LSU Fall Camp Preview: The Biggest Question Mark

Can you believe it? The greatest time of the year is right around the corner, and that means fall camp is upon us. The Tigers reported to campus today, and the team will begin practice tomorrow. To say LSU has an array of intriguing storylines heading into camp would be an understatement. Sure, we could talk about the abundance of explosive weapons at Garrett Nussmeier’s disposal or how the defense should be dramatically improved in Year 2 under Blake Baker. But the most important question going into fall camp is this: Will the offensive line perform well enough to give this team a chance at the playoffs?

Since arriving in 2021, LSU offensive line coach Brad Davis has been a menace on the recruiting trail, racking up top-tier talent for the position group. Under Davis’s tutelage, the Tigers have consistently been one of the best pass-blocking units in the country—while simultaneously falling well below expectations in the run game. Over the last four seasons, LSU has produced just two 1,000-yard rushers (one of them being Jayden Daniels). The Tigers are replacing four of their five starting linemen from a year ago (143 combined starts). While Brad Davis faces his toughest challenge in his tenure, there is reason for optimism.

Help has arrived—and I’m not talking about a player. I’m talking about new run game coordinator Alex Atkins. LSU hired the former Florida State offensive coordinator this offseason. Atkins is an accomplished offensive line coach, widely considered an architect of the counter run game. The pairing of Atkins and Davis could be a match made in heaven and may help produce the most complete offensive line we’ve seen since Greg Studrawa departed the program.

That said, the talent on the field is the key cog in the machine, and it starts with the lone returning starter, DJ Chester (6’6”, 315 lbs). Chester started every game last year at center as a redshirt freshman. While he struggled at times, he proved he had the size and physicality to compete in the SEC. With his high upside, Chester is expected to start again this year—likely sliding over to guard.

Tyree Adams (6’7”, 310 lbs) has gained valuable experience over the past couple of seasons, serving as the first tackle off the bench and earning the trust of the coaching staff. Adams will get his opportunity to start at left tackle this season and will help with the unit’s overall cohesion. There’s no reason to believe Adams will be anything less than solid.

Brian Kelly and company brought in two big transfers on the offensive line. Former Virginia Tech center Braelin Moore (6’2”, 300 lbs) was considered one of the top centers in the ACC last season. Moore brings a wealth of experience (24 starts) and has been praised for his ability to pick up defensive line stunts. He’s likely the reason Chester will be moved to guard and should start at center.

Josh Thompson (6’5”, 315 lbs), another major portal pickup from Northwestern, earned All-Big Ten honors last season. Thompson is versatile—starting 10 games at guard and 11 at tackle. Impressively, he hasn’t given up a sack in 18 games. Thompson will be a starter on the offensive line; where he lines up will likely depend on who claims that fifth spot.

Speaking of that fifth spot—this is where things get really intriguing. Among the remaining potential starters, Paul Mubenga (6’5”, 317 lbs) has the most experience. Mubenga started the final five games of last season in place of the injured Garrett Dellinger.

Outside of Mubenga, there’s nearly zero experience—but there’s a lot of talent.

Weston Davis (6’7”, 317 lbs) is expected to compete for the starting right tackle job. A former five-star recruit, Davis enters his redshirt freshman season with plenty of hype.

Ory Williams (6’8”, 335 lbs) and Coen Echols (6’4”, 315 lbs) both redshirted last season and could push for playing time at the guard position. Echols even ran with the first-team group at times during spring camp.

Carrius Curne (6’5”, 320 lbs) and Solomon Thomas (6’4”, 325 lbs) were massive wins on the recruiting trail and could also push for playing time.

My prediction for the Week 1 starting five:

LT: Tyree Adams

LG: DJ Chester

C: Braelin Moore

RG: Paul Mubenga

RT: Josh Thompson

Will the offensive line become a formidable unit, or will it hold the Tigers back? Only time will tell, and it’s something to watch closely throughout fall camp. We’re just 32 days away from LSU taking on Clemson at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.