LSU Fall Camp Evaluations: The Tight Ends
Brian Kelly and Co. brought in a myriad of tight ends this offseason to provide depth for the Tigers behind star Mason Taylor, and after a productive last few months, the additions are looking the part.
The Tigers secured three tight ends via the 2023 recruiting class while also going out and reeling in JUCO stud Connor Gilbreath.
Now, with a handful of players competing day in and day out to complement Taylor, LSU has a variety of skill sets to step in this season.
How did this unit look during Fall Camp? Who’s emerging as the backup? What are the rotations?
A dive into the tight end room:
Mason Taylor
Taylor emerged for the Tigers in 2022 as a freshman and hasn’t looked back. After making the play of the year against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tiger Stadium, the youngster continued surging for LSU.
He wrapped up a productive freshman campaign with 38 receptions for 414 yards and three touchdowns in year one for the Tigers and is taking strides in the right direction as he gears up for his second season.
Taylor won’t have to carry as big of a load this season with several youngsters behind him on the depth chart, but it’s expected he makes an All-SEC run. Aside from Georgia’s Brock Bowers, Taylor has the chance to be the next best tight end in the conference.
Mac Markway
Markway isn’t your average freshman from a physical standpoint. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder plays well above his age and showed it on a routine basis during Fall Camp.
Markway is an excellent blocker and thrived in that role during high school. Fast forward to now and he’s evolving as a pass catcher as well.
The first-year Tiger took snaps with the second team during preseason practice and held his own day in and day out. As he continues rounding out his game, it’s clear he’ll take on a major role for LSU.
Ka’Morreun Pimpton
Pimpton is a freak of nature. The 6-foot-6, 245 pound freshman is a physical specimen on the football field and it was on display all month. With long arms and a vertical that makes him virtually unguardable in the end zone, Pimpton is exceptional for his age.
He’s a receiving threat, and as his game develops as a blocker, Pimpton has the chance to be an elite tight end for the Tigers. The first-year Tiger rotated in with the second-team, just as Markway did, as he looks to carve out a role with this offense.
Connor Gilbreath
The JUCO transfer out of Butte College (Ca.) arrived in Baton Rouge on August 1 and continues getting acclimated to how LSU operates on a daily basis. T
he plan for Gilbreath all along is for him to serve as a blocking tight end in his first season with the program, but moving forward, he’ll switch to an offensive tackle role.
The 6-foot-5, 275-pounder is special as a blocking tight end and knows his role. He rotated with the second and third team during camp, and after only being on campus for a few weeks, his development will be key.
Jackson McGohan
McGohan is going to be a player this program prepares for long term. The true freshman had moments during camp that were impressive, but drops and struggles as a blocker proved that it’ll be a work in progress.
He’s as talented of a receiving tight end as this program has and it’s clear the coaching staff is excited about his skill set. At 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, his physical tools are impressive, and as he continues adding size, the sky’s the limit for the youngster.
