Ed Orgeron: Brian Thomas could become LSU great

LSU has seen some great wide receivers come through its program. There are many former LSU receivers that are currently playing big roles in the NFL. According to head coach Ed Orgeron, freshman wide receiver Brian Thomas could be one of the next all-time great LSU players.

On3 ranked Thomas a four-star recruit

Thomas was ranked as a four-star prospect and the no. 108 overall recruit by On3 in the 2021 class. He comes in this season poised to play a major role early on. Thomas is an exceptional athlete who played football and basketball in high school. As a senior, Thomas caught 30 passes for 507 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2019 as a junior, Thomas caught 75 passes for 1,272 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also played a key role in basketball, as he was a second team 5A All-State selection as a junior. In three seasons on the court, Thomas scored more than 1,000 points.

Thomas stands at six-foot-five and 198 pounds. His quickness and athletic ability makes him a dangerous weapon on LSU’s offense. LSU head coach Ed Orgeron believes that Thomas is good enough to become one of the best football players to come through LSU.

“Brian Thomas is a big receiver with good moves,” Orgeron said. “Big, strong hands. He’s hard to cover one on one, especially in the red zone. He’ll go up and get it. And he’s good with yards after the catch with the football. I think he’s going to be one of the great receivers that we’ve had here at LSU.”

LSU has a history of producing NFL talent at receiver

Orgeron saying that Thomas could be one of the best receivers in LSU’s history before he even plays a snap is high praise. In 2014, LSU produced a pair of high-quality receivers to the NFL. Odell Beckham Jr. was selected 12^th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. Jarvis Landry was selected 63^rd overall in the same draft. Both receivers have seen some success in the NFL. Now, they are teammates with the Cleveland Browns.

LSU has continued to produce NFL receivers in recent years. DJ Chark was the 61^st overall pick in 2018. Justin Jefferson was taken 22^nd overall in 2020, and he just dominated the NFL, finishing fourth in receiving yards as a rookie. In the 2021 NFL Draft, Ja’Marr Chase was selected fifth overall and Terrace Marshall Jr. was taken 59^th.

Thomas certainly has the skillset to become the next NFL receiver out of LSU. As a freshman, he will look to become a valuable weapon and a leader on an offense that doesn’t yet know who will start at quarterback.