LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy has great opportunity in 2024

LSU senior wide receiver Kyren Lacy considered entering the 2024 NFL Draft but opted to take advantage of the COVID extra season and return to the Tigers.

The 6-2, 215-pound athlete with 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash began his career at Louisiana-Lafayette, where he led the Ragin’ Cajuns in receiving as a freshman with a string of eight consecutive outings with at least two catches.

As a 3-star prospect at Thibodaux High School in 2020, Lacy also drew offers from Virginia, Louisiana Tech, Miami, ULM and Houston. He also excelled on the basketball court, averaging 20 points, 12 boards and six blocks per game. Thibodaux captured a state title on the hardwood with his considerable help.

However, Lacy carried a bitter taste after being ranked as the 10th wide receiver in Louisiana for the ’20 class. That was lower than basketball point guard Jalen Cook, who didn’t even play football in college. Lacy felt he had something to prove.

In his fourth college season, Lacy grabbed 30 passes for 558 yards and seven touchdowns as LSU’s No. 3 receiver in 2023, playing alongside projected 2024 NFL first round picks Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, Jr. Lacy learned a great deal observing the future NFL wideouts on a daily basis.

“Seeing Malik and BT come to practice every day was a blessing because it really opened my eyes. Those guys are like my brothers. I was watching them on and off the field. I’m ready for that role,” Lacy noted.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly also recognizes Lacy continued growth. “One of the things that has clearly been present is that consistency,” Kelly analyzed. “That wasn’t necessarily the case with Kyren. He was distracted at times, and I think what has happened here more than anything else is he has found the right zone to be in as it relates to practice and preparation.”

Nabers and Thomas passed the torch to Lacy, who has been a highlight maker at each spring practice, flashing big-play potential on a daily basis. Kelly sees a residual effect Nabers and Thomas had on Lacy growing as a receiver.

“I think he learned a lot last year watching Malik and BT and the way they came to practice every day and how they performed. He felt ‘I can do this too.’ And I’m proud of him and happy for him because he’s going to have a breakout season. I can see just the way he takes over at practice now.”

Lacy demonstrates a great work ethic. He is an outstanding route runner and does not deviate, creating separation while featuring a muscular frame, twitchy hips and strong hands. He usually comes down with the ball in a crowd. Lacy exhibits good hand-eye coordination and creates yards after the catch.

The 2023 campaign turned into a mixed bag of emotions for Lacy. With much improvement in numerous areas, more consistency is needed in hauling in passes. “I had to lock-in more,” Lacy explained. “I had a couple of dropped balls. It’s all about how you are going to bounce back. Don’t feel sorry for yourself.”

Last September against Missouri, Lacy recorded only one catch for 20 yards, and his confidence began to slip. The following week against Auburn, he grabbed four passes for 111 yards and a touchdown in an impressive 48-18 LSU win.

“After week four, I felt myself going down. Malik and the guys were there to pick me up, telling me what I needed to do on and off the field. I trusted my teammates. I’m much more confident. I’m ready to compete.”

Kelly cites that the qualifications of an elite wide receiver go beyond just physical skills. “We think Kyren certainly has the athletic ability. I think for Kyren, at times, confidence is the choice.”

LSU’s receiving corps got a shot in the arm this offseason with the addition of transfers C.J. Daniels from Liberty and Zavion Thomas from Mississippi State.

The 6-2, 200-pound Daniels has 2 years of eligibility remaining. He accumulated 55 catches for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, averaging 19.4 yards per grab. He led the nation in 20-plus-yard receptions with 19. In fact, 34.5% of his catches went for 20-plus yards; that rate was greater than what Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas or Marvin Harrison, Jr. produced.

Zavion Thomas, a 5-11, 194-pound junior out of John Ehret High School, flashes top speed, running a 4.32 in the 40 and 11.08 in the hundred meters.

A dangerous return specialist, Thomas was a freshman All-American for the Bulldogs. In 2022, he returned a punt 63 yards for a score against Georgia. Last season, he returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown against Texas A&M. He posted consecutive 1,000-yard all-purpose seasons in his final two years at John Ehret.

“Those guys are going to be perfect,” Lacy described the new imports. “(Zavion) can stretch the field, run screens, reverses. C.J. is a deep threat. He’s still adjusting, but he’s going to help us.”

LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan has high expectations for the transfer duo. “C.J. brings a level of consistency,” Sloan declared. “He is physical and strong with the catch. He is going to be a huge piece in how we attack. The level of leadership and consistent work habits has been good to see. Every day he is out there, learning and getting better. Zavion is explosive. He has a feel for space and holes. He’s got a lot of speed, and we want to create opportunities on offense.”

The Tigers’ offense has displayed the potential to be a potent attack but is still seeking consistency. “We’re still trying to find our identity every day, looking to improve,” Lacy explained. “Maybe it’s red zone one day. We’re trying to improve from what we did last time. The younger guys coming up are getting better every day.”

Lacy has developed chemistry with first-year starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. “It goes way back to when I first got (LSU). He’s ready for that next step. He comes in every day looking to improve. It might be little things like watching film, stuff like that,” said Lacy.

The combo was in sync in the Reliaquest Bowl win over Wisconsin. The Tigers threw for 395 yards, completing 31 of 45 attempts. Nussmeier and Lacy collaborated on six connections for 95 yards.

“Wherever you need the pass, he’s going to put it right there. I tell him just to throw it; I’m going to go get it,” Lacy stated.

Lacy is a position to achieve great things in 2024. As Kelly believes, it’s his choice to take advantage of the situation.

“We just need to encourage him to choose confidence every day, and if he does that, I think he’s going to have a great season for us.”