moving forward.
From five-star tackle Zalance Heard to Maryland transfer Mason Lunsford, LSU reeled in key pieces in order to have stability up front.
How did this group perform during Fall Camp? Which newcomers are flying up the depth chart? What do rotations look like?
The Offensive Line Evaluations
First-Team: Will Campbell (LT), Garrett Dellinger (LG), Charles Turner (C), Miles Frazier (RG), Emery Jones (RT)
Will Campbell
Campbell has taken on more of a leadership role as he enters his sophomore season with high expectations. After putting his name on the map after an impressive freshman campaign, Campbell has the chance to put together an All-Conference year for the Tigers.
During Fall Camp, it was the same story for the second-year star. He didn’t lose many one-on-one’s and shined against the likes of Sai’vion Jones and other pass rushers.
Looking ahead to the 2023 season, there’s significant weight on Campbell’s shoulders for a big-time year.
Garrett Dellinger
Dellinger quietly had an impressive offseason after missing some time during the 2022 year. He put on more size and has looked impressive when healthy. After starting last season at center before eventually moving to guard, his game improved at a rapid pace.
Now playing guard in a full-time capacity, it’s helped him get in a groove during Fall Camp. Look for Dellinger to remain consistent this season for the left side of the offensive line alongside Campbell.
Charles Turner
This is where it gets interesting. Turner returned to Baton Rouge with the chance to polish his game with an LSU offensive line that brought back several key pieces. For the senior, he’s been battling with Marlon Martinez for starting center duties.
During the Fall Camp scrimmage, Turner handled starting reps with all signs pointing towards him winning the job, but the next week and a half will be key.
Turner looked the part during in one-on-one’s and has the chance to be a consistent piece to the Tigers offensive line in 2023.
Miles Frazier
Frazier’s role this season will linger on his consistency. We saw Brian Kelly shakeup the offensive line during Saturday’s scrimmage with Emery Jones sliding to right guard, taking Frazier’s spot, and freshman Zalance Heard taking first-team reps at right tackle.
For Frazier, he took on an expanded role last season for LSU and has the chance to carry that success into 2023, but he’ll have youngsters on his tail looking to take his spot.
During camp, Frazier had impressive flashes, but continuing to put it all together will be key.
Emery Jones
Jones shined as a freshman last season for the Tigers. It was an impressive first season in Baton Rouge for the youngster where he stole the show with fellow first-year Tiger Will Campbell. Looking ahead, Jones’ role will expand.
Will he start at right guard or right tackle? He’s shown versatility during camp where he’s played both roles and the improvement of Zalance Heard will ultimately tell the story with which position Jones plays.
All in all, it was a beneficial camp for Jones who showcased his versatility up front.
Second-Team: Bo Bordelon (LT), Kimo Makane'ole (LG), DJ Chester (C), Marlon Martinez (G,C), Zalance Heard (RT), Mason Lunsford (G)
A few notes on the backups:
Zalance Heard
Heard has been the talk of the town over the last few days after taking significant snaps with the first-team offensive line during Saturday’s Fall Camp scrimmage.
He’s evolving at a rapid pace and the five-star prospect could push Miles Frazier out of the starting lineup sooner rather than later as he continues competing.
If Frazier moves out of the starting lineup, Emery Jones would shift from right tackle to right guard and Heard would be inserted as the first-team right tackle. Time will tell, but the true freshman has been a bright spot so far.
Mason Lunsford
The Maryland transfer arrived in Baton Rouge over the summer and took some time to get acclimated to the new system, but once Fall Camp rolled around, he hit his stride.
At times, Lunsford worked in with the first-team at guard, but a nagging injury sidelined him for a few practices, halting momentum.
As time goes on, we could see Lunsford work in with the first-team, but he’ll have to continue improving like he was before being sidelined. All in all, the transfer has been a bright spot for this unit.
Bo Bordelon
Bordelon has taken strides in the right direction during Fall Camp and has worked his way into a consistent role with the second-team. The LSU legacy has the chance to continue developing his game and reach that next level.
DJ Chester
The true freshman has carved out a role with the second-team during camp and has received praise from people within the LSU program. He’s put on size and continues developing as a player. The Georgia native was a monster get for the Tigers on the recruiting trail and it’s paying off so far.
