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By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
For a red shirt freshman, DJ Chester is making an alarming impression at one of the game's most important positions...some say the job that should be most valued....which makes sense....a poor center can make a star quarterback completely obsolete...so...why is OL Coach Brad Davis so confident in a freshman starting as the quarterback of his veteran O-line???
Midway through summer now, following his first full Spring camp, now firmly in the lead to start at center, DJ's star is beginning to rise.
The Georgia-born 318 pounder is a commanding, demanding, vocally aggressive pit bull in the trenches, already leading LSU's veteran O-linemen on either side of him, both guards Garrett Dellinger and Miles Frazier, as well as tackles Emery Jones Jr and Will Campbell are all older than Chester by at least 2 years.....and yet he has no problems being "the man"....he accepts the pressure with zero qualms and a very rare shaken snap.
The Tigers' young center proved his readiness when thrust into the firing line during last season's road conquest @ Missouri, a hellraising rollercoaster of a game where Chester was needed for 16 game-sealing snaps in the 2nd half, all scoring possessions led by Heisman QB Jayden Daniels, allowing 1 QB hit, 0 sacks and 1 pressure (his only pressure allowed over 4 appearances).
Rated as the 6th overall blocking Tiger according to Pro Football Focus (from 81 total snaps), the former Eagles Landing Christian Academy talisman has limited, but key levels of experience already at the hour of his starting arrival.
Perhaps Chester could have dips in form here and there throughout the upcoming regular season gauntlet (example: his propensity for low snaps when out of his groove), maybe we witness some understandable growing pains when under duress against top defensive fronts, although his 81 snaps from 2023, alongside his assured Spring performances, stand as an exceptional forecast of what the Tigers' solid new center could offer.
With major uncertainty & inexperience behind him on roster, Chester will be expected to stick it out for the long haul, every game on the schedule.....and due to his youth, his stout 318 pounds or towering 6'6 height, Chester likely has the athletic prowess to maintain his availability & sustain a powerful motor without injury wire to wire.....appearing ready to propel what could be the nation's best O-line to Joe Moore Award honors, while fronting Joe Sloan / Cortez Hankton & QB Garrett Nussmeier's potentially devastating offensive axis to College Football Playoff glory.
By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
©️ 2024 Uninterrupted Writings Inc
He could be a Cushenberry like talent. If he gets the mental part dien, he can be a force. You can’t double him with the rest of the dudes on this line.