LOOK: LSU football class of 2024 signees show off blazing speed

Another year, and another top-10 ranked class for coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers. Notably, not only is the LSU football class of 2024 filled with top-end talent, but if this weekend was any indication, speed appears to be a major strength. On Saturday, wide receiver Jelani Watkins and running back Caden Durham gave Tiger fans a glimpse at what they’ll be gaining on offense this season.

LSU football class of 2024 signees showing out at Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational

Speed kills, and the 2024 Tiger offense is filled with it. More specifically, recent LSU football class of 2024 signees Jelani Watkins and Caden Durham are bringing an ability to fly that can matchup with some of the very best in the country.

Over the weekend, the pair competed in the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational, and relatively unsurprisingly, they dominated from start to finish.

One of the highlights of the day was when the offensive playmakers went one-two in the 100-meter dash. Watkins took first in dramatic fashion, winning the race with a 10.22, while Durham wasn’t far behind at 10.48.

1st – Jelani Watkins: 10.22

2nd – Caden Durham: 10.48#LSU football signees with some head-turning (wind legal) times.

Both guys have a chance to play football and run track in Baton Rouge. pic.twitter.com/CfqWYazdZg

— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) March 2, 2024

For context, with a 10.22, Watkins not only won the event, but also clocked the 28th fastest time in high school track and field history. The LSU football class of 2024 signees are also expected to compete as a part of the LSU track and field team.

Notably, the 2024 cycle wasn’t the only group that had future Tiger representatives in the invitational. Class of 2025 five-star wide receiver Dakorien Moore also competed with running back Caden Durham as a part of Duncanville.

Again, the future Tiger dominated, helping his 4×100 relay to one of the fastest times in the entire country so far this season.

Duncanville just ran one of the fastest 4×100 Relays IN THE COUNTRY 👀🙌 @pantherssports

1st leg | Ayson Theus @Ace2smooth_
2nd leg | Dakorien Moore @thereal_kori2x
3rd leg | Brayden Williams @Braywilliams_1
4th leg | Caden Durham @CadenDurham29

(Via runnnsphere/ig)… pic.twitter.com/uD1XbyUzA9

— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) March 2, 2024

2024 outlook for the future Tigers

As far as their speed goes, the pair of class of 2024 signees have a chance to walk on campus and immediately be some of the fastest players on the football roster. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean immediate playing time will be all that abundant.

Unfortunately for the Texas-based speedsters, they happen to be joining two position groups that have plenty of returning veteran talent – meaning that snaps could be tough to come by.

With that said, sometimes you can’t just ignore players when they possess next-level abilities, and both athletes have exactly that.

Whether it be special packages designed to get them the ball on offense or special teams related situations, it’d be wise to expect to see them on-field throughout the 2024 season.

99 YARDS TO THE HOUSE FOR CADEN DURHAM‼️💨 @SCNEXT | @Duncanville_Fb pic.twitter.com/akRgm3K94m

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 28, 2022

Furthermore, in an age of significant running back and wide receiver rotations, it wouldn’t surprise to see them just find their way in as a means of providing rest for players who might be listed higher up the depth chart.

Regardless of how it ends up happening, you simply can’t deny their game breaking ability on both the track and the football field. Whether it happens this coming year or the next, both Caden Durham and Jelani Watkins figure to leave a significant impact on Baton Rouge by the time things are all said and done.

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