LSU Football: 3 receivers who can step up to replace Ja’Marr Chase
By Nick Fiore
As a freshman, Trey Palmer barely got any playing time, only seeing action in three games. With the departure of Justin Jefferson he was expected to start this season and now with Ja’Marr Chase’s decision to opt out, we could see a lot of Palmer in this offense.
Out of high school, Palmer was a four-star recruit, according to 247Sports. He stands 6-foot-0 and weighs 179 pounds. He’s got the build to play outside or in the slot, which is plus. He was rated as one of the quickest receivers in his class and could become an immediate big-play threat.
One issue scouts have had with him is his size. Playing in the SEC, he won’t automatically be the fastest guy on the field and his physicality could be an issue. Putting on some more muscle and being able to get out of stronger corners pressing him at the line will be key.
A 247Sports scouting report of Palmer says, “Shows good, sometimes effortless top-end speed. Quick off the line. Legitimate vertical threat. Shows short-area elusiveness, but is not a tackle-breaker in the open field. Needs work as hands catcher. Sometimes allows the ball to get into his body. Route refinement will help.”
Palmer will have plenty of opportunities this year to show that speed. We could be seeing some long touchdowns from him in 2020.