5 MOST IMPRESSIVE TIGERS DURING SPRING 2025

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By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN

@LonnPhillips

5. MANSOOR DELANE

One of LSU's 16 incoming winter transfers, the former #2 overall ranked cornerback dazzled in his first Spring as a Tiger, getting work at nickel and some time at safety, however it's clear he's not only most needed at corner, the versatile Mansoor Delane is most comfortable guarding receivers out wide.

So far through Spring practices, Delane sported lockdown coverage alongside elite tackling abilities in space, demonstrating that fact with some 1 v 1 thoroughbred stops on the outside or as a gunner on special teams.

You could argue the former NC State coverage maestro needs to make more plays on the ball, however with tight, sticky finger coverage for the most part, he will have his chances during Fall Camp and the season ahead to add increased turnover creation to his game.

At a major position of need, at a spot where LSU has struggled for consistency in both performance & personnel (since the departure of Derek Stingley Jr, Cordale Flott, Dwight McGlothern, and Eli Ricks during the 2021 winter portal or 2022 NFL Draft), signing a savvy veteran like Delane, leading a young CBs room, was absolutely necessary.....and it looks like Corey Raymond has the right guy for the gig.

4. CHRIS HILTON JR

Chris Hilton Jr had to make our list....

He simply doesn't quit, and since his revival during the last few games of the 2024 season, Hilton Jr only continues to illustrate why, health permitting, he can be the Tigers' most incendiary receiving threat this fall.

Pulling off one brilliant, acrobatic catch after another, against aggressive coverage, appearing physically ripped and ready for the long haul, it would be yet another case of tragic bad luck if anything were to knock Hilton's progress back on its ass.

Carrying perhaps the most chemistry of any receiver on roster with LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (both at LSU since 2021), Hilton keeps on building towards the ultimate season that injuries prevented for over 4 years.

He's never looked more focused.

3. DJ PICKETT

Showcasing time and time again why he was a must have signing for LSU's 2025 class, freshman cornerback DJ Pickett has already announced himself as a true force to be reckoned with, ripping multiple interceptions out of the sky, displaying technique and agility in coverage beyond his years, the former Zephyr Hills #1 nationally rated CB prospect is everything you were told and then some.

Maybe Pickett won't start in Year 1, however, even if he doesn't, I can envision a significant role for the debutant, not merely due to Corey Raymond wanting to foster his elite prowess, but also LSU's lack of depth at the cornerback position necessitating his inclusion at key moments (one would think) this upcoming season.

He's too lengthy, too technique-sound, and too ball hawkish to keep off the field, but remember....as ready to start as Harold Perkins and Whit Weeks were as freshmen, major injuries needed to occur before Head Coach Brian Kelly would play those two.......this is a Head Coach, and his longtime staff, who don't relish playing freshmen....

But in all reality, DJ Pickett is different, you would think Kelly understands that unshakeable truth, plus, Corey Raymond conjured championship magic from a superstar freshman corner once before....

It will be thrilling to witness his progression over the next 3 years and possibly beyond, as Pickett is sure to become a superb DBU representative in the present & future for years to come.

2. DJ CHESTER

Able to hold off transfer center Braelin Moore's initial challenge for his starting spot, DJ Chester shook away all doubters who believed Moore would walk in and assume control, shook off & learned from a trying first year starting in 2024 (as a red shirt freshman no less), and maintained his 1st team pinnacle role throughout all of Spring.

Whether that theme of perseverance continues into fall camp or is trounced down by Moore moving to center, while Chester switches to guard, the red shirt sophomore has proven a remarkable point:

He's durable, and a lot better than his worst detractors could conceive of....showing up strong in 1 v 1 reps against DTs Ahmad Breaux, Dominick McKinley, and Shone Washington, while picking up the combo blocking drills with newfound command.

Still raw, still making a few blocking errors, and yet to be tested enough for even his coaches to know if he's ready for another go-round at the helm, Chester still has a long way to go if he wants to secure his starting center job for 2025, but credit is absolutely due for the hard work, dedication and patience he's shown this winter and all of Spring....all as nasty criticism (that went from constructive to personal attacks) reigned supreme online.

So far, Chester didn't just save his job, he's changed the narrative....

1. GABE RELIFORD

Quite possibly capable of stunning achievements this season, sophomore DE Gabe Reliford isn't looking forward to another year sitting behind other pass rushing artists....he wants to make a statement this fall, and despite strong edge rushing competition arriving via the portal (Patrick Payton, Jimari Butler, Jack Pyburn) it is mind blowing how Reliford retained a 1st string spot for much of Spring, and had room to impress his coaches.

But taking even just a passing glance at the towering terminator that is Gabe Reliford, you would be astounded by his combination of length, strength, and speed....then, if you watched him play the game, you wouldn't volunteer to play quarterback against him anytime soon.

Capable of stuffing a stat sheet, as we know from his incredible high school days (posting 100 tackle seasons in each of 3 years, posting 27, 28 and 29 TFLs over that same trio of seasons & 30 sacks), Reliford also put on a show during the last Spring game, sacking the quarterback twice, racking up 3.5 TFLs, 5 pressures and 1 QB hit in a showstopping performance.

Over 153 snaps alongside 12 game appearances as a freshman, Reliford posted 1 sack, 1 TFL, 7 QB pressures, and 10 combined tackles.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

-BAUER SHARP

-JACK PYBURN

-SYDIR MITCHELL

-AHMAD BREAUX

-HARLEM BERRY

-BARION BROWN

-JU'JUAN JOHNSON

By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN

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