Film Review: What 2021 Tight End Commit Jalen Shead Brings to LSU Football Offense

With the addition of an all-around tight end to its 2021 recruiting class, the LSU offense continues to add valuable pieces to its roster.

LSU may be a more flashy offensive team than in years past, but the Tigers still know that a powerful and athletic inline tight end impacts SEC football games. Jalen Shead just committed to the Tigers, and he’s a much bigger pickup than most people know.

With the addition of Arik Gilbert to the 2020 class, it would not have been surprising if the Tigers came up short at tight end for the 2021 class. Gilbert appears to be a once in a generation player, potentially scaring off 2021 tight end recruits. After reading LSUCountry’s article and interview with Shead from earlier this week, it became apparent that Shead understands his impending role with LSU. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end from Olive Branch (Miss.) High School would be more of a blocker, at least initially, upon arriving in Baton Rouge.

That’s rare in today’s society. Players pout when not receiving playing time for being the focal point of an offense or defense. Kudos to Shead for understanding how he will benefit LSU, and how that benefit will help him potentially reach the NFL.

As one will see below in some of Shead’s highlights, he’s a bull in a china shop. He inflicts his will into the opposing defensive player. Powerful, calculated and consistent would be a good way to describe Shead’s blocking style. That’s also what’s necessary to take on 240-pound edge rushers in the SEC, or track down an athletic, 210-pound strong safety playing in the box. Shead possesses the talent to do either.

Here is a closer look at a few clips from LSU’s newest 2021 commitment, with his full highlight reel available below as well.

This first highlight demonstrates Shead’s desire to not only physically dominate his opponent, but it also displayed his discipline. He sized up the linebacker, broke down into a blocking position, and delivered the blow. While it ended up being a devastating block, Shead showed how to be under control.

This second play is important just due to its nature. Shead goes in motion as an H-back. He climbs to the second level to take on a much smaller defender, the safety that’s in the box playing the run. Oftentimes smaller defenders out maneuver tight ends. Shead once again positioned himself in front of the defender, stayed square, and punished the safety. While LSU is now more of a passing offense, Shead’s physical presence and understanding of how to block will pay dividends within the run game.

Finally, Shead showed off his down field speed and athleticism during this third clip. He received multiple hits before clearing the linebacker level but kept on moving, and he made a good over the shoulder reception. This play proves that Shead should be more than a situational player for the Tigers.

Combining Shead with Gilbert will provide the LSU offense with a plethora of tight end options. Two tight end sets, going five wide with two tight ends in the game, or even using Shead as an H-Back or fullback for running plays will be possible. In the SEC, that type of versatile play makes life much easier for an offensive coaching staff.

While many people may not know much about Shead, keep in mind that his other two final college choices were Ole Miss and Alabama, two coaches that know a thing or two about college football. The Tigers landed a good one. Here’s Shead’s full highlight video.