by LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
Arriving in Atlanta over the weekend for SEC Media Days, LSU's Head Coach Brian Kelly chose three standout Tigers to come with him for the trip, ushering in a new era in front of the world's media.
At the podium, 12:35 eastern time, LSU will be represented first by Head Coach Brian Kelly, sophomore WR Jack Bech followed by junior defenders Mike Jones Jr & BJ Ojulari.
Bech was a surprise pick to some, especially considering he's just the third LSU sophomore ever to represent the Tigers at SEC Media Days (Fournette 2015, OBJ 2012); vaulting over other offensive choices such as veteran QB Myles Brennan, RB John Emery Jr or Biletnikoff-watch WR Kayshon Boutte, Bech led the Tigers in receptions as a freshman while placing third in receiving yards.
Maybe Bech's selection speaks to Boutte and Emery's injury recoveries or Brennan's uncertainty as a starter, although I feel it's his leadership and locker room magnetism which has him on the flight to Atlanta...speaking at the podium, even at his young age. After all, repping the purple & gold as a WR at SEC Media Days is in the Bech blood: his Uncle Brett sat at the podium back in 1994.
Former Clemson linebacker Mike Jones Jr transferred to LSU last year and endured a quiet first half of 2021 before really taking off in the second half, including a sack on Heisman-winning QB Bryce Young while recording just under 40 stops in limited reps.
Now with Damone Clark graduated and drafted by Dallas, Jones Jr has taken the opportunity to start with both hands; Not only could Jones Jr be in line to contend for a Butkus Award, also playing like a potential All-American through Spring, his ability to convey his message over the mic is just as fantastic as his team leadership.
B.J Ojulari flirted with All-American status since he strapped on the pads for LSU, highlighted by a growing sack total which rose from 4 to 7, backed by his growing maturity and range as a side to side tackler. The Georgia native born of Nigerian parents with a brother excelling in the NFL, Ojulari's appearance also showcases the international & NFL heritage of a program pillar.
There will undoubtedly be a few heavy questions coming Kelly's way, all pertaining to his move from Notre Dame, while the players will likely receive some tough ones concerning the fall of former Head Coach Ed Orgeron.
Perhaps these three can answer those questions with the most finesse, while representing the definition of Kelly's new era at LSU??
In reality, Kelly chose these three because of their standing on his S.W.A.T accountability team within his program, young men he felt exemplified the program he is moulding....the future: now.
By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
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