LSU Football: 5 Takeaways from 2019 spring football

2. New offense could pay dividends for Clyde Edwards-Helaire

A big part of what has made the Saints so dangerous over the last couple of years has been the versatility of Alvin Kamara, and Sean Payton’s determination to create as many opportunities for him to get the ball in space as possible.

Rising junior Clyde Edwards-Helaire was already in line for a bigger share of the workload in the backfield with Nick Brossette‘s departure, but this offense could thrust him even further into the spotlight.

Edwards-Helaire had a strong sophomore season, putting up 658 yards and 7 touchdowns rushing, while also looking comfortable in the limited opportunities he had as a receiver. Edwards-Helaire made his bones as a kick-returner too, and averaged 24.5 yards-per-return last season. He’s dynamic in open space, and he should get many opportunities in 2019 to showcase that further.

Look for Edwards-Helaire to spend a good bit of time splitting out wide from the backfield, and for some quick throws from Burrow out to him with receivers in front to try and spring him down the field for big plays.

LSU has to find a way to manufacture more big plays next season. It ranked 91st in the nation in ISOPPP+ in 2018. Getting the ball to your playmakers with room to operate is one of the easiest ways to generate those explosive plays that could ultimately lead to LSU lighting up the scoreboard.

Incoming five-star freshman running back John Emery could also be a nice fit in this new system.