LSU freshman offensive lineman reportedly didn’t travel with team to Tampa

Today, it was reported that LSU freshman offensive lineman Lance Heard did not travel to Tampa, FL, with the rest of the team ahead of the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl. The former five-star proved to be an excellent addition to the Tiger offensive line throughout the 2023 season.

LSU freshman offensive lineman Lance Heard did not travel with team for ReliaQuest Bowl prep

One of the young surprises through the 2023 season was LSU freshman offensive lineman Lance Heard. Coming in as a five-star recruit and the top player in the Tiger class of 2023, expectations were high and he certainly met them.

Even early on, there was discussion of him starting for the offense, but ultimately found his way as a rotational piece for his first season with the program.

While he looks primed to be one of the most important players on the line heading into 2024, Tiger fans may not get another chance to see him in game action until then. Earlier today, Shea Dixon of On3 first reported that the freshman offensive tackle did not travel with the team to Tampa for the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl.

New: #LSU freshman OT Lance Heard did not travel with the team to the Reliaquest Bowl in Tampa, multiple sources tell The @BengalTigerOn3.

Heard appeared in all 12 games for the Tigers this season, making one start.

LSU faces Wisconsin on Jan. 1: https://t.co/5OmxDG5HUT pic.twitter.com/OS9JoKeV1t

— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) December 27, 2023

This came as somewhat of a surprise to many, especially after what coach Brian Kelly had to say about his team earlier today. When asked about the group who would be playing in the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Wisconsin, he continued his previous sentiments, explaining that everyone who hadn’t entered the transfer portal opted in aside from quarterback Jayden Daniels.

“Yes, yes, absolutely,” the Tiger head coach said on Wednesday. “I think it’s stronger this year because our guys are educated on what it is to be an LSU football player. The standard is to finish what you started. To have Malik here and BT, all of our defensive players, they want to finish what they started.

“That is complete the season, win 10 games and keep building this program. Everybody has decisions to make and we respect everybody’s decision. They want to play for their teammates, for LSU and I think it says a lot about the culture we’re building.”

With the LSU freshman offensive lineman reportedly not in Tampa for the bowl game, this is a situation to keep a close eye on as we continue to move forward.

Still, the Tigers are set to have their entire starting offensive line available, which bodes incredibly well for a team looking to get win No. 10 in the 2023 college football season.

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