LSU Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Mississippi State in season opener
By John Vogel
2. Chris Curry will emerge as one of nation’s top backs
I purposely didn’t mention the running game that LSU will be bringing to the field. A lot of analysts this season were enamored with John Emery Jr., the sophomore running back from St. Rose, La. However, it became clear that the designated player that will lead this backfield will be Chris Curry, the redshirt sophomore running back from Florida.
Curry was given the No. 18 jersey, a very significant number to be awarded by the coaching staff and peers on the team. The No. 18 was originally worn by Matt Mauck during LSU’s 2003 national title run. Mauck was under-recruited coming out of high school, and not projected as a top player at any point of his career. Since then, the number is given to the player who earns it with leadership, poise and maturity — on and off of the field.
Curry was the go-to running back when LSU played against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff last year while Clyde Edwards-Helaire was recovering from an injury. Coaches have labeled Curry as a “tremendously gifted athlete” and a “hard worker”. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry in action in the playoff and showed excellent explosion.
I would put money on Curry emerging as a top running back in the country on Saturday with a stellar performance. It’s going to be special.