LSU freshman wide receiver earns notable shoutout from veteran teammate

Sometimes, all you need to do is trust the process. For LSU freshman wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr, it certainly seems to be panning out, as he’s received quite a bit of praise from his peers throughout spring practice.

LSU freshman wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr earns big-time praise from veteran teammate

As far as physical traits go, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone quite as gifted as LSU freshman wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr. Standing at 6-foot-4, 193 pounds with an official 100-meter dash time as low as 11.29 seconds, his potential is through the roof.

Now, it’s just a matter of putting all the pieces together and standing up to the physicality of the college level.

While 2023 wasn’t exactly the year to make that happen, he’s certainly making the case to at least get an opportunity heading into 2024. Earlier this week, the number one wide receiver on roster – Kyren Lacy – spoke a bit about the talented freshman, making sure that people know his name ahead of the upcoming 2024 National L-Club Spring Game.

“Those younger guys coming up every single day, they’re getting better every single day,” the veteran wide receiver began while speaking with the media. “I’ve got to give my shoutout to Shelton Sampson. He comes in everyday. He’s been doing the little things right. Last year, maybe he wasn’t doing the little things right, but now I feel like he’s taken that next step in doing the little things right so he can be great.”

Shelton Sampson Jr. Is a former five star receiver from @CurDogFootball and is another leading candidate to have a huge breakout season. Here he is catching a pass from fellow Baton Rouge product Rickie Collins! For more on today’s spring practice, make sure to go to… pic.twitter.com/347l6RUtKP

— Gridiron Football® (@GridironFootbal) March 7, 2024

Offensive coordinator Joe Sloan shares his thoughts on the talented underclassman

As a freshman, Sampson Jr made three appearances against Florida State, Grambling State and Georgia State, but failed to record any statistics in any of said appearances.

Even so, the potential for a breakout season is there, and he showed more than enough ability to provide an immediate spark throughout his years with Catholic High School in Baton Rouge.

Ranking as high as No. 23 nationally, he recorded 140 receptions for 2,495 yards and 31 touchdowns over the course of his high school career, which played a major role in why he was so highly sought-after in the class of 2023.

LSU 5⭐️ WR commit Shelton Sampson Jr. rises up for the touchdown!https://t.co/lWBXsa0bjzhttps://t.co/ZHxp2D0DYR

— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) November 19, 2022

Now, it’s just a matter of bringing that same productivity to the purple and gold, and it sounds like offensive coordinator Joe Sloan is excited to see what he can do in the coming years for his offense.

“I will tell you, Shelton Sampson has made a ton of strides,” the newly appointed offensive coordinator added at the end of his most recent press conference. “I’d be remiss not to say he just made some really big plays the last several days, so it’s been good.”

As Shelton Sampson Jr continues to learn and grow into the Tiger offense ahead of the 2024 college football season, fans will get the chance to see him on the football field in just a matter of days. The National L-Club Spring Game is set to take place this Saturday, April 13, in Tiger Stadium and will be available to watch live on SEC Network+ at 1:00 p.m. CST.

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