The LSU Tigers have just wrapped their first spring practice under Lane Kiffin and it provided a ton of information who has won the coaches over early for this team.
Kiffin, in year one, brings along a ton of roster turnover and a new coaching staff. Even the few players who stuck around from last year have to go out and earn their stripes again.
After a few weeks of practice, these three Tigers' players stood apart and should be considered "winners" in the battle for the coaches' attention and, thus, playing time:
Coming out of high school, both Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson carried most of the hype along the defensive line. They both are still very exciting players and could contribute early, it has been Geralds who has looked like he will carry the biggest early role.
The defensive line, like last year, is sure to rotate a ton. A ton of players will see playing time. Right now, it looks like Geralds is high up in that rotation. He has looked lightning fast off the snap, showcasing his athleticism as a former running back.
The running back room is deep with talent that was already in place when he arrived, but Jones has had no issue setting himself a part. By all accounts, he has looked like he belongs and could push both Harlem Berry and Caden Durham for early playing time.
He has 92 carries for 388 yards and two scores under his belt from his time with the Wisconsin Badgers and wasn't a super high-valued transfer, but he showed up ready to compete and do whatever it takes. He was a highly-touted high school player, and now looks to be closer to delivering on that promise.
LSU is replacing all but one player in their wide receiver room, which means playing time is wide open. Watkins always made sense as someone to watch, following Kiffin over from the Ole Miss Rebels, but he earned it even more during the spring with consistent wins.
Watkins looks really fast, but is also working to be a well-rounded wide receiver. He should feature heavily in the game plan, with his freshman season with the Rebels really serving as a look into how he'll be used. He had five rushes last season; look for him to be used there again this year.