Cortez Hankton Jr. weighs in on LSU as WRU, how NFL success motivates current crop of WRs

Over the years, LSU has become a hotbed for wide receiver talent, and current position-group coach Cortez Hankton Jr. recognizes another special duo in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. is on their way to the NFL.

Joining Friday’s episode of Andy Staples On3 on YouTube, Hankton Jr. harkened back to some of LSU’s past talents at wide receiver, and why he believes Nabers and Thomas Jr. can make a similar impact in the NFL.

“The tradition is really rich when it comes to playing receiver at LSU,” Hankton Jr. said. “I mean, the history speaks for itself, and it’s ironic, just the duo’s that play together. You go back to Odell and Jarvis. Jamar and Jets. And now just more recently, Malik and BT.

“I mean, all of those guys put up big numbers, and the former four have had good NFL careers. And I’m looking for these two two dudes to do the same thing.”

Some may believe that would put some intimidation into the wide receiving corps at LSU, but Hankton Jr. believes it’s been a motivating factor, as you’re continually chasing greatness with the Tigers.

Next season, when Nabers and Thomas Jr. are on to the NFL, the wide receiving corps will need to step up, and Hankton Jr. believes there’s ample motivation for that to happen in 2024.

“I mean, it motivates them on a couple of different fronts,” Hankton Jr. added. “First, they get to see their brothers achieve things, and about to achieve something that is, you know, we’re talking about the 1%, and they also know that there’s a lot of production that walked out in a room, and this is their moment, this is their time to compete for the same opportunities.

“So they’re excited for them, but they’re also excited for themselves, because now they get an opportunity to show exactly what they can do.”

Moving forward, LSU still possesses plenty of talent at the wide receiver position, but it’s obvious losing players like Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. won’t feel good. Nevertheless, they’ve survived the ordeal before and come out the other side better, so there’s no reason to bet against the Tigers.

They’ve truly become WRU, and it’s easy to see when looking at their past history. LSU has figured it out when it comes to their pass catchers, and the Tigers are hoping to find another dynamic duo in 2024, bet against Cortez Hankton Jr. at your own risk.