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By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
Finding themselves short on depth & proven talent in 2024, LSU's defensive line will need as many playmakers as they can possibly find....no matter their age or pedigree upon arrival....DL Coach Bo Davis is needing Tigers who can change games up front.
As he's shown during LSU's recent Spring Game, one of those defensive linemen who could affect Saturdays this fall is true freshman Gabriel Reliford:
At times during this past April's Spring Game, Gabe Reliford took over the scrimmage, sacking quarterbacks twice, racking up 3.5 TFLs, 5 pressures, 1 QB hit, becoming a world class edge-rushing menace before our very eyes, demonstrating all the attributes of a potential game-wrecker.
On a day where I was keenly watching another young edge rusher, Dashawn Womack (2 tackles, 1 batted pass), it was Gabriel Reliford who stole the show.
I won't get too caught up in a Spring Game showing, but it was also Reliford's voluminous production, practice habits & work ethic that won me over long before LSU finally flipped him from A&M, at the end of a back and forth recruiting saga.
The physically robust, mature, adaptable DE may not merely be a prospect for the future, Reliford could very well be ready for primetime this fall...as he debuts for a defensive line unit that just might need him more than anyone could've predicted before Spring.
While he may not feature as much as other Tigers who are firmly ahead of him on roster right now, Saivion Jones, Paris Shand, Dashawn Womack, I still believe Reliford's hungry young presence is exactly the kind of steadfast competitive force that keeps veterans on their toes, looking over their shoulder, and pushing to their optimum...not just in fear of snaps being taken over by a freshman, but inspired by the young stallion's development to reach another level in themselves.
Capable of being deployed at both defensive end on the line or jack LB as a pure edge rusher, Reliford will battle for reps deep into the regular season.
My projection for how much of a debut campaign impact we'll see from Reliford: Whether or not he starts the season on the bench, due to Bo Davis' rotation-heavy system, Gabe will receive opportunities....the question is....just like he was able to take over the Spring Game, can Reliford make each snap count?
By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
©️ 2024 Uninterrupted Writings Inc
He looks to have the physical maturity right now. If he can get the technique and ability to play fast he can help from the get go. We have had a number of freshman step up in this position.