Kayshon Boutte’s return raises the bar for LSU in 2023
Kayshon Boutte is returning to LSU for the 2023 season, something that seemed unthinkable just a few months ago.
Boutte entered the year as a top NFL prospect. Despite an injury cutting his 2021 short, he had demonstrated enough to be considered among the top receivers in the country.
Rumors swirled last offseason of a possible transfer. Boutte was working his way back from injury and not attending workouts leading up to spring ball.
It became a public saga when Brian Kelly discussed the issue at a press conference. In what Kelly later described as “firing a shot across his bow,” Kelly said Boutte needs to be involved with the team, whether he’s injured or not.
Kelly said he didn’t know Boutte well at the time and a public call-out was the only way to get through to him.
When the season began, Boutte didn’t put up the numbers that many expected. He had just 96 yards through four games and didn’t catch a touchdown until the Tennessee contest.
Following the Florida State game, Boutte went dark on social media, and people speculated that Boutte was frustrated with the program. It turned out to be nothing as Boutte was in meetings the next day.
Boutte became one of LSU’s most important leaders, and Kelly commended Boutte’s leadership ability on multiple occasions this year.
His season, much like LSU’s, was a roller coaster. He dealt with a couple of injuries and illnesses and, on top of that, welcomed his first child and became a father.
Boutte was part of a talented wide receiver group that also featured Malik Nabers, the SEC’s third-leading receiver. LSU also turned to its run game quite often too.
Regardless, the talent is still there. Getting Boutte back raises the bar for this LSU offense, and team as a whole, in 2023.
Boutte staying or leaving likely isn’t the difference between LSU being a contender or not, but his decision to return is the first — and a critical — piece of the puzzle.
Boutte and Nabers should form one of the best one-two punches in the country.
Behind them, LSU’s receiving core remains deep, so there’s always the possibility of a transfer. But as it stands, Brian Thomas Jr. and Jack Bech should both be back in 2023 having taken another step forward.
Mason Taylor, one of the best young tight ends in the country, should be back, as well.
Throw in a talented freshman receiving class and an experienced group of running backs, and LSU is loaded at skill positions.
Whether it’s Jayden Daniels or Garrett Nussmeier, LSU should also expect to have a veteran at quarterback protected by a talented and experienced offensive line.
From top to bottom, this offense now has all the tools to be one of the best in the country. You contend for championships when talent aligns with experience and that’s what this unit will have in 2023.
As for Boutte, the way he finished this year is cause for optimism. His touchdown catch against Georgia is a reminder of what he can do.
Leaping to catch a ball over the middle, Boutte effortlessly turned it upfield, made some guys miss and broke a tackle, gliding to the end zone. He looked like one of the best receivers in the country on that play, just like we all expected in August.
That stats weren’t prolific, but Boutte made critical plays in some of LSU’s biggest wins these last couple of months. Since LSU’s win over Florida on Oct. 15, Boutte and Nabers are the only SEC teammates to both have 400 yards.
Boutte is a dynamic player. At his best, he adds another dimension to this LSU offense. LSU’s offense was inconsistent in 2022. It was understandable given the circumstances, but there’s no room for that next year.
This unit needs to capitalize on the sheer level of talent and experience in the building, and it all starts with No. 7.
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