All eyes will be on the Tiger defense in 2024. After a rough 2023 season, several players will be relied upon to take a jump forward and show some serious improvement. One such player is veteran LSU defensive lineman Paris Shand, who was recently named “Freak of the Week,” during winter training.
Former transfer portal addition Paris Shand named “Freak of the Week”
It’s officially prep time for the 2024 college football season, and for the Tigers, that means plenty of attention will be placed on the defensive side of the ball. Not only are they lo0king to improve on an abysmal 2023 campaign, but with an entirely new defensive coaching staff, quite the adjustment period could be on the way.
One specific aspect of the defense that will need to show some progress is the defensive line, which has officially lost three of their most productive players – Mekhi Wingo, Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson – to the 2024 NFL draft.
While there isn’t a ton of experience left on roster to take over, potential is abundant. Interestingly enough, even without the game-time experience, veteran presence doesn’t project to be an issue.
A player who could be relied on plenty is veteran LSU defensive lineman Paris Shand, who is entering his fifth season at the college level. While he hasn’t exactly taken off the way many had hoped, it’s clear that he’s putting in the work to make it happen. Earlier this week, the Canadian product was named “Freak of the Week,” during the Tigers’ winter training.
After beginning his career with the Arizona Wildcats, Shand is entering his second season with the purple and gold, meaning a year-two jump is very much in the realm of possibilities.
Having recorded 59 tackles and seven sacks over four seasons, a big performance in 2024 could do wonders for his draft stock heading into 2025.
Outlook for the veteran LSU defensive lineman in 2024
While the veteran LSU defensive lineman hasn’t exactly had his opportunity to shine yet, 2024 could be a very different story. With Mekhi Wingo, Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson all headed to the next level, there are plenty of available snaps going forward.
Notably, outside of Shand, there aren’t a ton of other players who are 100 percent in the running for said snaps. In terms of veteran presence, Jacobian Guillory and Jalen Lee could also see some extended snaps, but other than that, the Tigers may need to rely on some young new additions.
The young pieces to watch include Dominick McKinley, Shone Washington and De’Myrion Johnson, all of which could see early playing time in their first year with the program.
If Paris Shand continues to show improvement and a work ethic as he has so far in 2024, don’t be surprised about a potential breakout year for the 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive end.
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