LSU Fall Camp Evaluations: The Wide Receivers
LSU’s receiving corps has the chance to shine in Tiger Stadium this season with an assortment of weapons in its arsenal.
Headlined by Malik Nabers, Brian Kelly and Co. went out and secured several newcomers to fill out a receiver room with several fresh faces,
Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr and Kyren Lacy return, but what about the newcomers in this locker room? How did this group perform during Fall Camp?
The Wide Receiver Evaluations:
Malik Nabers
If there was one major takeaway during Fall Camp, it’s that Malik Nabers is ready to elevate his game to another level. Despite totaling over 1000 yards as a sophomore in 2022, Nabers’ game is evolving at a rapid pace.
During preseason practice, he looked physically dominant. There were times where he would take over 11-on-11 work with Jayden Daniels. The two look poised for a big-time season together with their connection becoming more and more lethal.
We saw Nabers control the pace, shine against any cornerback in his way and make the contested catch on a routine basis. There’s a reason why Nabers will be one of the top wideouts selected in the 2024 NFL Draft and he put it all on display during Fall Camp.
Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas battled a minor injury during camp that held him out of a few practices and never quite got in a groove during Fall Camp.
Many are looking at Thomas as a player who is ready for a breakout season, and despite not hitting his stride during camp, there is still time to get back in rhythm.
In 2022, we saw the sophomore wideout show flashes of what’s to come. Thomas showcased his strong hands and impressive vertical on several occasions, specifically against Florida in The Swamp, with this season having high expectations.
Kyren Lacy
It’s expected that Nabers, Thomas and Kyren Lacy take starting reps come Sept. 3 against Florida State with the trio handling first team duties during camp.
For Lacy, he struggled with drops in his first season with the Tigers in 2022, but fast forward to Fall Camp and he’s certainly been putting in the work. Lacy and Daniels are developing a connection and it showed during preseason practice.
There weren’t many jaw-dropping plays during Fall Camp like Lacy had during spring ball, but as he continues developing as a player, he’ll play a key role for LSU in 2023.
Aaron Anderson
Lacy will have to monitor the progression of Aaron Anderson. The Alabama transfer will be pushing for significant snaps in the slot and this coaching staff certainly gave him his fair share of reps during fall ball.
Anderson is a twitchy speedster who thrives in open space. It’s expected offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock will line up Anderson all over the field this season in order to give his playmaker the ball this year and they proved that during camp.
Look for Anderson to thrive as a return specialist in 2023 with an impact coming sooner rather than later on offense.
Chris Hilton Jr.
There was a clear connection between Chris Hilton Jr. and Garrett Nussmeier during Fall Camp. Hilton is a vertical threat and Nussmeier didn’t shy away from launching the ball down field to connect with the third-year Tiger.
In 2023, many will want to see Jayden Daniels improve as a downfield passer, and with a player of Hilton’s caliber, it could be a match made in heaven.
Hilton has battled the injury bug during his entire playing career, but now that he’s healthy, he’ll have an opportunity to make an impact this season for the Tigers.
Shelton Sampson Jr.
A player that has received rave reviews from his peers, the first-year Tiger has carved out a key role with the second team during preseason practice. When dissecting the top freshmen on LSU’s squad, it’s the physical tools that jump off of the page and Sampson is another player who meets the criteria.
Sampson utilizes his God-given physical traits to his advantage, but pair them with his vertical that helps him get up and over defenders and it makes him a lethal deep threat. During camp, it was on full display.
Sampson’s mix of length and speed is what has many comparing him to former LSU great Terrace Marshall. From a physical standpoint, the two are very similar.
The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder continues hitting the weight room, but with an impressive frame to fill out, his imposing tools are a key piece to his success.
Other wide receivers to monitor:
- Landon Ibieta (nursing an injury)
- Kyle Parker (freshman)
- Jalen Brown (freshman)
- Khai Prean (freshman)
