Brian Kelly Has Been Pleased with an LSU Freshman RB Early in the Season

As the 2023 football season progresses, LSU’s head coach Brian Kelly has seen a promising spark from one of the team’s young stars—freshman running back, Caleb Jackson. The highly-touted recruit has already begun making waves in Baton Rouge, drawing praise from his head coach, who has been keen on developing the talent necessary to make the LSU Tigers a perennial contender for the college football playoff.

While LSU has a long history of powerful backs, such as Leonard Fournette, Derrius Guice, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jackson’s emergence represents a new wave of talent that the Tigers can rely on for years to come. This article will explore how Coach Brian Kelly has been impressed with Jackson’s early performances, what makes him such an exciting prospect, and what it means for LSU’s offensive future.

Early Impressions of Caleb Jackson

Since his arrival on campus, Caleb Jackson has drawn attention from both coaches and teammates. The freshman from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, joined LSU as one of the most highly ranked running back recruits of the 2023 recruiting class. Jackson’s decision to stay home and play for LSU generated significant excitement among Tiger fans, who hoped to see the next great back in a program known for producing elite running backs.

Jackson, standing at 6’0″ and weighing 210 pounds, possesses the ideal combination of size, speed, and agility that coaches covet in an all-around running back. His blend of physical attributes allows him to handle between-the-tackles running, while also possessing enough burst to turn a simple carry into a breakaway run.

While many freshman players are still adjusting to the college game, Jackson seemed to pick up the system fairly quickly and has been able to showcase his skills in practice and limited game situations. His confidence, natural running style, and sharp football instincts have allowed him to earn significant praise from Coach Kelly early in the season.

Coach Kelly has been impressed with Jackson’s maturity and his ability to handle the physical demands of the SEC. He commented after an early practice, “Caleb has done a great job adjusting to the speed of the game. His vision and ability to make people miss in tight spaces is something we’ve seen from him already in practice. We’re excited about his development, and he has a bright future ahead of him here at LSU.”

Jackson’s Skill Set: Why He’s Already Standing Out

One of the reasons Caleb Jackson has been able to earn praise so early in his career is the vast skill set he brings to the table.

Vision and Patience: Running backs are often judged by their ability to read blocks and anticipate what’s coming next in the running game. Jackson’s vision is often highlighted as one of his most important qualities. He shows a mature sense of patience when navigating through the line of scrimmage. Instead of rushing into a hole, Jackson has been known to wait for his blockers to set up and then make a quick decision that allows him to hit the hole with burst.

Speed and Burst: As mentioned, Jackson has the physical tools to excel in all aspects of the running back position. His straight-line speed is impressive, and he has the capability to outrun defenders to the edge when given the opportunity. What makes him particularly dangerous is his ability to make sharp cuts in the open field and gain separation from defenders once he’s past the line of scrimmage.

Power and Toughness: Another key element of Jackson’s game is his ability to run through contact. He doesn’t shy away from taking on defenders in the open field, using his size and strength to power through arm tackles. His lower body strength and balance also allow him to gain extra yardage after initial contact, a skill that is especially valuable in SEC play, where tough, physical defenses are the norm.

Receiving Ability: Another underrated aspect of Jackson’s game is his receiving ability. While LSU has traditionally relied on strong running games, the modern college football game requires backs to be versatile in the passing game. Jackson has shown the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and create mismatches against defenders in space. His fluid hands and ability to make defenders miss after the catch give LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock more ways to get him involved in the game.

Brian Kelly’s Offensive Philosophy

Since taking over at LSU, Brian Kelly has instilled a culture of discipline and precision in his team, and his offensive system reflects his commitment to balance and adaptability. Kelly’s approach is rooted in a pro-style offense that emphasizes the use of a well-rounded running game to open up play-action opportunities for the passing game. However, Kelly has also shown a willingness to adapt to the strengths of his personnel.

In the case of Jackson, Kelly has quickly recognized that the freshman back is a versatile weapon that can fit into multiple aspects of his system. Whether it’s running between the tackles, bouncing outside, or catching passes out of the backfield, Jackson’s ability to do it all has allowed him to earn a spot in the rotation, even with the presence of veteran backs in the LSU backfield.

Kelly’s philosophy on player development has also been crucial to Jackson’s early success. Kelly is known for his attention to detail in practice and his commitment to developing players in all phases of the game. For Jackson, this means that his progress has been monitored closely, and Kelly is taking a hands-on approach in getting him ready for the grind of an SEC season.

“I think the thing I’ve noticed about Caleb is his ability to absorb coaching,” Kelly said. “He listens, and he wants to improve every day. That’s the mindset we want in all our players, and it’s been great to see Caleb put in the work and get better each week.”

The Future of LSU’s Backfield with Jackson

While it’s still early in the season, Caleb Jackson’s development is crucial for the long-term success of LSU’s offensive plans. Running back has been one of LSU’s most stable positions over the years, and the program’s success often hinges on having a dynamic playmaker in the backfield. Jackson has already shown the ability to contribute in a variety of ways, which is why his future with the team looks very bright.

With veteran backs like Josh Williams and John Emery Jr. playing prominent roles early in the season, Jackson’s role has been somewhat limited thus far. However, as the season progresses, Kelly will likely look for more ways to get Jackson involved. It’s possible that Jackson will see an increase in his touches as the Tigers face tougher competition within the SEC. This will allow LSU to utilize Jackson’s full range of skills and give him opportunities to showcase his talents in more high-pressure situations.

Moreover, Jackson’s emergence has the potential to provide LSU with a balanced backfield for years to come. LSU has also brought in other highly-rated recruits to the running back position, and with Jackson leading the way, the Tigers could build one of the most dynamic and feared backfields in the country.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Jackson and LSU?

Caleb Jackson’s early performances have certainly caught the attention of Brian Kelly and the LSU fan base. While he’s still a freshman, the promise and potential are undeniable. The ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game—rushing, receiving, and even pass protection—gives him the versatility needed to thrive in a complex offensive system.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Coach Kelly continues to develop Jackson and incorporate him into the game plan. Jackson has the potential to become one of LSU’s star players in the coming years, and with his combination of size, speed, and work ethic, he could play a significant role in the Tigers’ quest for an SEC Championship and beyond.

Ultimately, Brian Kelly’s praise of Caleb Jackson is a testament to the freshman’s hard work, talent, and potential. As LSU looks to the future, Jackson could be the key piece that helps propel the Tigers back to national prominence, solidifying his place in the long history of great LSU running backs. The future is indeed bright for both Jackson and the LSU football program.