Who Will LSU Football Turn To During the 2024 Season?

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers are just a few weeks away from their Week 1 showdown against USC as fall camp approaches.

With time running out, all eyes will be on the improvements on defense under new coordinator Blake Baker, particularly in the secondary.

With new players emerging on the defensive line, LSU hopes the new faces in Baton Rouge will continue to develop. Kelly is also eager to see how his new defensive coordinator will interact with the players.

“Schedule aside, I think everybody has their own taste of what the scheme looks like. Blake definitely has an established comfort level in a certain scheme,” Kelly said during SEC Media Days. “But it’s about relationships, it’s getting players excited to step on the field. It’s about players really wanting to be a part of those 11 guys running, hitting, being a part of that unit.

“Blake’s ability to orchestrate that and bring it together is what’s really clear.”

But there are also key parts of the offense that need to take the next step to make the Tigers a complete team this year.

As we head into 2024, here are three potential X-factors LSU can count on as it seeks growth this fall in Death Valley:

No. 1: Zavion Thomas (wide receiver/return specialist)

All eyes are on Mississippi State transfer Zavion Thomas, who will be a key player for the Tigers as a return specialist and wide receiver.

Thomas racked up 503 yards on 40 receptions for the Bulldogs in 2023 after being the go-to guy in Starkville on multiple occasions.

Now he’s part of an LSU offensive line that features a wealth of players, with Thomas joining Kyren Lacy, CJ Daniels and Chris Hilton, among others.

Although Thomas will not play such a big role in the attack, the hope is that he will earn his keep as a return specialist.

LSU has struggled in this area the past two seasons and his impact as a punt returner is especially paramount.

When discussing potential X-factors in 2024, Thomas is certainly at the top of the list.

No. 2 Jardin Gilbert (Safety)

LSU’s defense has been a huge disappointment the past few seasons, but after making some adjustments along the defensive line, the Tigers have their sights set on growth.

One player who has a strong chance is Jardin Gilbert, who transferred from Texas A&M and is returning to Louisiana.

The Bayou State native will lace up his boots for his hometown program in 2024, with a chance to serve as LSU’s starting safety.

Kelly’s program is getting an upgrade at safety this season, with Gilbert and Sage Ryan eyeing first-team play.

After Major Burns and Andre Sam struggled in 2023, it is vital that Gilbert and Ryan give the Tigers a much-needed boost on defense.

Burns will represent the representatives in the STAR position in 2024 under Blake Baker’s new plan.

With a first-team defensive backfield (during spring camp) consisting of PJ Woodland and Ashton Stamps at the cornerbacks positions alongside Major Burns (STAR) and Sage Ryan/Jardin Gilbert at safety, there is room for growth in 2024.

No. 3: Chris Hilton (wide receiver)

The wide receiver talent in Baton Rouge is an eye-opener, with veteran Kyren Lacy looking to establish himself as Death Valley’s WR1 for the 2024 season. All eyes are on Lacy, but keep an eye on redshirt junior Chris Hilton.

The receiving corps is loaded with talent, especially since Lacy and Liberty transfer C.J. Daniels look to shoulder the bulk of the load. Still, Hilton is a player who has a chance to be a true X-factor in 2024.

It was a quiet season in 2023 after he caught 13 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. But Hilton will have his sights set on a bigger role in 2024, as he lacks much experience in this area.

Hilton will be joined by Lacy, Daniels, Aaron Anderson and Kyle Parker, among others, and is looking to distinguish himself from the rest this fall.

Lacy is the player who has the most news and hype surrounding her. Expect Hilton to quietly show signs of improvement ahead of her Week 1 game against USC.

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