LSU’s freshman defensive line group has already forced its way into the conversation at fall camp.
Deuce Geralds, Richard Anderson and Lamar Brown haven’t just been hanging around the edge of the rotation. Geralds and Anderson have gotten first-team reps, while Brown has been working with the second unit at defensive end. In other words, all three are making a real case to help right away this season.
Lane Kiffin said he even compared notes with Ed Orgeron on the trio, and the answer he got back was about as strong as it gets.
“I talked to Ed about that,” Kiffin said. “I was kind of thinking all the places over the years we’ve been and even when we’ve been together or separate and neither of us has had that.”
That kind of praise is notable in any setting, but it hits differently now, with the transfer portal often pushing veteran additions to the front of the line. Kiffin made it clear these freshmen are not just in the mix - they’re getting serious run.
“All of them have a chance to play,” Kiffin said. “Those three specifically are playing a lot, and it’s really exciting.”
Braelin Moore has seen enough in practice to understand why the buzz is building. The LSU center, who previously played at Virginia Tech, said the freshmen already look the part physically, even next to older players he’s faced before.
“Man, those guys are going to be crazy talented,” Moore said. “Their future is so bright.”
Each player brings something different to the front. Geralds offers pass-rush juice.
Anderson, listed at 6-foot-3 and 339 pounds, gives LSU a huge body inside. Brown adds flexibility, with the ability to work on the edge or slide into the middle.
There are still several weeks before LSU opens the season against Clemson, but the freshman trio has already become one of the most interesting parts of camp as Kiffin and his staff sort through the defensive line rotation.
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That angle matters even more now that Kiffin has left Ole Miss for LSU, where the Rebels new offensive playcaller will be John David Baker. For LSU, the move created an unexpected subplot to keep an eye on, because Chambliss is no longer tied to the coach many people associated with his rise. The question hanging over the next chapter is whether his production travels with him when the architect of the old offense is gone and the new one takes over. [Read more 🡒]
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LSU Faces An Early Receiver Concern As Clemson Prep Intensifies
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The more immediate concern is at receiver, where Winston Watkins Jr. was absent again for a second straight practice. LSU does not have much time to let any camp absence linger with Clemson looming, so every rep matters now, especially as the Tigers try to sort out who is ready to handle the load when the opener arrives. Watkins availability will be worth watching as camp intensity rises and the depth chart starts to take shape. [Read more 🡒]