LSU Tigers Football: 3 Second-Year Players Poised for Stardom in 2023
Football coach Brian Kelly's first year with LSU might be viewed as a success. For the first time since Joe Burrow guided the team to a championship, he returned the Tigers to the SEC Championship game and kept them in postseason contention through the final few weeks of the regular season.
Even though the Tigers lost to Georgia, they may still be happy with Kelly's direction for the program.
The 2022 class will serve as the foundation for the program's future, and these three men have the potential to be second-year stars in 2023.
#3. Quency Wiggins, Defensive Line
Due to an injury last year, Quency Wiggins didn't play as much as a potential five-star offensive lineman should have, but that could improve in 2023.
Wiggins only participated in five games overall and recorded five tackles, but you can bet Brian Kelly will use his young star defensive lineman now that BJ Ojulari is expected to enter the NFL draft. Although Wiggins has a lot of ground to make up for, I'd wager on him becoming the Tigers' breakout player.
The Baton Rouge native, a former top-100 prospect, is going to break out for his hometown team and help the defense rise to the top of the SEC.
#2. Mason Taylor, Tight End
In 2022, Mason Taylor already became well-known, but he still doesn't have adequate national exposure. In 2023, that will undoubtedly alter. Taylor will have a fantastic 2023 season thanks to an additional year spent in the scheme and a stronger bond with quarterback Jayden Daniels.
He finished third on the team in receiving as a freshman with 38 catches for 414 yards and three touchdowns, and he appeared to be the next huge tight end to dominate collegiate football. The sport needs a new all-star tight end after Michael Mayer left Notre Dame this offseason. Taylor might very well be that.
How appropriate that Brian Kelly, who led the coaching and recruiting efforts for Mayer at Notre Dame, now has Taylor, another terrific tight end who has the potential to dominate college football. It's unbelievable that this child was only a three-star student in the 2022 class.
#1. Laterrance Welch, Cornerback
This offseason, LSU's secondary will undergo a significant rebuild, necessitating the emergence of some young players.
Welch will be entering his second year and learned last season while playing behind some pretty strong players. LSU will receive some assistance in the secondary from the 2023 class as well as through the portal. With only four tackles to cap off his rookie campaign, he gained some crucial experience.
That knowledge will come in handy in 2023 when he steps in as a probable starting cornerback. The former top-150 recruit will take advantage of the chance presented to him to emerge as the Tigers' next standout cornerback and develop before our very eyes into a legitimate NFL prospect.
