As the LSU Tigers look ahead to the 2024 football season, one of the most pressing questions on the minds of fans and analysts alike is: who will replace Will Campbell at left tackle? Campbell, one of the premier offensive line prospects in college football, has been a cornerstone for LSU’s offense over the past two seasons. His departure to the NFL leaves a significant void on the Tigers’ offensive line that must be addressed in order to maintain the high level of play that LSU fans have grown accustomed to.
With the 2024 season fast approaching, LSU’s coaching staff, led by head coach Brian Kelly, has a major decision to make. Replacing a player like Campbell is no easy task, and the Tigers will have to evaluate multiple candidates within their roster and potentially look to the transfer portal to find the right fit. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the importance of left tackle in the LSU offense, the potential candidates to replace Campbell, and how the Tigers could approach this critical position battle heading into the season.
### The Importance of Left Tackle
Before diving into potential replacements for Will Campbell, it’s important to understand just how crucial the left tackle position is for LSU’s offense. In modern football, the left tackle is widely regarded as one of the most important positions on the field, especially for a team that relies heavily on its quarterback to make plays.
The left tackle is tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blind side, ensuring that the quarterback has the time and space to make accurate throws without the threat of a blindside sack. In the case of LSU, which has seen a resurgence in its passing game under head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, the left tackle’s role becomes even more critical. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has been a dynamic playmaker for the Tigers, relies on his offensive line to give him ample time to survey the field and make plays. Without a dependable left tackle, LSU’s offensive flow could suffer, putting added pressure on Daniels and the rest of the offense.
Additionally, the left tackle is key in both the running and passing games. For a team like LSU, which balances a potent passing attack with a strong rushing game, the left tackle must be equally adept at both pass protection and run blocking. LSU’s ability to establish a consistent running game and protect Daniels in the pocket hinges on the effectiveness of the left tackle. With that in mind, the search for Campbell’s replacement becomes even more important for the Tigers’ hopes of competing at the highest level in the SEC.
### Will Campbell’s Impact on LSU’s Offense
Will Campbell has been a fixture on LSU’s offensive line since his freshman season, and his impact cannot be overstated. Coming into Baton Rouge as a highly touted recruit, Campbell immediately earned a starting role and quickly established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC. In just two seasons, Campbell demonstrated elite pass protection skills, physicality in the run game, and a high football IQ that allowed him to excel against some of the nation’s best defensive linemen.
In 2023, Campbell was named an All-SEC selection and was a key reason why LSU’s offense was able to maintain a high level of production despite facing some of the toughest defenses in college football. His ability to protect Daniels and open up lanes for LSU’s running backs made him a critical piece of the puzzle for the Tigers’ offense. Campbell’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft left a massive hole on the offensive line, and now LSU must find a player who can fill his shoes.
### Potential Replacements for Will Campbell
With Campbell’s departure, LSU has a number of potential candidates to replace him at left tackle. The Tigers are known for producing top-tier offensive linemen, and while there is no obvious replacement with Campbell’s pedigree, there are several players on the roster who could step into the role and keep LSU’s offensive line formidable.
#### 1. **Emory Jones (Junior)**
One of the leading candidates to replace Will Campbell at left tackle is junior Emory Jones. Jones has been a key contributor on LSU’s offensive line over the past two seasons and has experience at both tackle positions. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 315 pounds, Jones has the size and athleticism required to excel at left tackle. During the 2023 season, Jones filled in at right tackle when needed and showed flashes of potential. However, transitioning from right tackle to left tackle is a significant move, especially given the increased importance of the left tackle position in protecting the quarterback’s blind side.
Jones is a highly regarded prospect in his own right and has the tools to succeed at left tackle. His strength, footwork, and ability to protect the edge will be critical in his ability to transition smoothly into this role. If Jones is able to make the switch successfully, he could provide a seamless transition for LSU’s offensive line.
#### 2. **Bo Bordelon (Redshirt Freshman)**
Another potential candidate is Bo Bordelon, a redshirt freshman who has been learning and developing within LSU’s system since arriving on campus. Bordelon, who stands at 6’6″ and 325 pounds, has the ideal frame for an SEC left tackle. As a highly rated recruit, Bordelon has shown significant potential in practice and could be poised to step up in a major way in 2024.
While Bordelon has not yet seen significant playing time, his development within the program and his physical attributes make him an intriguing option. The key for Bordelon will be gaining experience and developing the technical aspects of his game. LSU’s coaching staff will have to assess whether Bordelon is ready to handle the pressure of playing left tackle for a team with championship aspirations.
#### 3. **Transfer Portal Options**
If the Tigers’ coaching staff feels that neither Jones nor Bordelon is ready to take on the responsibility of replacing Campbell, they may look to the transfer portal for an immediate upgrade. The transfer portal has become a critical avenue for programs to address positional needs, and LSU has historically been active in bringing in high-level talent from the portal.
There are several experienced offensive linemen in the portal who could make an immediate impact at left tackle. LSU would likely be looking for a player who has experience at the Power Five level, ideally someone with a history of protecting the quarterback’s blind side. While it’s unclear at this point if LSU will make a major move in the portal, the possibility remains.
#### 4. **Freshman Recruits**
Finally, LSU’s incoming freshman class may provide an unexpected solution at left tackle. LSU has consistently recruited top-tier offensive linemen, and the 2024 class is no exception. While it’s a long shot that a true freshman would immediately step into a starting role at left tackle, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. Given the talent of LSU’s incoming offensive line recruits, there could be a hidden gem ready to rise to the occasion.
### The Bottom Line: A Critical Decision
Replacing Will Campbell at left tackle will be one of the most critical decisions LSU makes heading into the 2024 season. LSU’s offensive success depends heavily on a strong offensive line, and the left tackle is the centerpiece of that unit. Whether the Tigers turn to a returning player like Emory Jones or Bo Bordelon, or look outside the program for help, the decision will have long-term ramifications for the team’s championship aspirations.
As the Tigers continue to evaluate their options, one thing is clear: finding a capable replacement for Campbell is paramount to maintaining the offensive prowess that LSU fans have come to expect. The coaching staff will need to balance the development of younger players with the immediate need for production at a key position. Whoever ultimately replaces Campbell will play a pivotal role in ensuring that LSU’s offense continues to shine in 2024 and beyond.
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