Pete Thamel reveals real reason behind LSU WR Kayshon Boutte's social media scrub

Within LSU and on a national level, expectations were high this season for Kayshon Boutte. He earned the prized No. 7 jersey in Baton Rouge this offseason and despite an injury last year, was dubbed one of the top wide receivers in college football. However, after the season opener vs. Florida State, questions have already popped up regarding his future.

Boutte scrubbed his social media of anything LSU-related. Before the season began, Boutte admitted he thought about leaving and Sunday brought those questions back. ESPN’s Pete Thamel said everything will be okay though, with head coach Brian Kelly getting Boutte back into focus.

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As for why Boutte scrubbed his social media, Thamel said he just wanted to distance himself from the negativity.

“I talked to some sources at LSU today and Kayshon Boutte met with Brian Kelly yesterday,” Thamel said. “They had a long talk. The social media scrubbing stemmed more from the negativity coming from fans and his wanting to avoid the noise in the wake of his poor performance. I’ve been told Kayshon Boutte has been in the facility, he’s been engaged, he’s full go for this week.”

LSU will have its home opener on Saturday, hosting Southern. Boutte will be hoping for a major bounce-back game — especially against somebody considered an easier game for the Tigers.

Kayshon Boutte could be feeling the pressure

Thamel thinks there could be some pressure on Boutte, especially after being given the famous jersey number. Add in the possibility of being a high draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and Boutte will “have to fight through some adversity” in the coming weeks.

“There’s a lesson when you’re No. 7 at LSU,” said Thamel. “That means you’re the best football player in the state of Louisiana that’s not on the Saints. There’s some pressure that comes with that. I think this is a moment of learning for Kayshon Boutte as he deals with expectations of being the best player for LSU. And being one of the best receivers projected in the upcoming NFL Draft. He’s going to have to fight through some adversity.”

Kelly said Boutte is the person he is least concerned about for LSU. One bad performance (two receptions for 20 yards) against Florida State is not going to define his entire season. There will be plenty of more opportunities to prove he is still one of the top receivers in the country.