LSU freshman edge rusher ready for increased opportunity

Yesterday, coach Brian Kelly took the time to speak about several young stars who could earn increased snaps vs. Wisconsin. One such player is LSU freshman edge rusher Da’Shawn Womack, who will reportedly have a starting role on Monday.

LSU freshman edge rusher Da’Shawn Womack to earn starting role vs. Wisconsin

The day has finally come Tiger fans. After anxiously awaiting some extended playing time from LSU freshman edge rusher Da’Shawn Womack this season, the moment as officially arrived. On Thursday he reported that he will start at the JACK linebacker position.

#LSU true freshman Da’Shawn Womack says he will start at the JACK LB position when the Tigers go to dime packages vs Wisconsin.

It’s a chance to get a closer look at the former 5-star as he wraps up Year 1. @BengalTigerOn3

— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) December 28, 2023

This is a major step in the right direction for the Tiger defense as a whole. While the stud freshman didn’t exactly see much time on the field in 2023, he was incredibly efficient on limited snaps.

The former five-star recorded 12 total tackles on the year, including 1.5 sacks. He was particularly good at pressuring the quarterback, a skill that could prove much needed in 2024 as the Tigers look to take another jump forward under coach Brian Kelly.

Brian Kelly thinks the first-year defender is ready

On Friday, while coach Brian Kelly didn’t quite confirm the report that the LSU freshman edge rusher would start, he did echo the idea of him seeing an increased role.

“Another true freshman (Da’Shawn Womack) that will get an opportunity to play quite a bit,” the Tiger head coach said when asked about the Maryland native. “Development is an interesting word. You develop at different times throughout the year, and then it’s time to come out of the oven, right? You keep him in there for so long, and then it’s time to play. We feel like it’s time for him to play.”

Despite not playing in every game in 2023, the star freshman wasted no time showing what he was capable of. On September 23, Da’Shawn Womack saw just five snaps vs. Arkansas, but despite the lack of opportunity, he was highly efficient, pressuring the quarterback three times.

Vs. Arkansas:

Five snaps
Three QB pressures
Two tackles
One sack

Da’Shawn Womack is going to be a star for @LSUfootball 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/f7JqN8sECq

— LSU Glory (@LSUGlory) September 27, 2023

“We’re gonna put him in a position where we think he can help us,” coach Brian Kelly continued. “He’s done a really good job this year of maturing. I think a lot of it was his maturation.

“We do things here pretty intentional and we think he’s ready, so it’ll be fun to watch him play.”

Expect to see plenty of No. 16 on Monday, as LSU football gets ready to take on Wisconsin in the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Day. The game will take place in Tampa, FL, and will be broadcast live at 11:00 a.m. CST on ESPN2.

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