The LSU Tigers have a history of star-studded recruiting classes, and this 2017 class is no different.
National Signing Day was a great day for the LSU football program. Despite the uncertainty of their interim head coach Ed Orgeron, the Tigers still managed to sign the third ranked recruiting class in the SEC, and the seventh ranked class in the country.
Due to the lack of depth at their respective positions and the talent that these freshman are injecting into LSU’s roster, some of these newcomers will be presented with an opportunity to make a real impact this season.
Let’s take a look at three true freshman who are skilled enough to potentially become instant contributors for the LSU Tigers during their quest for the SEC West in 2017.
Myles Brennan, Quarterback
Brennan, a former four-star recruit from Bay St. Louis, Miss., will enter Baton Rouge with expectations so high that they dwarf the Eiffel Tower. In his senior season, the four-star pocket passer shattered the Mississippi state record for passing yards, previously held by Brett Favre’s nephew, Dylan Favre.
Tiger fans truly believe that Brennan could be the remedy to the program’s recent and well-documented quarterback catastrophes. The LSU coaching staff got their first look at the prized gunslinger today during the first practice of fall camp.
Yesterday, Orgeron told reporters that the staff has to give Brennan some reps. If Brennan impresses, he could elevate himself to no. 2 on the depth chart and enter 2017 as Danny Etling’s backup; giving the young quarterback an opportunity to see the field during mop-up duty or in the event of an Etling injury.
Grant Delpit, Safety
Unlike Brennan, Delpit was eligible to enroll early at LSU, which allowed the former four-star safety to learn the playbook, workout with the team, and participate in spring practice. He was given a starting spot on the first-team defense in the spring game thanks to some injuries that knocked returning starter John Battle out of the game.
Delpit displayed great instincts and demonstrated his ability to contribute in run support and his play sparked a lot of buzz from around the LSU football program and fanbase. He has already begun to draw comparisons to former LSU All-American safety and 2017 first round pick, Jamal Adams. Delpit will be a big part of the safety rotation early on and some even speculate that he will crack the starting lineup before LSU reaches conference play.
Kary Vincent, Cornerback
Vincent resembles LSU’s current starting cornerback, Donte Jackson, in more ways than one. They both possess blazing speed fast enough to land them on the LSU track team, and they can both lockdown opposing wide receivers with ease.
Orgeron is already raving about the former 4-star CB despite limited access to him up to this point. Yesterday, Orgeron told the media that he thinks Vincent will be a very good corner for LSU and even hinted at the possibility of Vincent garnering reps at the nickel position.
Vincent finished up his senior season at Port Sulphur Memorial High School (TX) with 51 tackles, seven interceptions, a sack, and three touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball. Vincent earned All-USA Texas First-Team Defense honors and Under Armour All-American honors.
While expecting Vincent to get a significant amount of playing time this year may be a reach, it’s reasonable to believe that the coaching staff will try to get Vincent involved in some way, shape, or form without having to burn his redshirt.
Next: Jim McElwain stepping up on recruiting trail
However, it’s certainly worth noting that after this season Jackson and LSU’s other starting corner, Kevin Toliver, will be eligible to enter the draft at the conclusion of the 2017 season. This would leave Vincent with a chance at securing a starting spot when 2018 rolls around.