ESPN’s Billy Tucker put together a list of 51 freshmen he believes could leave a mark on the 2026 college football season, and two LSU defensive linemen made the cut.
Deuce Geralds and Lamar Brown were both included in Tucker’s SEC group, a nod to just how much talent LSU is bringing into its defensive line room. Tucker pointed to Geralds as a player who has already made noise this spring, even if he isn’t the most highly rated lineman in the class.
“3. Deuce Geralds, DT, LSU: Yes, LSU's defensive line is loaded.
Geralds also isn't the highest-rated defensive lineman in LSU's incoming class -- that was No. 1 overall prospect Lamar Brown -- but he made a strong first impression this spring. Geralds' explosion should help make up for less-than-ideal measurables and he may be better equipped to quickly step into a rotational role this fall.”
Brown, meanwhile, drew praise for the kind of traits that can separate a lineman once the pads come on. Tucker highlighted Brown’s size, movement skills and coachability, while also noting that the path to playing time won’t be easy in a crowded LSU front.
“9. Lamar Brown, DT, LSU: Brown has excellent physical tools.
He knows how to play with leverage and has excellent agility for a 295-pounder along the interior. Brown also responds well to coaching.
Those are all good traits for someone who faces a crowded path to playing time within a talented LSU defensive line room that also includes fellow freshmen Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson. Brown's tool set could set him apart.”
The question now is whether LSU got the full picture with just those two names. The comment section, at least, seems to think the answer might be no.
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