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Countdown to Kickoff: Top LSU Tigers Defensive Transfer, New Star WR Both in No. 1
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- Countdown to Kickoff: Top LSU Tigers Defensive Transfer, New Star WR Both in No. 1
(Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
The LSU Tigers football season is inching closer, now down to double digits on the countdown clock. Kickoff against the Clemson Tigers is tomorrow!
For as little as has been focused on the game recently surrounding LSU, they kick off their season in just one day. The two players who are wearing that jersey this year are expected to be stars for this team, as are most people who end up in the No. 1 jersey:
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No. 1 - EDGE Princewill Umanmielen
As good as Blake Baker's Tigers defense was last season, they lacked a true star pass rusher. They had a talented rotation, but no one person really stood out other than now- Atlanta Falcons linebacker Harold Perkins . LSU wanted to fix that this season, so they shelled out to secure Lane Kiffin's top pass rusher from the Ole Miss Rebels .
Umanmielen started his career with the Nebraska Cornhuskers and developed there before breaking out with the Rebels last year. He had nine sacks, which is more than double the Tigers' leader. He had 51 total pressures, tied for 18th per Pro Football Focus , though all but one above him had more snaps.
His brother, Princely, is currently a pass rusher for the Carolina Panthers . A very athletic family and they will both likely be playing on Sunday's after this season. If he performs how he did for Ole Miss, this should be the best defense in the country.
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No. 1 - WR Jayce Brown
Brown was part of the massive haul of wide receiver talent, and he might be the best one, depending on who is being asked. He was a starter for the Kansas State Wildcats previously, but never felt like he reached his true potential in an offense that was just ok.
Still, through three seasons, Brown has 115 catches for 1,972 yards and 13 touchdowns. The exciting thing for the Tigers is his career average of 17.1 yards per catch. He is a big-play machine that Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. should be able to lead to a career year.
Brown played a lot in the slot over the final two seasons with the Wildcats, but is going to be in more of an X-receiver in this offense. He has done it before, and should certainly be able to do it again. He's a little smaller, but he has the speed to win on the outside.
