LSU freshman offensive lineman could find early playing time

During the 2022 season, the Tigers started two true freshman offensive tackles. It was a bold strategy, but still, one that paid off. They found their way into the SEC championship and know their starters at both tackle positions for the next two seasons. While he might not start, 247 Sports seems confident the LSU freshman offensive lineman Zalance Heard could find some early playing time in 2023.

Coach Brian Kelly is not afraid to play freshman offensive linemen

If there’s one thing that Brian Kelly made abundantly clear in his first season with LSU football, it’s that he is not afraid of playing freshman offensive linemen.

In 2022, the Tigers had two freshmen starting on their offensive line. Even more impressive, they had them starting at the offensive tackle positions.

Will Campbell took over at the left tackle position while Emery Jones Jr spent his time at right tackle. Both players were elite in their freshman season, but Will Campbell became one of the country’s best.

As a true freshman left tackle in the SEC, LSU’s Will Campbell didn’t just survive, he thrived.

His 85.6 pass-blocking grade on true pass-sets trailed only Peter Skoronski among P5 tackles.

Awesome recovery here against Jared Verse in his first(!) game.pic.twitter.com/ELtRHFWdle

— Max Chadwick (@MaxChadwickCFB) February 18, 2023

Campbell was widely viewed as one of the best freshman offensive linemen in the country. Unsurprisingly, he was chosen to just about every freshman All-American team. While Jones Jr didn’t garner the attention Campbell received, he was elite in his own right.

With both players not only starting this past season but returning this coming season, things are looking good for LSU football.

Offensive line is one of the most important position groups in football. This is especially true in the SEC, where the best teams are the biggest.

With Kelly showing the confidence to play freshmen in a conference like this, it’s a sign of how good they truly are. He wouldn’t have played them if they weren’t ready, and now the Tigers might have the next great freshman offensive lineman on the 2023 roster.

LSU freshman offensive lineman Zalance Heard could quickly find his way onto the field

Zalance Heard is currently listed as an offensive tackle. It makes sense with his size and athleticism at such a young age. The only issue this brings up is that LSU football doesn’t have a spot at offensive tackle available. With talent like his, they might just need to put him in at wide receiver.

ZALANCE HEARD BIG MAN TOUCHDOWN!

pic.twitter.com/OWaT8ghcqz

— CREWWWWWWWWS 👑 (@PowerHourLSU) December 18, 2022

For the LSU football coaching staff, keeping the 6-foot-6, 308-pound freshman off the field will be nearly impossible. Whether it’s due to injury or simply subbing him in to provide a starter some rest, Heard will find his way onto the field.

Chris Hummer of 247 Sports shares this sentiment, including the LSU freshman offensive lineman on his list of freshmen who will make an impact in 2023. Here is what Hummer had to say about the class of 2023 offensive lineman:

“The Tigers haven’t been shy about playing true freshmen along the offensive line. It was just a year ago when both Will Campbell and Emery Jones started at the tackle positions as true freshmen. Heard could be the program’s next plug-and-play lineman. With a college-ready frame (6-foot-6, 308 pounds) and plus athletic ability, Heard enters college with the size and skillset to see the field right away. His path isn’t clear like it was for Campbell and Jones a year ago, but he’s still expected to make an impact. Said one LSU source: “He will play.”’

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