The 2024 LSU spring game has officially come to a close and we’re officially just a few months away from the start of the new college football season. While the Tigers return plenty, as far as veteran talent goes, they also happen to have several young stars who could make an early impact this year. Here’s a look at three of the top freshman performers from yesterday’s scrimmage.
Defensive lineman Gabriel Reliford was dominant from the start of the 2024 LSU spring game
Just when you though LSU was in trouble along the defensive line, rising freshman defensive end Gabriel Reliford came along to save the day. That is, he’s at least showing the potential to be an impact player down the line.
The talented 6-foot-2, 268-pound defender out of Shreveport, LA, didn’t necessarily have the highest of expectations coming out of high school, but he certainly wasn’t any slouch. Rated as a four-star recruit, and the No. 201 player nationally, he was often viewed as more of a down the line impact player.
However, after his performance during Saturday’s 2024 LSU spring game, the purple and gold might have found themselves a bit of a gem in the class of 2024.
Despite being one of the youngest players on the field, Reliford consistently made his presence known in the Tiger backfield, recording multiple sacks on the day.
While he might not have earned himself a starting role just yet, if he continues to play like that, don’t be surprised to see coach Brian Kelly get him on the field sooner rather than later in the new season.
Safety Dashawn McBryde has a bright future as a part of the Tiger secondary
As one of the highest rated players in the LSU football class of 2024, rising freshman Dashawn McBryde isn’t exactly flying under the radar when it comes to candidates who could make an early impact for the Tigers. Even so, with several returning veterans at the safety position, many were tabbing his sophomore year as the time to expect a potential breakout.
While this may still be the case, it doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t see a healthy dose of the talented Denham Springs, LA, product in 2024. Standing at 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, he displays incredible length and has consistently shown the ability to defend the ball downfield, as well as tackle around the middle.
That combination is something the Tigers could use plenty of heading into the new season, especially when you consider the fact that the defensive backfield is by far one of the biggest question marks for this year’s team.
If the veteran pieces aren’t able to take control of the starting and backup roles, expect McBryde to insert himself into the rotation.
Could cornerback PJ Woodland find his way into the starting lineup?
Speaking of potential impact rising freshmen in the secondary, former three-star cornerback PJ Woodland may actually have a chance at some starting snaps in 2024.
All spring long, the 5-foot-11, 160-pounder out of Hattiesburg, MS, has stood out as one of the most consistent players in his position room, and in turn, has received plenty of first-team reps as a reward.
With that, he’s also found himself one-on-one with the best of the best wide receivers that LSU football has to offer, and notably, he’s very much holding his own, often winning the reps.
Naturally, this big-time level of play only continued into the Tiger spring game, and for the first time, fans of the purple and gold got a glimpse at what could be a potential future star for the program.
There’s no shortage of talent in this rising freshman class, so don’t be surprised to see a hefty dose of the class of 2024 this coming season for the purple and gold. If some of these players manage to arrive early, it could be big for the program, especially if we can see some impact first-year players on the defensive side of the football.
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