It is no surprise LSU football lost some of its greatest players this past year. Thirteen of them were drafted into the NFL, which set an SEC record for the most players selected in one draft. Three notable players missing this season are quarterback Joe Burrow, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Off to the NFL
Burrow graduated and was the No. 1 overall pick for the Cincinnati Bengals. During his debut as starting QB with the Bengals, Burrow scored his first career touchdown in just the first quarter with a 23-yard run. The Bengals lost with just 11 seconds remaining in the game.
Another first round draft pick was Edwards-Helaire, who now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. During his Week 1 debut, he broke numerous tackles and is currently one of three running backs to eclipse 100 rushing yards.
Jefferson was the 22nd overall pick for the Minnesota Vikings. During his first game playing in the NFL, Jefferson caught two of three targets for 26 yards. Going into the season, veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen will get the majority of the targets but with the Vikings depth chart looking blurry after Thielen, it will give Justin opportunities to show take over the No. 2 spot.
Who’s next?
As sad as it was to see some of our favorite players leave LSU’s football program, it’s going to be exciting to follow them and see how each of them navigate their way through the NFL. Although they have moved on, LSU certainly has some big things coming its way this season with players like Myles Brennon and Tyrion Davis-Price.
Brennon is this year’s starting quarterback. After redshirting in 2018, Brennon came back last year bigger and better than ever. Brennon played in 10 games in which he completed 24 out of 40 passes with one touchdown. He was the only QB on the LSU roster with collegiate game experience. I think we can expect big things to come from Brennan and his cannon of an arm.
As for this year’s starting running back, it will be Davis-Price. Last year, the sophomore had 64 carries, ran 295 yards and scored six touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He is presumed to fill big shoes after Edwards-Helaire and my expectations are high.
With these guys, it looks like we’re headed into another championship season from one of the most top dog Division 1 programs.
Geaux Tigers!
Hello! My name is Janelle and I’m a senior at The University of Central Florida studying Human Communications and Event Management. My two favorite teams are the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Penn State Nittany Lions.
You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @janelleshimonn