How freshmen WRs Jalen Brown, Kyle Parker have impressed LSU football, Brian Kelly

BATON ROUGE – LSU football lost a handful of wide receivers this offseason.

Jaray Jenkins departed for the NFL Draft, Jack Bech transferred to TCU and Kayshon Boutte committed to returning and then reversed course, also entering his name into the draft. For most schools, losing that many veteran pieces would hinder a room for the next season.

But at LSU, the Tigers enter 2023 with an arguably better group. And much of the reason why is because of freshmen early-enrollees Kyle Parker and Jalen Brown.

"Those two guys aren't out of place," LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said following Saturday's spring practice. "Those guys both have made explosive plays down the field. They've made contested catches."

Brown, a former four-star recruit and top-100 prospect, is known for his speed and is someone Brian Kelly has already likened to former NFL wideout Will Fuller V. Kelly believes he's faired "well" since arriving at LSU this spring.

"(He's a) big-play guy. Can certainly take the top off of any coverage," LSU coach Brian Kelly said on the opening day of the early signing period. "(He's) probably more of an X in terms of his place on the field, but elite speed. So we see him as a guy that can do some things that are fairly unique in a sense."

Meanwhile, Parker has already impressed Kelly with his mental and physical maturity. He was a three-star recruit when he committed to LSU but went up to four stars once he began dominating the competition at Lovejoy High School.

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"Parker brings a physicality to the group that is pretty impressive," Kelly said following Thursday's spring practice.

It's unlikely that either Parker or Brown become Jayden Daniels' primary option this season. Malik Nabers is LSU's undisputed top wideout, and the Tigers bring back Brian Thomas Jr., Kyren Lacy and Christ Hilton Jr. Four-star wideouts Shelton Sampson Jr. and Khai Prean are also joining the team this summer.

Nevertheless, the progress Brown and Parker have made this spring has been promising.

"Those guys are two guys that I think have a good chance to work themselves into some really good playing time in the fall," Denbrock said.

Greg Brooks sustains lower leg injury

Safety Greg Brooks wore a walking boot on his right leg during Saturday's spring practice.

Brooks, a veteran in a young group of safeties, is day-to-day with the ailment, according to an LSU spokesperson.

Koki Riley covers LSU sports for The Daily Advertiser and the USA TODAY Sports South Region. Email him at kriley@theadvertiser.com and follow him on Twitter at @KokiRiley.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU football: Jalen Brown, Kyle Parker have impressed Tigers' staff