by LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
Could Javien Toviano become the next DBU superstar???
Too far....let's back it up a bit.
Could he be the next successful freshman starting corner for DBU, following in the footsteps of 2020 Eli Ricks (4 INTs, 2 INT TD returns), Derek Stingley Jr in 2019 (6 INTs, 1 FR) and studs such as Greedy Williams, Morris Claiborne, and Tre'Davious White???
Too much, too soon???
As magnetic to the ball as he is enigmatic off the field, Toviano can be that DBU superstar the Tigers haven't had since the departures of Eli Ricks & Derek Stingley Jr.
Although CBs Coach Robert Steeples reloaded his room with transfer veterans, Toviano has the ability to heavily contribute or start in year 1.
Capturing 2 interceptions as a senior, both returned for touchdowns, adding 38 tackles and 2 forced fumbles, Javien's presence at Martin High terrified Texas high school quarterbacks; In reaction to his reputation, LSU's freshman corner received little target action his way during both junior & senior seasons.
Offensively, Toviano was effective as well, 41 rushes for 415 yards & 8 rushing scores....not just an experimental, developmental season playing running back, Toviano won games for Martin High from the backfield.
On Saturdays this fall, could Toviano settle matters for the Tigers in year one???
In order to capture a starting job among more experienced Tigers like transfer additions Denver Harris, JK Johnson & Duce Chestnut, sophomore Laterrance Welch, returning 2022 transfer Sevyn Banks, and even the versatile all-arounder Sage Ryan, Toviano will have to prove himself physically throughout winter workouts, stand out during spring practices, before having to survive head trainer Jake Flint's grueling, grinding summer conditioning program.
The former 5 star will also have to fend off challenges from fellow freshmen Jeremiah Hughes, Ashton Stamps, as well as the all-around DB machine Ryan Yaites.
But outside of Denver Harris (and possibly one of LSU's other transfer additions), 2023 DBU do not have a corner that can claim more straight up ability or stopping power than Javien Toviano....freshman labels be damned...
Although Kelly's staff are more than aware of his abilities, the stars next to Toviano's name disappeared the second he walked through the hefty glass doors of LSU Football Operations.
Treated like everyone else, Toviano should thrive amid spring competition and the freshman bleeding process, setting himself apart as a potential starter for LSU in year one.
Let's be realistic:
Toviano doesn't need to pull a Harold Perkins in 2023 in order to save DBU, however, in a year where the home of college football's greatest defensive back tradition are nearly depleted of elite pro prospect talent, looking high and low for heroes, CBs Coach Robert Steeples may have already recruited the next great DBU prodigy.
By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
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