THE REINFORCEMENTS: LSU'S NEXT CROP OF FRESHMAN, TRANSFER & WALK-ON ARRIVALS

By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN

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This past weekend, LSU's reinforcements arrived on campus to take this squad over the top in their quest for ultimate contention, and both their names & location (in places of need) will put a smile on the faces of LSU fans...

FRESHMEN

DYLAN CARPENTER (DE)

Out of St Amant, the local edge rusher was a favorite of many Louisiana media members, pushing for the 3 star's offer.

Following Carpenter's commitment to Louisiana-Lafayette, Head Coach Brian Kelly and co flipped Dylan back to LSU, earning his commitment.

The 6'4 234 pound DE starts his LSU career on the back of a destructive 2021 campaign, cobbling together 29 QB Hurries, 17 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks to his name.

TYREE ADAMS (OL)

Listed within the top ten 2023 OL in America by Rivals, Tyree Adams' arrival kickstarts the competition within Brad Davis' OL room.

Adams hails from New Orleans benchmark St Augustine High, the same alma mater as coaches Frank Wilson, Cortez Hankton and Carter Sheridan, while continuing the longtime St Aug-LSU legacy that dates back to Leonard Fournette and Tyrann Mathieu.

CHRISTIAN BRAITHWAITE (LB)

LSU received more help at linebacker with the addition of Texas-native freshman Christian Braithwaite, a strong tackling, speedy middleman.

After an injury-ravaged junior campaign, Braithwaite went off over the course of a savage senior season, full of performances which launched his stock high up the target list for many a top program.

In 2022 at Cypress Ranch, Braithwaite racked up 104 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and blocked a field goal to top it all off.

If injuries befall LSU's starting linebackers, we could see Christian thrust into the limelight early, though at just 213 pounds, I'd love to see him pack on 20 more by next fall.

DJ CHESTER (OL)

Many have slept on this top 10 Georgia OL, however I'm hear to tell you DJ Chester could just be the most game-ready 2023 freshman offensive lineman.

After some time in Jake Flint's weight room, some nutrition planning with team nutritionist Matt Frakes, and an off-season going through the grueling conditioning program, Chester has the ability and adaptability to play reps for this offensive line, if veteran health is a concern.

Don't sleep on Chester.

LANCE HEARD (OL)

Already quoted by Head Coach Brian Kelly as a debutant aiming for starting reps, Lance Heard's boundless confidence is also backed up by his equally deep potential ceiling.

As a former teammate of starting LT Will Campbell at Neville, expect Heard to go ahead with the same approach, poised for big things as a Tiger.

KALEB JACKSON (RB)

Right as LSU's running back room needed healthy Tigers in the backfield, Kaleb Jackson and now transfer signing Logan Diggs both arrive on the cusp of summer.

With injuries to Josh Williams and Armoni Goodwin healing up, while John Emery's academic situation will reach a conclusion soon, Frank Wilson's running backs room looks (to me) like a room loaded with stars....and freshman Kaleb Jackson isn't excluded from that equation...far from it.

Possessing a long, steely stride, powerful, violent running, deceiving yet devastating pace, backed by a body profile that gives him the potential to be transcendental, Kaleb has all the tools to be a great at LSU.

Kaleb racked up video game numbers as a junior at Liberty Magnet, notching 2,031 yards and 29 TDs during a stark-raving made junior year.

Intriguingly, for his early inclusion in LSU's offense, Jackson caught 31 passes for 394 yards and 4 TDs during that special 2021 campaign.

A season ending injury ruined his senior season, but he is apparently back on track for summer workouts.

KYLIN JACKSON (S)

Right when Safeties Coach Kerry Cooks needed help at the back end, LSU welcome high 4 star-rated Louisiana-native safety Kylin Jackson, a versatile, intelligent, and proactive DB.

Jackson's innate ball skills, smart positioning, understanding of space, and his advanced athleticism offer the Zachary man a chance at playing time in year one.

As a senior at Zachary High, Jackson was influential, producing 72 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 2 blocked kicks (both arriving in a state title game) to go with a pair of interceptions.

PAUL MUBENGA (OL)

Another highly rated O-lineman out of Georgia, Paul Mubenga has an excellent story to go next to his quiet pedigree:

Moving from Congo to Georgia in 2017 with his family, Paul has persevered on the football field, winning 3 consecutive state titles at Buford High, from 2019, 2020 to 2021.

Regardless of his 3 star rating, Mubenga possesses plenty of upside going forward.

KA'MORREUN PIMPTON (TE)

One of the most eagerly anticipated arrivals is tight end Ka'Morreun Pimpton, a weapon offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has already waxed lyrically about during a spring press conference.

A matchup nightmare for anyone at 6'6 227, Pimpton caught 49 passes, gained 951 yards and scored 16 touchdowns as a senior at North Crowley, Texas.

Despite missing spring, expect Pimpton to be an entertaining and potentially vital part of Mike Denbrock's offense in 2023.

KHAI PREAN (WR)

A standout at St James High and ranked as the nation's 18th overall wide out, Khai Prean is a name you shouldn't forget.

Reeling in 1,097 yards, 14 touchdowns and 61 passes in fall 2022, Prean was a beast.

Will he receive early opportunities within a very, very stacked LSU receiving room??

We will see, but it wouldn't be any shame for Prean if he can't get more than 10 targets in year one, such is LSU's depth at receiver.

SHELTON SAMPSON JR (WR)

Over 2,495 yards and 31 touchdowns throughout his time at Catholic High, the Baton Rouge native's commitment was a massive win for LSU's 2023 class.

Needing depth for the future at receiver, as well as refusing to allow any Louisiana receiving talent head elsewhere, the Tigers sealed the deal with Shelton Sampson Jr this past summer.

Sampson may be a project, or he could be ready for the big time in year one...we just won't know until fall camp arrives.

Either way, you'd have to feel cheated if Sampson wasn't a great at LSU when his time is done.

ASHTON STAMPS (CB)

Blessed with searing pace, Ashton Stamps is highly adept at blanketing receivers downfield, making his speed a major asset for DBU.

Although he struggles at times with location or quick breaking routes from the most athletic wide outs, Stamps' recovery abilities help him make up the ground.

As a Louisiana DB, displaying plenty of fight and character, the former Rummel High Raider is a very tantalizing prospect for CBs Coach Robert Steeples in 2023 and beyond.