LSU vs. McNeese State: 5 Tigers to Watch
By Scotty Nola
John Diarse Needs Touches
Aug 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver John Diarse (9) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
John Diarse is a slot receiver who only caught 15 passes in 13 games last season. The low volume to the slot receiver is an issue because one of the main problems with LSU’s passing game last year was the lack of efficiency.
Last year the team threw too many low percentage deep balls and not enough high percentage short and intermediate passes. Seeing Travin Dural streak down the sideline is exciting but incompletions lead to the third and long situations that all too often result in punting instead of scoring points.
Diarse averaged 18 yards per reception last year from the slot. He might be the most exciting player on the offense with the ball in his hand in space. He needs to get more touches to capitalize on that ability.
If John Diarse can catch at least 4 passes on 6 targets for 60+ yards he opens a new dimension to the offense. Increased efficiency, and safeties who have to lay back a little more to respect his playmaking ability.
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