Although senior Bennie Brazell was a member of LSU’s 2003 national championship football team, he entered his senior season with only four catches for 48 yards and no touchdowns, primarily contributing on special teams.
When Brazell finished his college eligibility on LSU’s Track and Field team in the spring, he had accumulated five national championships and 14 All-American honors in four seasons and placed eighth in the 400-meter hurdle finals at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.
Brazell ended his career as the most decorated All-American in LSU track history, but success as a receiver on the football field had eluded him – until this season.
“It was only a confidence thing with him,” LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said. “Bennie has always had ability. But now, it’s like he’s gotten over the hump.”
In the Tigers’ seven games this season, Brazell has caught eight passes for 124 yards and his first touchdown.
“He’s made a few plays, and all of a sudden he’s started to grow,” Fisher said. “Surprised? No. Pleased? Yes. Anytime a guy with his ability steps up and becomes a weapon, it’s great.”
Brazell’s first impact this season was in the Tigers’ season opener against Arizona State, when he made a sliding catch for a gain of 28 yards at the Sun Devils’ 1-yard line to set up a game-tying touchdown in the second quarter.
“By him being so fast, he’s a deep threat,” sophomore quarterback JaMarcus Russell said. “Guys need to know that they can get beat deep.”
In the Tigers’ next three games against Tennessee, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, Brazell recorded three catches for 24 yards. But he re-emerged as a deep threat Oct. 15 in LSU’s 24-17 win over Florida.
On the Tigers’ sixth play from scrimmage against the Gators, Brazell sprinted past two defenders before catching the ball over his shoulder for a 43-yard touchdown.
“Bennie’s been working hard,” Russell said. “To see him catch a touchdown in the game is great. It lets him know he hasn’t been doing anything [for nothing], but that he’s been working hard and working his butt off.”
Despite the more involved role in the offense, Brazell said his routine has remained the same.
“It’s the same stuff I’ve been doing the past five years,” Brazell said. “Nothing’s changed. I just want the opportunity to go out there and have fun.”
Brazell has had more opportunities on offense this season under coach Les Miles than he did under former coach Nick Saban, but Brazell said he does not blame Saban for not using him more.
“He’s done what he felt is right,” Brazell said. “I can’t blame Saban. I’ve learned a lot from [Miles] being here.”
Senior offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth and junior receiver Dwayne Bowe said they have seen a difference in Brazell this season.
“I think he has a whole new attitude,” Whitworth said. “I think he’s loving football. He’s enjoying it. Whereas before, I think he was worried because he’s a really talented guy and he hadn’t had a chance to show it yet. Maybe sometimes he was just a little nervous about executing when he got on the field. This year he’s learned to relax and just play football and compete. He’s done a great job and had a great attitude for us all year.”
Fisher said Brazell has the talent to make a difference on the field.
“Certain guys move the chains,” Fisher said. “The other guys, when they get in the open field, numbers get on the scoreboard. In other words, nobody’s going to catch him.”
 
Contact Clinton Duckworth at [email protected]