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Top 10 Greatest LSU Football Players Of All Time
In this ranking, we will analyze the top 10 greatest players in LSU football history. We will look at career statistics, legacy, and impact during their time with the Tigers.
No. 10: Justin Jefferson, WR
Even though Justin Jefferson only enjoyed two seasons as a full-time player at LSU, he earns the final spot on this list. After tallying 875 yards wth six scores on 54 receptions during the 2018 season, Jefferson took his game to a new level in 2019. During their National Championship campaign, Jefferson set a school record, bringing in 111 receptions with 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns.
No. 9: Leonard Fournette, RB
Leonard Fournette holds the school record for single-season rushing yards (1,953) which he tallied during the 2015 season. During his first two campaigns, Fournette ran for at least 1,000 yards in each campaign and found the back of the end zone 33 times. In his final season in 2016, Fournette appeared in just seven games but was still very effective as he posted a stellar 6.5 yards per carry and scored eight rushing touchdowns.
No. 8: Odell Beckham Jr., WR
Odell Beckham was an elite playmaker during his time in LSU. Through three seasons (40 games), Beckham tallied 2,340 receiving yards with 12 scores. He caught 143 passes and posted a strong 16.4 yards per reception. However, Beckham was also very effective in special teams as he tallied over 1,000 punt return yards with two touchdowns. His play-making ability pushed him up draft boards as he was selected 12th by the New York Giants in the 2014 NFL Draft.
No. 7: Devin White, LB
Devin White was one of the best defensive players in school history. During his three seasons as a Tiger, White tallied 114 solo tackles with 286 combined tackles. He led the SEC in assisted tackles twice and set a career-high 133 combined tackles during his sophomore season. White was named 2018 Consensus All-American and was given the Butkus Award this same season.
No. 6: Ja'Marr Chase, WR
Ja’Marr Chase only made a significant impact during one season of his college career. During their 2019 National Championship run, Chase put his name in the record books as he tallied 1,780 receiving yards (second-most in SEC history) with 20 receiving scores (second-most in SEC history). These statistics only trail DeVonta Smith (2020). In this season, Chase was named All-American and established himself as one of the top prospects in the country.
No. 5: Glenn Dorsey, DT
Glenn Dorsey had an impactful role on the LSU defensive line during his time as a college athlete. Through three seasons, Dorsey appeared in 40 games and tallied 154 combined tackles with 13 sacks. During his final season (2007), he captured a National Championship and earned the Bronco Nagurski Award. He was named Consensus All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
No. 4: Tommy Casanova, RB/DB/KR
Tommy Casanova played in all aspects of the game at LSU. Casanova was a two-time All-American (1970, 1971). As a returner he averaged a solid 14.0 yards per return. As a running back, he averaged 4.1 yards per carry and tallied six touchdowns. He was known for being a hard-hitting defender. After his career, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
No. 3: Billy Cannon, QB
Billy Cannon is the first player in school history to win a Heisman Trophy (1959). During his three-year college career, Cannon won a National Championship (1958) and finished third in Heisman voting during his second season (1960). Cannon was named All-American (unanimous) in 1958 and was named SEC Player of the Year during that same season. The following season, when he won the Heisman trophy, he was also named SEC Player of the Year for the second time.
No. 2: Patrick Peterson, DB
Patrick Peterson was the greatest defensive back in LSU history. He played in 13 games in each of his three seasons. However, Peterson emerged as the nation’s best defender during his final campaign. During this season (2010), Peterson was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and All-American. In 2010, he was given the Chuck Bednarik and Jim Thorpe Award and tallied a career-best four interceptions.
No. 1: Joe Burrow, QB
After spending his first two seasons at Ohio State, Joe Burrow would transfer to LSU to play his final two collegiate seasons. After throwing for just 3,000 yards in his junior season, Burrow emerged as the best QB in the nation in 2019. During this season, Burrow led LSU to a National Championship en route to winning the Heisman Trophy. He threw for an incredible 5,671 passing yards with 60 passing scores and a 202.0 passer rating.
