When the curtain fell on Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas’ outstanding seasons and college careers in the Reliaquest Bowl on New Year’s Day, LSU got a glimpse of what might come in 2024.
Garrett Nussmeier, who replaced Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels in the bowl game versus Wisconsin, had the opportunity to throw to Nabers and Thomas, both of whom were on their way to becoming NFL first-round draft picks.
However, he was able to connect with fifth-year senior Kyren Lacy and redshirt junior Chris Hilton, both of whom aspire to be like Nabers and Thomas.
Lacy and Hilton were productive in a 35-31 victory over the Badgers in Tampa, Florida, after playing in the shadows last autumn.
Hilton scored a game-tying 14-yard fourth-quarter touchdown and three receptions for 56 yards with a long of 43; Lacy had a career-high six grabs for 95 yards, including a 37-yard grab.
These performances propelled them into the conversation as Nussmeier’s main threats this season, roles they may have reinforced with excellent showings in 15 spring workouts.
Coach Brian Kelly praised Lacy in particular, predicting that the 6-foot-2, 213-pound receiver will have a “breakout season.”
Lacy and Hilton (6-0, 190) will face competition when preseason camp begins Aug. 1, so we’ll see how the situation develops.
Burning question
After accounting for 62.3% of LSU’s 4,406 receiving yards, Nabers and Thomas’ output will be difficult to match.
That’s why Kelly got the first question at SEC media days earlier this month: How do you replace that production?
Kelly believes that the answer involves more than two receivers.
While Lacy and Hilton may be the starters in the season opener, new co-offensive coordinators Joe Sloan and Cortez Hankton have some options.
“There will be a number of players that we’ll count on,” Kelly informed the audience. “Kyren Lacy will undoubtedly be a player we rely on. However, it is likely that six to eight individuals will be given the opportunity to participate and make an effect.
Top among them are Mississippi State transfer Zavion Thomas and Liberty transfer CJ Daniels, who will be joined by returning players Aaron Anderson, Shelton Sampson, and Kyle Parker, as well as true freshman Jelani Watkins.
Aside from Nabers, Brian Thomas, Lacy, and Hilton, the only LSU wideout to catch a ball last season was Anderson—which is where Zavion Thomas. “For me and Chris to be able to experience it, we feel like we can be next.”
“We lost two big pieces in that room,” Hilton said, “so everybody knows they’ve got to step up their game.”
What to know
While Nussmeier has enough receivers to do anything the staff asks of him to keep the train moving, the offensive coaches will most likely spread the love around.
After all, two receivers combining for 2,746 yards and 31 touchdowns is hardly something that happens every season.
Still, plenty of pace on the perimeter and some seasoned pass catchers should keep things intriguing — for whoever gets the chance.
Key stat: 18.2
Lacy and Hilton provided the Tigers with two deep threats in addition to Nabers and Brian Thomas, with a combined yardage of 18.2 yards per catch last year. Lacy averaged 18.6 yards and Hilton 17.3 yards per reception.
