We’ve seen several first-year players make early impacts for the 2023 Tiger program this season. In particular, LSU football freshman edge rusher Da’Shawn Womack has made a big play every time he sees the field. While coach Brian Kelly isn’t sure if he’s ready for a starting spot yet, there’s no doubt he could see an increase in snaps going forward.
LSU football freshman edge rusher Da’Shawn Womack had an impressive showing vs. Arkansas
Da’Shawn Womack was one of the most hyped-up players in the LSU football class of 2023. He and fellow five-star Zalance Heard were by far the highest-rated signees, but they both found themselves in pretty competitive position rooms.
Both players have found their way to the field in limited snaps, but we could be on the verge of seeing a big increase for the star LSU football freshman edge rusher.
On the season, his stats won’t exactly wow you, as he’s recorded just six tackles so far in 2023. However, his production rate in last week’s game vs. Arkansas was through the roof.
He saw just five snaps, but within those limited opportunities, he picked up three quarterback pressures, two tackles and a sack in what ended up being an impressive showing overall.
Coach Brian Kelly doesn’t view him as a starter quite yet
Still, coach Brian Kelly hasn’t been impressed enough to just hand over the starting job. Earlier this week, when speaking with the media, he took the time to slow things down and remind people of his inexperience.
“He’s young. He’s learning. You know, he couldn’t even keep his helmet on when he was out on the field. So we gotta teach him how to buckle his chin strap and do all that kind of stuff,” coach Kelly joked when asked about the stud LSU football freshman.
Still, despite his youth, it feels like it’s only a matter of time until we see him start to impose his will on this position battle. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a five-star and the No. 3 edge rusher in the class.
“Look, it’s a process. I know everybody wants to make a superstar of all these guys in the first time – he’s gonna be a really good player. And I don’t want to take anything away from the young man, but there’s a process that he’s gotta continue to do the little things the right way, and he’s making progress,” coach Brian Kelly continued. “And as you see, we’re getting him on the field in our dime package and our nickel package because he can rush the passer. And I’m pretty confident you’re gonna see more of him, but let’s just tap the breaks here a little bit. He’s not ready for a starting position, but he’s gonna definitely help our defense.”
Whether it comes as a starter or not doesn’t ultimately matter much. With the way that the stud freshman is playing, it’s only a matter of time until he starts to be viewed as a star in the SEC.
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