In just two years with the program, star LSU tight end Mason Taylor has more than outplayed his recruiting rank coming out of high school. Still, as we approach the 2024 spring practice schedule, it seems as though heās being overlooked by some of the national media.
Star LSU tight end snubbed in 2024 preseason list of top returners
Coming out of high school, there was certainly potential for LSU tight end Mason Taylor to make an early impact, but with a three-star rating, there were some doubts about just how early.
However, in year one under coach Brian Kelly, Taylor would end up being one of the biggest playmakers for a Tiger offense that was still looking to get its feet under it. In fact, as a freshman, the talented pass catcher recorded 38 receptions for 414 yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a game winning two-point conversion vs. Alabama in 2022.
However, despite beating all odds early in his career, the soon-to-be junior is still being overlooked by some of the national media. Earlier today, PFF released its list of the top-10 returning tight ends in college football, and to the disbelief of many Tiger fans, there was no sign of Taylor.
Interestingly enough, the only SEC tight end to make the list was Caden Prieskorn of Ole Miss, who recorded 30 receptions for 449 yards and four touchdowns in an injury-filled 2023 season.
The full list is made up of Colston Loveland (Michigan), Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame), Brant Kuithe (Utah), Benjamin Yurosek (Georgia), Bryson Nesbit (North Carolina), Oronde Gadsden II (Syracuse), Caden Prieskorn (Ole Miss), Jack Velling (Michigan State), Jalin Conyers (Texas Tech) and Luke Lachey (Iowa).
The snub is certainly notable, as Taylor has shown over the last two seasons that he is a more than capable impact player for the purple and gold. In fact, on possibly the most dangerous offense in college football this past season, the LSU tight end finished with the third most receptions on the team.
Heading into spring practice, the 6-foot-6, 255-pound pass catcher has recorded 74 receptions for 762 yards and four touchdowns.
Outlook for Mason Taylor ahead of spring practices
While the national media might not yet be aware of the weapon that LSU tight end Mason Taylor is, thereās no doubt the Tiger football program is well aware of what heās capable of.
As the official veteran of the group, Taylor leads a 2024 tight end room that includes class of 2023 four-stars KaāMorreun Pimpton and Mac Markway, former JUCO transfer Connor Gilbreath and class of 2024 five-star TreyāDez Green.
While the group is undoubtedly much deeper than it was when he first arrived on campus, it shouldnāt change his production as a part of the purple and gold offense.
If anything, the extra depth should provide the Plantation, FL, product some extra rest in lower pressure moments. Heās still the star of the group, and if these past two years have been any indication, he has the potential to become a nationally known name before long.
As we look ahead to the upcoming season, expect Mason Taylor to be one of the faces of the Tiger offense. After losing future NFL quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr, the junior tight end returns as one of the most experienced players of the offense.
One of the biggest storylines to watch will be the connection between Taylor and new starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. If those two can get things moving early, the sky is the limit for this LSU passing game ahead of the 2024 spring practice schedule.
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