Even as rain whips mercilessly against the windows this week, the campus recognizes something else that fills the air: anticipation.
A fan or student might be excited to get in on Saturday and experience the cathedral that is LSU football’s newly-renovated stadium, but the freshman athletes have a completely different reason to be ready for Nicholls State: this game could define their path to the NFL.
Most times, when schools are playing a much weaker opponent, younger athletes will get playing time so they can develop without the stress of much being at stake.
However, with the uncertainties in the defensive backfield, most notably safety and whoever will be opposite Ashton Stamps at cornerback, this game has a different vibe to it.
This game could land multiple freshmen in starting roles for the Tigers – which is one of the quickest ways to be on the NFL’s radar.
READ MORE: Why LSU football has to get the ground game going vs. Nicholls State
Cornerback PJ Woodland
Starting with his performance against USC, true freshman cornerback PJ Woodland showed a developed repertoire of moves. He displayed patience, fluidity and overall physicality. Even if you include his defensive pass interference, every rep he had, he stuck to his matchup. With Sage Ryan still being inconsistent, the Tigers could look Woodland’s way, especially if he continues his dominance against Nicholls.
The Tigers were very high on the three-star recruit, and his performance in practice and the spring-game are a good showing as to why. He should enter the game fairly early and could stay on the field until the final kneel down.
Safety DaShawn Spears
Next is true freshman safety DaShawn Spears (formerly DaShawn McBryde). The Denham Springs product looked like a future All-American in LSU’s 2024 spring game. However, after an anti-climactic training camp, he started the season behind safeties Jardin Gilbert and Jordan Allen.
Prior to Week 1, it seemed Spears would receive minimal play time this season. However, after Gilbert’s poor performance against the Trojans, Spears might have re-emerged in the running to start.
He’d received some snaps even before Gilbert’s disqualification from the game; knowing that the defensive staff wants him on the field, it’s hard to assume that he won’t garner a lot of play-time against Nicholls. And, should he capitalize off his snaps, he might be able to find himself in the starting lineup.
Running back Ju’Juan Johnson
During Brian Kelly’s Thursday presser, he announced that defensive-back Ju’Juan Johnson would be switching positions to running back. This comes in wake of running back John Emery Jr.’s season ending injury, which he suffered during practice. While this is most likely a temporary switch given how productive Johnson was during camp, it’s worth noting that Johnson was one of the most productive players in Louisiana history.
The Lafayette Christian Academy (LCA) product finished his career with over 10,000 passing yards and 117 touchdown passes. He cemented himself as the Louisiana’s best dual-threat prospect, with an additional 3,700 yards and 54 touchdowns coming from the ground. In his final season with the Knights, Johnson produced 5,149 total yards, including his 1,500 rushing yards. He finished the 2023-2024 season with 66 total offensive touchdowns.
While it’s doubtful Johnson puts himself above any of LSU’s already established backs, in the Kelly era, the Tigers have utilized a running back committee. Factor in his other-worldly high school production, it’s easy to see how Johnson might earn himself some play time against the Colonels.
Running back Caden Durham
However, true freshman Caden Durham, who’s above Johnson on the depth chart, might have the most to gain from his possible playing time.
The Duncanville product was the 6A State Championship MVP after having over 200 yards in the first half. In fact, through his final six playoff games, Durham produced over 1,200 yards and 20 touchdowns. His absurd production landed him on the Tigers’ radar and made him their only running back target for their 2024 class.
Given how highly touted he was even prior to his enrollment on campus, it’s evident the Tigers have him in their game plans. However, his performance could decide if he’ll be cemented alongside Jackson as the Tigers one-two punch. With the running back depth so thin, expect to see a solid amount of Durham against Nicholls.
With kickoff drawing closer, LSU’s looking to win its home opener and get back on track to make a playoff run. Part of this process will be determining the role certain freshmen will have, with certain athletes having the potential to drastically increase their snaps or even start.
