The LSU Tigers came up short in their College Football Playoff chase last year, but enter the 2016 season as THE favorites to win the SEC and earn a College Football Playoff berth. However, for those dreams to come true, the Tigers need a few players to have breakout seasons for that to happen.
Breakout seasons happen every year in college football. Sometimes, the player in question shows flashed the previous season and takes the logical step forward. Sometimes, the player comes out of nowhere to make a massive impact. So who will be the LSU Football breakout players in 2016? Here are the four most likely candidates:
QB Brandon Harris
The first player on this list is the one the Tigers need the most. Harris started last season for the Tigers, yet his inability to be a consistently effective passer hurt the Tigers. That was especially true during a three-game losing streak in November, but another year of development for Harris should only help, especially with the presence of Danny Etling. The Purdue transfer will push Harris, and while Etling wants the starting job, it Harris' to lose. If Harris can become even a Jacob Coker-level QB for LSU, they'll be in great position to win a national title
WR Malachi Dupre
With the (hopeful) improvement of QB play comes better numbers for LSU's WRs. LSU has produced some talented wide outs, even if they've been held back by poor QB play for several years. Dupre is the next superstar at the position and he showed promise last year, catching 43 passes for 698 and six TDs. The junior has an impressive size-speed combo and will be in for a big season - if someone can get him the ball.
OLB Arden Key
This one is pretty obvious, given that Key was a freshman All-American last year. LSU has a proven background in churning out productive defensive linemen that head to the NFL, and Key looks like the next one. The former four-star recruit should have a big season this year for the Tigers after a great freshman season. A 4-3 DE last year, he should be a 3-4 OLB this season.
CB/ATH Donte Jackson
Academic problems did hold Jackson out of spring practice, but he will be back with the team when camp opens this fall. If Jackson is turned loose this season, look out. As a true freshman, Jackson played sparingly. He had a pick and a forced fumble to go with 25 tackles, but wasn't a full-time starter and was mostly used in the return game. With Jackson's absurd speed, LSU might use him in all three phases of the game, much like USC's Adoree Jackson. Now a sophomore, Jackson will be the nickel corner at worst. LSU has had several gifted defensive backs in recent years, and Jackson has the makings of the next one.
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