While LSU got off to a slow start against Nicholls on Saturday, many young players got the chance to shine in the home opener.

But for the freshmen and sophomores, more might just be coming their way, especially on defense.

One of LSU’s greatest struggles on Saturday was its defense and getting them off the field. However, when Nicholls looked to stay in the game down 30-21 in the third quarter, the defense forced and recovered a fumble at the Colonels’ 41-yard line.

Both the forced fumble and the recovery were made by a true freshman. 

In LSU’s loss to USC, one of the most promising players in the secondary was just a sophomore, and he led the team in pass deflections.

For LSU, the young guys who lack for college experience may just be the answer for consistent production. Here’s who can potentially step up throughout the season.

Whit Weeks

Last season as a true freshman, Weeks totaled 50 tackles. Weeks flies around the field and is a force in stopping the run. With his intensity, he became a leader of LSU’s front seven.

This season, Weeks has 11 tackles, including six solo tackles. Many opposing offenses work to avoid Harold Perkins Jr. when it comes to their run games, in large part due to his versatility.

However, this opens a door for Weeks, and with his ability to shed blocks and make tackles across the field quickly, he can work hand-in-hand with Perkins and Greg Penn III.

Ashton Stamps

Against USC, Ashton Stamps finished the game with three solo tackles and two pass deflections. Stamps was especially effective in the end zone with his physical coverage on opposing receivers.

It was the sophomore’s fourth career start in Las Vegas, and the lights weren’t too bright.

USC took notice. On the final drive of the game for the Trojans, Stamps was so much of a threat that Miller Moss did not throw his way the entire drive. He was that much of a threat in pass coverage, especially in man-to-man coverage.

Especially against teams like Ole Miss, who has thrown the ball 76 times in two games, Stamps can limit the pass game of opposing teams who rely on it.

PJ Woodland

Staying in the secondary, PJ Woodland shined in his first career start as a true freshman against Nicholls.

The Colonels looked to keep it a one-score game after LSU scored on an 11-play, 72-yard drive to make it 30-21. However, Woodland forced a fumble and recovered the ball at Nicholls’ 41-yard line.

In two games, the freshman from Hattiesburg, Mississippi has four total tackles, a forced fumble and a pass deflection. 

Against USC, Woodland was called for pass interference early in the third quarter, which gave the Trojans a new set of downs at LSU’s 19-yard line.

On the next play, Woodland forced a physical incompletion, and USC kicked a field goal at the end of the drive.

Staying engaged in plays and having a short memory is always key, but a freshman having this mentality already is promising.

Trey’Dez Green

Trey’Dez Green came to LSU with lots of hype around him due to his more than ideal size and his plans to play both football and basketball.

Green is with no doubt a constant mismatch and red zone threat, as he stands at 6-foot-7. His athletic ability was on full display in the fall, but the staff worked to make him into more of a blocking threat.

Throughout fall camp, LSU experimented with a two-tight end offensive scheme, which would potentially give Green more opportunities to get on the field. And thus far, while he hasn’t gotten much playing time, he did catch a one-yard pass for a touchdown against Nicholls in the first quarter.

Green almost has too much potential to keep him off the field for long. With proper development throughout the season, the true freshman tight end could possibly work his way up the depth chart.

Ju’Juan Johnson

Ju’Juan Johnson, a true freshman, might just be the most versatile player on this season’s LSU team that Tiger fans haven’t gotten to see much of yet.

At Lafayette Christian Academy, Johnson played quarterback, but he was recruited to LSU as a cornerback. However, after John Emery Jr. was deemed out for the season, Brian Kelly and his staff moved Johnson to running back.

Against Nicholls, Johnson showed his versatility as a pass catcher, catching three passes for 16 yards and a touchdown in the second quarter.

While the sample size is still small, Kelly’s trust in Johnson to add depth to its running back room speaks volumes. Tiger fans shouldn’t be surprised to see more of him as the season progresses.