LSU football is once again on the rise, thanks to a stellar recruiting class and strong talent acquisition under head coach Brian Kelly. Year one of the Kelly era was a successful launch for the Tigers, with the team achieving an 11-win season, and the program is only poised to get better from here. For 2023, LSU welcomed several highly-touted newcomers to the fold—players who could make a massive impact in their first year.
With a mixture of freshman talent and transfers, LSU’s roster is stacked with athletes who could not only see significant playing time in their first season but also emerge as key contributors to the team’s success. Below are five newcomers who are ready to shine in Year One for Brian Kelly’s Tigers.
### 1. **Harold Perkins Jr. – Linebacker (Freshman)**
One of the most exciting players in LSU’s 2023 recruiting class is linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., who hails from Cypress, Texas. Perkins was a highly-coveted five-star recruit and is widely regarded as one of the best athletes in the entire 2023 class. His combination of speed, agility, and football IQ gives him the potential to be an immediate difference-maker for the Tigers.
Perkins is a versatile linebacker who can line up all over the field. Whether rushing the passer or covering in space, his athleticism allows him to excel in multiple roles within LSU’s defense. His ability to cover ground quickly and make plays in the open field could allow him to make an impact on special teams early in the season, with a good chance to see more defensive snaps as the season progresses.
LSU’s defense is expected to be much improved in 2023, and with Perkins’ elite talent, he is poised to be a significant contributor, potentially earning starting duties by the midway point of the season. His dynamic skill set could make him one of the top freshmen in the SEC.
### 2. **Jaden Daniels – Quarterback (Transfer)**
Perhaps the most talked-about newcomer to LSU in 2023 is quarterback Jaden Daniels, a transfer from Arizona State. Daniels enters Baton Rouge with plenty of experience after starting for three seasons with the Sun Devils, where he displayed both his passing ability and his dual-threat skills. Daniels is expected to take over as LSU’s starting quarterback after a solid spring and preseason camp.
One of Daniels’ strongest attributes is his ability to extend plays with his legs, an essential skill in today’s college football landscape. While he has thrown for over 6,000 yards in his college career, it is his ability to make plays with his feet that makes him such a dangerous threat. In the SEC, where defenses are faster and stronger, Daniels’ mobility could be crucial in keeping plays alive and breaking out of the pocket when needed.
His arrival gives LSU a quarterback with a different skill set than previous signal-callers. While Daniels may not be a traditional pocket passer, his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs gives LSU an exciting new dimension on offense. Under Brian Kelly’s system, which emphasizes balance, Daniels could quickly become the focal point of the Tigers’ attack, especially with LSU’s deep and talented wide receiver corps.
### 3. **Aaron Anderson – Wide Receiver (Freshman)**
Speed, quickness, and playmaking ability—those are the traits that made Aaron Anderson one of the most coveted wide receiver recruits in the country. Anderson, a four-star prospect out of New Orleans, was considered one of the top receivers in the 2023 recruiting class, and his skill set fits perfectly into LSU’s offensive scheme under Brian Kelly.
Anderson is an explosive receiver who can take the top off a defense with his breakaway speed. He excels at creating separation on vertical routes and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. While LSU boasts talented wideouts like Kayshon Boutte and Malik Nabers, Anderson’s speed gives him an opportunity to make an immediate impact, potentially carving out a role as a deep threat and a playmaker in the passing game.
Furthermore, Anderson’s special teams ability as a returner cannot be overlooked. His ability to contribute in the return game could help him find early playing time, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him excel in that area as well, adding another layer to his contribution to the team.
### 4. **Mekhi Wingo – Defensive Tackle (Transfer)**
Mekhi Wingo made an immediate splash when he transferred to LSU from Missouri, bringing with him a wealth of experience and high-level play on the defensive line. Wingo was one of the top defensive tackles in the SEC during his two seasons with the Tigers of Missouri, and his decision to transfer to LSU provides a significant boost to the Tigers’ defensive front.
Wingo is known for his explosiveness off the ball, his ability to disrupt the quarterback, and his quickness in penetrating the offensive line. At 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds, he’s a smaller interior lineman, but he plays with a motor that makes him extremely difficult to block. His strength lies in his ability to consistently collapse the pocket and clog running lanes, and he’ll be a vital piece of LSU’s defensive scheme under new defensive coordinator Matt House.
Given LSU’s need for strong interior play on the defensive line, Wingo is poised to play a significant role from day one. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to a young defensive line, and he has the potential to be one of the SEC’s top defensive tackles in 2023.
### 5. **Tre’Quan Fegans – Defensive Back (Freshman)**
Another highly-rated freshman who is ready to make an immediate impact for LSU is Tre’Quan Fegans, a 6-foot-2 cornerback out of Alabama. Fegans was one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2023 class and brings with him a combination of size, speed, and ball skills that should allow him to compete for significant playing time in the secondary.
LSU’s defensive backfield has traditionally been a strength of the program, and with Fegans coming in as a freshman, there is a strong possibility that he could see early action in both nickel and cornerback positions. His size gives him an advantage over smaller receivers, and his speed allows him to keep up with faster, more agile opponents.
Fegans has the tools to become a lockdown corner in the SEC, and given the demanding nature of SEC offenses, he should have plenty of opportunities to prove himself. His development could be key for LSU as they aim to improve their pass defense in 2023 and beyond.
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### Conclusion
As Brian Kelly continues to build his program at LSU, the incoming class of 2023 is full of potential, with several newcomers who could be key contributors in Year One. From dynamic playmakers like Harold Perkins and Aaron Anderson to experienced veterans like Jaden Daniels and Mekhi Wingo, LSU’s talent pool has never looked deeper. With these five newcomers ready to step into major roles, the Tigers are primed for another successful season in the highly competitive SEC, and the future of the program is looking brighter than ever.
Whether through explosive plays, clutch performances, or leadership on both sides of the ball, these players will help LSU achieve its goals in 2023, while also setting the stage for sustained success in the years to come. Fans should be excited about what these talented newcomers can bring to the field, as they all look ready to shine in their first season under Brian Kelly.