Locally made defensive back named “Freak of the Week” for LSU football

One of the most challenging things to do in sports is come back from injury. It’s an automatic setback, which can lead to a permanent decline for many athletes. Still, not all is said and done, especially if you’re willing to put in the work. That’s exactly where this week’s “Freak of the Week” comes into play, as LSU football defensive back Matthew Langlois was given the honor.

Local defensive back product Matthew Langlois is this week’s “Freak of the Week”

It’s been a tough start to a college football career for defensive back Matthew Langlois. The local product out of New Roads, LA, came into the football program as a four-star safety and the No. 11 player out of Louisiana.

He appeared in nine games as a freshman in 2021 but didn’t record any stats. Following the season, the team was looking for a new head coach, with coach Ed Orgeron being let go from the program.

Then, under new head coach Brian Kelly in 2022, he suffered a season-ending injury during the second game of the season.

However, he hasn’t given up yet. Heading into his junior season, the former four-star defensive back has been more than willing to work. Recently, he was named “Freak of the Week” for his performances in practices.

Freak of the Week | @LangloisMatthew pic.twitter.com/7Khs1QlE7I

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) July 10, 2023

Despite the injury this past season, Langlois has continued working on his body with LSU football. Coming in as a freshman, the local defensive back weighed just 185 pounds. Now, heading into year three, he’s put on at least 20 pounds, officially weighing in at 205.

Langlois could be a breakout candidate looking ahead to the 2023 season

When thinking about players who could break out, I generally look for two things. There needs to be an opportunity, along with athletic ability.

Even if you aren’t necessarily the most technical football player on the planet, if you’re one of the best athletes on the team, you have a good shot at getting on the field. In addition, if you find yourself in a position room without great depth, your chances increase significantly.

Well, for Langlois, he more than checks both of those boxes. Throughout high school, he was a star on the track in addition to football. He’s been clocked going a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and a 10.91-second 100-meter dash.

Speed like that translates to the football field. Add in his tackling ability, and this should, at the very least, get him on special teams. Then, when you consider how little depth there is at safety, his odds increase significantly.

Has Kansas State jumped to the top of the pack for priority DB target Matthew Langlois?

@DYoungRivals and @GrantFlanders touch on that and much more in their latest Kansas State recruiting notebook: https://t.co/TeTvZmJBZp pic.twitter.com/IjemamrUr8

— Rivals (@Rivals) August 7, 2020

Right now, the only sure-fire talent LSU football has at safety is junior Major Burns and senior Greg Brooks Jr. Besides that, there’s a wide-open door for the immediate backup spot.

Unless an injury pops up, Langlois will unlikely take either starting spot this season. Still, don’t be surprised to see No. 14 running around and making an impact throughout 2023.

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