Ten impact players LSU is getting back healthy after spring

LSU’s spring season has concluded, leaving fans and the media with plenty of talking points moving into the summer months. Projected depth charts, spring surprises, and all of the content available is great, but for as much as we learned this spring, there’s one reason we still aren’t sure exactly what this team will look like in the fall: Injuries.

It was the correct move for Brian Kelly and his coaching staff to be cautious with any and every injury during the early months of 2023, but they did leave the depth chart particularly thin at a few spots. Running back, defensive line, and the secondary all felt those injuries, putting some younger players on display early in their careers.

Here, we’re looking at LSU’s best ten players that missed spring ball and how they project to factor into the 2023 season when healthy.

10. Armoni Goodwin, Running back

Goodwin continues to be plagued by injuries in his LSU career, but when he’s healthy he’s certainly talented enough to warrant carries in this offense. He’ll be out for most of the summer training months as well, but is expected to be ready to go for fall camp. His speed would be a welcome addition to this room, but with so many names already vying for snaps, it won’t be an easy room for him to navigate even at full strength.

9. Charles Turner, Center

The starting center in 2022 was named the most improved player on the team after the season and was an integral part of the success the offensive line had in 2023. However, LSU believes it can upgrade at that position in 2023. Turner missed the spring and Marlon Martinez manned the center spot in his place. With Martinez and incoming Maryland transfer Mason Lunsford, there will be a wide-open competition for center in the fall and Turner will need to show progress to keep the job.

8. Duce Chestnut, Cornerback

The transfer from Syracuse missed spring, which is a shame because I was interested to see how the Tigers wanted to use him. There’s been a lot of talk about him being the starting Nickel when healthy, but without seeing him, we didn’t see him competing with guys like Sage Ryan, Javien Toviano, and others. The boundary cornerbacks appear to be set, so we’ll see how Chestnut factors into the defense this fall.

7. Jordan Jefferson, Defensive tackle

To me, Jefferson is the third best defensive tackle on this team and it’s been said many of the coaches expect him to be an immediate impact player for LSU. The West Virginia transfer is an essential piece to back up Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo on the inside while also providing versatility in both the pass rush and run game.

6. Aaron Anderson, Wide receiver

Anderson missing spring was disappointing since he came in with such lofty expectations. He’s expected to win the punt returner job and also be in contention to start in the slot for LSU this year. Kyren Lacy emerged as a viable third option for LSU, so Anderson will have to find his role within the offense as a unique weapon that can be used on jet sweeps, bubble screens, and other unique plays.

5. Dashawn Womack, Edge

A dynamic edge threat was limited this spring, but don’t forget how talented this true freshman is. Initial thoughts were that Womack would come in and compete for the starting Jack spot, but he’s bulked up a bit and is now the size of Quency Wiggins and Saivion Jones who play as hand in the dirt defensive ends. Either way, Womack will get significant snaps this season and is going to be an awesome player in his time at LSU.

4. Josh Williams, Running back

Despite not playing in the spring, Williams is still expected to be the starting running back as we leave spring. Noah Cain and Trey Holly took steps forward over the past couple of months, but Williams proved last year that he’s as reliable of a back as you can have. The Tigers will continue to look for their next All-SEC caliber back, but until then, Williams should be featured plenty in his final season.

3. Major Burns, Safety

There’s not a player on this list more valuable than Burns right now. The Tigers are looking to the portal for another safety or two, but Burns’ experience, communication skills, and overall leadership is invaluable to the back end of this defense. We saw a lot of Javien Toviano over the spring and it’s clear he has a bright future, but Burns is necessary for LSU to win tough games in the SEC.

2. Mekhi Wingo, Defensive tackle

A preseason all-american caliber player, Wingo played a ridiculous amount of snaps last year and will be one of the best defensive tackles in the SEC yet again. It makes sense for LSU to rest him through the spring and let him clean up anything he needs after the year he had. Matt House said it best that he now knows what he’s working with with these returners. He’ll be able to get plugged in for the fall and be excellent.

1. Maason Smith, Defensive tackle

National outlets have forgotten the force that is Maason Smith after he injured his knee on the first possession of the first game of the 2022 season. He participated in a few practices late in spring, but Kelly said he’s not quite ready for the full stress of going one-on-one or playing in game-like situations. He’ll be ready to go in the fall and I can’t wait to see him back at 100 percent. A game-changing talent that will set the tone for the rest of the defense in 2023.