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How Donovan Green, a Transfer Portal Player, Fits into the LSU Football TE Depth Chart

As the transfer portal continues to reshape college football rosters, the LSU Tigers are one of the many programs that have effectively utilized this tool to enhance their depth and overall talent pool. One of the most intriguing additions to the LSU football team for the upcoming season is tight end Donovan Green, a transfer who brings a combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability to Baton Rouge. Green’s arrival is particularly significant given the critical role the tight end position plays in LSU’s offensive scheme, both as a blocker and as a pass-catching threat.

In this article, we’ll break down how Donovan Green fits into LSU’s depth chart at tight end, what he brings to the team, and what expectations fans should have for him in his first season with the Tigers. We will also explore the broader context of LSU’s tight end group, the offensive system, and how Green’s skill set can complement the team’s overall game plan.

Donovan Green’s Background and Skill Set

Before diving into how Donovan Green fits into LSU’s tight end depth chart, it’s important to understand what the Tigers are getting in the transfer. Green, who spent his previous years at another major football program, is known for his impressive physical attributes and versatile skill set that make him an intriguing prospect in the tight end group. He has the potential to make an immediate impact for LSU, and his arrival raises the overall level of competition within the unit.

1. Physical Attributes: Donovan Green stands at 6’5″ and weighs around 245 pounds, which is an ideal size for a tight end. His height gives him the ability to be a matchup nightmare for defenders, especially in the red zone, where his size can be used to box out smaller defenders or contest passes in the air. Additionally, Green possesses solid speed for his size, giving him the ability to stretch the field both as a blocker and as a receiver. His frame allows him to be effective in both pass-catching and run-blocking situations, making him a dual-threat player in the offense.
2. Athleticism: Green is an athletic player who can make plays both as a blocker and as a receiver. His agility and footwork allow him to make quick adjustments on the field, whether he’s running routes or creating space for himself after the catch. Green’s athleticism makes him an effective target in the passing game, whether he’s running short, quick routes or stretching the defense with deeper patterns. His combination of size and speed allows him to operate as a traditional tight end but also gives him the flexibility to play in a more modern, spread offense.
3. Blocking Ability: Tight ends are often expected to serve as key blockers in both the run game and pass protection, and Green is well-equipped to fulfill this role. He has the strength and technique to block defensive ends and linebackers, helping to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for LSU’s tailbacks. Green’s ability to block efficiently is particularly valuable in a pro-style offense or a balanced attack, where a tight end is used to create extra protection or seal off defenders in the run game.
4. Receiving Threat: Green’s skills as a receiver are one of the key reasons why he’s expected to be a significant contributor to LSU’s offense. He has a solid set of hands and the ability to make tough catches in tight spaces. Whether it’s in short-yardage situations, the red zone, or even stretching the defense vertically, Green has the potential to be a reliable target for LSU’s quarterbacks. His versatility as both a blocker and a receiving option makes him an important asset to the offense.

LSU’s Tight End Position and Offensive Scheme

To better understand how Donovan Green fits into the LSU football team, it’s helpful to look at the current state of LSU’s tight end position and offensive scheme. The tight end spot is often a key factor in the success of a college offense, and LSU’s offensive coordinator will need to maximize the talents of players like Green in a way that complements the team’s offensive goals.

1. The Role of Tight Ends in LSU’s Offense: LSU’s offense, under head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, is known for being a balanced attack that incorporates both the run game and a potent passing attack. Tight ends are key contributors in this system, used to block for running backs, protect the quarterback, and provide receiving options for the passing game. In past seasons, LSU has incorporated a tight end-heavy approach at times, using players at the position to run short routes, provide additional protection, or stretch the field on occasion.
2. Recent LSU Tight End Performances: LSU has seen success with tight ends in recent years, though the position has not been the focal point of the offense. The Tigers’ tight end group in 2023 featured solid contributors, but no player truly stood out as a go-to target in the passing game. This lack of elite production at the position provided an opportunity for a player like Green to come in and fill a void. With Green’s combination of blocking and receiving ability, LSU has the chance to turn the tight end spot into a more dynamic part of the offense, similar to how other elite programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State use their tight ends.
3. Offensive Scheme and Tight End Usage: In LSU’s offense, the tight end is utilized in multiple ways. At times, LSU operates with two-tight end sets, utilizing both players as threats in the running and passing games. Green’s ability to contribute as both a blocker and a receiver allows him to be effective in these situations. Whether LSU is running the ball between the tackles or airing it out downfield, Green’s presence can help create mismatches that allow the offense to exploit the defense. His blocking prowess helps in the run game, while his receiving ability provides a reliable option for the quarterback in passing situations.

Donovan Green’s Fit Into LSU’s Tight End Depth Chart

With Green’s arrival at LSU, the Tigers’ tight end depth chart now has a notable addition. While the tight end group at LSU features a variety of talented players, Green’s skill set gives him the potential to carve out a significant role early on. Let’s take a look at how he fits into the overall depth chart and what his competition will be for playing time.

1. Returning Tight Ends at LSU: Prior to Green’s transfer, LSU had a few tight ends on the roster who were expected to compete for playing time. Players like Mason Taylor and Kole Taylor have seen significant snaps in past seasons and are expected to continue contributing in the offense. Mason Taylor, in particular, had an impressive freshman season, demonstrating solid pass-catching ability and good blocking technique. However, neither player has yet shown the ability to be an elite dual-threat tight end in the way Green is expected to be. This leaves the door open for Green to emerge as a leader at the position and challenge for a starting role.
2. Competition for the Starting Role: Although LSU’s tight end position has talent, Green’s all-around skill set makes him a strong candidate for significant playing time. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility could help him stand out in the competition for the starting role. While Mason Taylor and Kole Taylor may provide stiff competition, Green’s proven ability as both a blocker and a pass-catcher gives him an edge in terms of versatility. LSU’s coaching staff will likely evaluate the tight ends throughout the preseason to determine how best to utilize the group, but it’s clear that Green has a legitimate chance to emerge as a key contributor in the offense.
3. Potential for Two-Tight End Sets: With Green’s presence, LSU could explore the possibility of deploying two-tight end sets more frequently. Using two tight ends gives LSU the ability to be more dynamic in the running game, as both tight ends can serve as blockers while also providing multiple options in the passing game. This could lead to mismatches against opposing defenses, especially in short-yardage or goal-line situations. Green’s ability to contribute in both areas makes him an ideal fit for this kind of offensive approach.
4. Red Zone and Third-Down Threat: One area where Green can immediately make an impact is in the red zone and on third down. Tight ends are often key players in these situations, where the offense needs reliable, big-bodied targets who can make contested catches and provide strong blocking. Green’s size and hands make him an excellent red-zone target, and his ability to stretch the field vertically adds another dimension to LSU’s offense. On third down, Green can be a go-to option when the Tigers need a chain-moving play, using his size and athleticism to create separation from defenders.

What Donovan Green Brings to LSU’s Future

While Donovan Green’s immediate impact on the LSU football program is clear, his long-term contribution could be just as significant. By adding a talented player like Green to the roster, LSU is not only bolstering its current offense but also positioning itself for sustained success in future seasons. Here’s how Green’s addition benefits LSU’s long-term outlook:

1. Recruiting Momentum: The addition of Green from the transfer portal is a signal to other top recruits and transfers that LSU is serious about competing for championships. By landing a highly touted player at a key position, LSU continues to show its ability to attract elite talent. This success in the transfer portal will likely resonate with future recruits, especially those looking to play for a program with a proven track record of developing talent and competing at the highest level.
2. Position Depth and Flexibility: By adding Green to the roster, LSU increases its depth at the tight end position. This provides the team with flexibility in its offensive game planning and helps guard against any potential injuries. The ability to rotate multiple tight ends throughout the season gives LSU a stronger, more versatile offense that can adjust to different defensive schemes.
3. Continued Offensive Growth: LSU’s offense has been evolving under head coach Brian Kelly, and the addition of Green helps further solidify the unit’s growth. As LSU continues to refine its offensive system, Green’s multifaceted skill set allows the team to be more unpredictable and dangerous, whether it’s in the running game, the passing game, or on special teams. Green’s ability to contribute in all phases of the offense makes him an important piece of the Tigers’ future success.