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By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
As one of Slade Nagle's elite level tight ends from the Tigers' star-studded 2024 TEs room, sophomore Mac Markway remains underrated, perhaps even overlooked by the fans & media....yet the Missouri-born football obessive continues to be trusted by Coach Kelly's offensive staff.
Finding himself among a deep unit, definitely the most talented single season group of tight ends in LSU history, led by junior stalwart Mason Taylor, backed by towering, aerial assassin Ka'morreun Pimpton (Markway's fellow 2023 classmate), while adding new blood in true freshman generational prospect Trey'Dez Green, on paper it appears LSU's current 2nd string TE, Markway, may have his work cut out for him this year regarding playing time.
Playing frequently for a true freshman, reaching 160 snaps, mostly positioned as a blocking TE, Markway has shown himself to be fairly multifaceted, catching a touchdown from Heisman QB Jayden Daniels (season totals of 4 targets, 3 catches, 16 yards), flexing out wide on occasion (rarely in game, but experimented during practices), showing an ability to replace Mason Taylor when banged up or blocking / running routes alongside Taylor when deployed in dual TE formations.
Markway displayed plenty of football IQ to play early for the #1 offense in America, and though he was featured more in a supporting role, he played his part, contributing on the field, impressing his coaches, earning even more trust from his teammates, and gaining confidence by the snap.
While LSU's 2024 tight ends room is cavernous in its depth, all four seemingly capable of playing big time reps or even starting for the Tigers, Markway's proven pedigree in year 1, plus his humble, driven, lunch pale mentality work ethic or sneaky versatility (runs over 21 mph) could see him on the field more than many analysts might expect.
Sure, LSU will give Pimpton the opportunities he didn't receive in 2023...he's simply too athletically elite not to find out the possibilities & ceiling on his game; Then, the near unguardable Trey'Dez Green could receive some random chances to explode onto the scene & produce magic straight out of the gates, or will Kelly and Nagle keep Green away from the action as a long term project for 2025???
The fate of Pimpton or answers to the Trey'Dez Green question will undoubtedly, directly affect Markway's playing time within Coach Nagle's crowded TEs room.
Which means the De Smet High graduate will need to stamp his authority throughout Fall Camp as the trusted, reliable workhorse who can block, catch, and make plays with the ball in his hands......
Markway must make it known to both Pimpton and Green, "you'll have to get through me to find a pathway to the field...."
There's also a scenario where Green and Pimpton impress during Fall Camp, offering extra strength as well as height & hands around the red zone, meaning Markway is mostly utilized in blocking situations with Taylor, while either Green or Pimpton could take over on passing downs.
Let's remember one key detail, though:
Starting QB Garrett Nussmeier was practicing with the 2nd stringers for the better part of 3 seasons, including last year...where Markway and Nuss often connected through the air, Mac as his main tight end.
I believe Mac has far more to accomplish on the field, he simply needs opportunities. Surrounded by skill position talents all over LSU's offensive squad, and only one ball to go around, Markway will have to make the most of every target his way while embracing the dirty work nature of blocking next to offensive tackles Will Campbell or Emery Jones Jr, becoming an extension of LSU's powerhouse offensive line.
Markway is a net positive, even if he doesn't reach the field much during the season, his jovial locker room presence & selflessness make him a Tiger to admire, but his football IQ, will to win, and adaptability means he is a player to firmly watch.
By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
©️ 2024 Uninterrupted Writings Inc
I agree with you. Never sell this guy short he is a big bruising competitor with better than average athleticism.