LSU football season preview 2020: Record predictions, depth chart analysis, breakout players

LSU football breakout candidates

Myles Brennan, QB

Stepping into the shoes of Burrow is not a small task for Brennan to take on. His predecessor had the greatest single season for a quarterback in college football history — and no one should expect the same from Brennan. Yet, playing with a slew of elite pass-catching talents, people shouldn’t expect the LSU passing offense to regress to its paltry previous form.

Brennan was a 4-star recruit who ranked inside the top 200 overall recruits in 2017. His limited work to this point in Baton Rouge hasn’t been anything to write home about but, though Joe Brady may be gone, the offense should still put him in the best position to succeed as a passer. The results should be an impressive first-year campaign for the quarterback.

TK McLendon, DE

If you’re not familiar with TK McLendon as an LSU defensive prospect, you’re not alone. He came to the Tigers as a JuCo tight end prospect but played just one game at the position last year before redshirting and making the position switch to defensive end. And with holes to fill on the line, the athletic big man could slot right in.

McLendon may be inexperienced but he’s physically gifted. At 6-foot-3, 269 pounds, he slots in perfectly as a defensive end as LSU transitions to a 4-3 base defense. And he should be able to put his explosiveness and quickness to good use in rushing the passer, filling a huge void on the edge for the Tigers defense.

John Emery, RB

As a freshman last season, John Emery didn’t see much action. He played in 10 games for the Tigers but had just 39 carries for 188 yards, though he did have four scores along with six catches for 60 yards. He’s incredibly explosive in the open field with the potential to make a big play whenever he gets a touch.

Emery is likely going to be limited with offensive touches as he works in a backfield committee. Having said that, the speed and explosiveness should net him usage as a return man on special teams. With more touches, the sophomore should be able to turn some heads and put his name on the map.

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