'26 MS WR Tristen Keys (lsu commit)

[BowlBrother85]

Justin Jefferson wasn’t developed nor drafted under the current coaching staff at LSU.

You’re giving LSU credit for WRs that had nothing do with their current staff and comparing it to UT only under Heupel. Why?

Somebody needed to point that out in this thread. Nice job.

 

[onevol74]

Unfortunately you’re correct. LSU is the school of Jamarr Chase and Malik Nabers. Until some of our WRs turns out like them, LSU is simply going to have the advantage there.

Just how it is.

AND, he is keeping UT in the game to push for more money. If the kid was serious he would de-commit.

 

[crstygray0211]

Justin Jefferson wasn’t developed nor drafted under the current coaching staff at LSU.

You’re giving LSU credit for WRs that had nothing do with their current staff and comparing it to UT only under Heupel. Why?

this!

 

[TheMookieMonster]

We’ve had 4 WRs drafted under Heupel (1st season 2021).

LSU has had 3 WRs drafted under Kelly (1st season 2022).

I mean if you want to just compare LSU vs. Tennessee without the coaching staffs, LSU still has had a lot more success as a program the past decade with WRs than TN. I know people don’t want to hear that fact, but it’s just true. If you want to compare the current staff, Nabers has had more success than any of the receivers we’ve put in the league than in the past few years.

Not a popular opinion, I know. Doesn’t mean I don’t want us to land him but per his own words it’s not hard to see why he’d choose LSU over TN if development is key. It’s not like Pope has any real track record to point to.

EDIT: it’s also fair to point out that my original comparison probably wasn’t an ideal one or worded well. I’ll admit that. But sometimes perception of the school’s track record is as strong as pointing to a particular coaching staff. For better or worse, Kelly is probably benefiting significantly from the brand of LSU putting WRs in the league left and right. Jauan Jennings is probably one of the few receivers in recent years TN can actually point to regardless of staff.

 

[MarcoVol]

I mean if you want to just compare LSU vs. Tennessee without the coaching staffs, LSU still has had a lot more success as a program the past decade with WRs than TN. I know people don’t want to hear that fact, but it’s just true. If you want to compare the current staff, Nabers has had more success than any of the receivers we’ve put in the league than in the past few years.

Not a popular opinion, I know. Doesn’t mean I don’t want us to land him but per his own words it’s not hard to see why he’d choose LSU over TN if development is key. It’s not like Pope has any real track record to point to.

EDIT: it’s also fair to point out that my original comparison probably wasn’t an ideal one or worded well. I’ll admit that. But sometimes perception of the school’s track record is as strong as pointing to a particular coaching staff. For better or worse, Kelly is probably benefiting significantly from the brand of LSU putting WRs in the league left and right. Jauan Jennings is probably one of the few receivers in recent years TN can actually point to regardless of staff.

I agree with your post. Like you said, I was only highlighting the fairness of comparing LSU program as a whole to Heupel only era for WRs.

No doubt LSU benefits today from Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase. But BK and his staff didn’t have jack to do with it.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

We’ve had 4 WRs drafted under Heupel (1st season 2021).

LSU has had 3 WRs drafted under Kelly (1st season 2022).

Now look at the first year stats of all of these WRs.

 

[LittleVol]

LSU
Brian Thomas and Malik Nabers
(Both Rookies in 2024)
195 rec. 2500 yards 17 TDs

Tennessee
Cedric Tillman (2) Hyatt (2) Venus Jones (4)
90 recs 1000 yards 4 TDs
(8 total seasons)

Guys I want to be as positive as possible with Keys , but we shouldn’t defend something that is incorrect.

If Keys comes here it’s because he loves it better than LSU. Damn what he says is important he’s still a kid and will go where he wants to be.

 

[VawlIn]

We’ve had 4 WRs drafted under Heupel (1st season 2021).

LSU has had 3 WRs drafted under Kelly (1st season 2022).

Their WRs get drafted in the first round or two though. Which not only means a better contract, but also gives them a higher likelihood of a second contract

 

[VawlIn]

What if LSU does better than that?

I think the kid wants to be here rather than LSU. However the last 2 years our receivers have been screen and hitch catchers and blockers and there’s currently a narrative that Heupel’s offense doesn’t prepare guys for the league. That stigma needs to go away and we need to show signs that the last 2 years have been a fluke

 

[T2P_Priceless]

Justin Jefferson wasn’t developed nor drafted under the current coaching staff at LSU.

You’re giving LSU credit for WRs that had nothing do with their current staff and comparing it to UT only under Heupel. Why?

Is it the same WR coach? I honestly don’t know

 

[vol94]

I think the kid wants to be here rather than LSU. However the last 2 years our receivers have been screen and hitch catchers and blockers and there’s currently a narrative that Heupel’s offense doesn’t prepare guys for the league. That stigma needs to go away and we need to show signs that the last 2 years have been a fluke

This. There is a lot of noise from NFL experts stating our offense isn’t “NFL friendly” to wide receivers. I dismissed a few yrs ago but now think otherwise after Thornton discussed his conversation with NFL coaches and GMs.

 

[MarcoVol]

Is it the same WR coach? I honestly don’t know

No that WR coach has never been a part of BK’s staff

 

[MarcoVol]

I think the kid wants to be here rather than LSU. However the last 2 years our receivers have been screen and hitch catchers and blockers and there’s currently a narrative that Heupel’s offense doesn’t prepare guys for the league. That stigma needs to go away and we need to show signs that the last 2 years have been a fluke

Maybe we just need more talent at WR. Maybe we got the most we could get out of the guys we had.

 

[Jackcrevol]

Maybe we just need more talent at WR. Maybe we got the most we could get out of the guys we had.

Bingo, hence my kicking that dead horse....

 

[MarcoVol]

Their WRs get drafted in the first round or two though. Which not only means a better contract, but also gives them a higher likelihood of a second contract

Of the 3, yes 2 went in the first round and that was last year. The other went in the 6th.

Vols have had three 3rd round picks and a 4th rounder.

 

[MarcoVol]

Bingo, hence my kicking that dead horse....

No need to tho.

What if MM develops into an absolute stud? And some other dudes on the roster.

Not sure if you realize Heup has only been here 4 seasons. I’d say developing three 3rd rounders and a 4th rounder is pretty damn good. Averaging 1 WR drafted per year.

 

[VolInDayton]

LSU
Brian Thomas and Malik Nabers
(Both Rookies in 2024)
195 rec. 2500 yards 17 TDs

Tennessee
Cedric Tillman (2) Hyatt (2) Venus Jones (4)
90 recs 1000 yards 4 TDs
(8 total seasons)

Guys I want to be as positive as possible with Keys , but we shouldn’t defend something that is incorrect.

If Keys comes here it’s because he loves it better than LSU. Damn what he says is important he’s still a kid and will go where he wants to be.

Velus making the NFL was a big win for Heupel. Outside of Hyatt these weren't the same caliber of recruits as LSUs.

Kayshon Boutte also saw his draft stock plummet under Kelly.

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

I think the kid wants to be here rather than LSU. However the last 2 years our receivers have been screen and hitch catchers and blockers and there’s currently a narrative that Heupel’s offense doesn’t prepare guys for the league. That stigma needs to go away and we need to show signs that the last 2 years have been a fluke

Or let him have interaction with the QB who will enter college with him and with coaches who shared a plan with him.

How many bigtime WR were at LSU with the two guys you referenced and don’t have the gaudy stats?

Posturing history has its limitations with guys looking forward while being recruited by the QB.

 

[VawlIn]

Or let him have interaction with the QB who will enter college with him and with coaches who shared a plan with him.

How many bigtime WR were at LSU with the two guys you referenced and don’t have the gaudy stats?

Posturing history has its limitations with guys looking forward while being recruited by the QB.

Since Jalin Hyatt has left Tennessee LSU has had Nabers, Thomas, and Kyren Lacy either get drafted higher than Hyatt did or be projected to go higher in the draft than Hyatt did. They’ve developed receivers significantly better than we have and it’s really not even debatable. This staff hasn’t even landed a guy outside of Squirrel White out of HS that became a half way decent starter, and even that was just for a season. Every player they’ve brought in at the position so far has been a bust, and you can bet your ass other staffs and even agents and high school coaches use that against us in recruiting when all other aspects are comparable

 

[RAVOL]

Here is Tennessee recruiting line. Our system got 4 kids drafted and 1 won Bilinkoft award. You Tristin will take our WR Corps to a new level. Keys will be a Volunteer. In CHRIST Alone

 

[Bigorangefaninga]

And ALL 3 of those WR’s for LSUwho were there Before Brian Kelly arrived

Since Jalin Hyatt has left Tennessee LSU has had Nabers, Thomas, and Kyren Lacy either get drafted higher than Hyatt did or be projected to go higher in the draft than Hyatt did. They’ve developed receivers significantly better than we have and it’s really not even debatable. This staff hasn’t even landed a guy outside of Squirrel White out of HS that became a half way decent starter, and even that was just for a season. Every player they’ve brought in at the position so far has been a bust, and you can bet your ass other staffs and even agents and high school coaches use that against us in recruiting when all other aspects are comparable

they didn’t recruit a dang one of them! All 3 WR’s they have had drafted were highly rated Ed Orgeron recruits and had good years before BK got there. They also had Daniels throwing to them. Lacy might have been drafted before he died but he was also maybe going to be going to jail, so he wouldn’t have gotten drafted. So they had 3 guys get drafted that were going to get drafted in they went to any school, much less LSU so I’m not sure they have developed anyone. Now I will say their WR coach did pretty well with UGA WR in his time there. But also this time next year Keys might be looking again for another school as the natives are restless down in the Bayou and another 10-4 type season is going to get him fired. He better show improvement or they will find someone that will!

 

[barrylee]

Well I hope we don’t hear a lot of moaning and bitching if he stays with LSU, according to most of you if he’s smart he will stay with Tigers!

I personally believe it has to do more with the caliber of athletes they have had compared to ours!

 

[BowlBrother85]

Unfortunately you’re correct. LSU is the school of Jamarr Chase and Malik Nabers. Until some of our WRs turns out like them, LSU is simply going to have the advantage there.

Just how it is.

What does Ja'Marr Chase have to do with Brian Kelly's staff? Chase's last season at LSU was in 2020. Kelly wasn't even hired at LSU until November of 2021. If Chase is relevant to LSU's current staff, than why can't we bring up Willie Gault and Stanley Morgan? Josh Heupel coached those two guys just as long as Kelly coached Ja'Marr Chase.

 

[BowlBrother85]

Since Jalin Hyatt has left Tennessee LSU has had Nabers, Thomas, and Kyren Lacy either get drafted higher than Hyatt did or be projected to go higher in the draft than Hyatt did. They’ve developed receivers significantly better than we have and it’s really not even debatable. This staff hasn’t even landed a guy outside of Squirrel White out of HS that became a half way decent starter, and even that was just for a season. Every player they’ve brought in at the position so far has been a bust, and you can bet your ass other staffs and even agents and high school coaches use that against us in recruiting when all other aspects are comparable

Way too early to call Mike Matthews a bust. I don't understand why some of you are straining so hard to make the case against Tennessee. Are you even Tennessee fans at all? I doubt it with some of you.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Since Jalin Hyatt has left Tennessee LSU has had Nabers, Thomas, and Kyren Lacy either get drafted higher than Hyatt did or be projected to go higher in the draft than Hyatt did. They’ve developed receivers significantly better than we have and it’s really not even debatable. This staff hasn’t even landed a guy outside of Squirrel White out of HS that became a half way decent starter, and even that was just for a season. Every player they’ve brought in at the position so far has been a bust, and you can bet your ass other staffs and even agents and high school coaches use that against us in recruiting when all other aspects are comparable

Maybe one should take a look at the QBs the last 2 years and factor their abilities and lack of abilities before your berate or WRs. We have had receivers open all over the field and the QBs have not even seen them running uncovered down the field.