LSU Tigers breakout players to watch for in Week 1 against USC as a few injuries persist ahead of 2024 season

The LSU Tigers are set to face the USC Trojans in prime time Sunday night as Week 1 of the 2024 college football season kicks off. Which players should fans expect to see breakout performances from as the Tigers' race to the 12-Team College Football Playoff begins?

Kyren Lacy is the Top Wide Receiver

Kyren Lacy has been emerging all off-season as the clear WR1 for Garrett Nussmeier since spring practices began several months ago. This shouldn't be too surprising since he already tallied nearly 600 receiving yards and seven scores a year ago while splitting targets with a pair of first round wide receivers in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., but he's looked every bit the part of WR1 at LSU practices this off-season.

Many fans are expecting a breakout season for fourth year wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. who could have left long ago to pursue "greener pastures" with more immediate opportunity. He instead chose to stick it out and has been rewarded this off-season by earning a starting role in the Tigers offense. However, we may have to wait to see his ascension to greatness as he's still questionable for this week's game with a bone bruise he suffered in practice.

CJ Daniels likely steps up alongside Kyren Lacy as a proven veteran coming off a 1000-yard season for Liberty last fall. According to head coach Brian Kelly, Kyle Parker will step in for Chris Hilton Jr. if he can't go. The true sophomore wide receiver, according to Kelly, had a very strong fall camp to keep him ahead of Zavion Thomas and Aaron Anderson for now.

DJ Chester Looks Like a Star at Center

Several teammates have talked up DJ Chester's work ethic all offseason long. Chester will step in as the team's starting center this season replacing two-year starter Charles Turner as the foundation of the offensive line. He is way more mobile than a 6'4", 300-pound center should be, so expect to see him make some rather impressive feats of strength and speed in Week 1.

Chester might be without Miles Frazier alongside him at guard as he was seen in a boot this week, but he is currently considered probable for the game against USC.

Ashton Stamps Ready to be CB1

Another player LSU teammates cannot stop talking up is cornerback Ashton Stamps. He "looks like CB1" according to multiple defenders for the Tigers. Stamps spent most of last season as the team's fourth or fifth cornerback, but began to breakout with stellar performances over his final three games as a more full time defensive back.

Stamps has been making impressive plays on the ball at practice and in scrimmages, snagging interceptions here and there. Don't be surprised if he's the breakout star the LSU Tigers need this season on their defense.

Related: Brian Kelly's confident comments on LSU Tigers depth suggests strengths outweigh weaknesses heading into 2024 season

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And if you want to watch some Kyren Lacy highlights from last year to see how a true breakout WR1 season is in the cards for him just watch the video below!