LSU football head coach Brian Kelly isn’t afraid of playing true freshmen on the offensive line. In 2022, LSU started true freshmen at both tackle positions — left tackle Will Campbell and right tackle Emery Jones. Both Campbell and Jones played at an All-SEC level for three years before being picked in the 2025 NFL Draft.
LSU is now tasked with replacing four of five offensive linemen from the 2024 unit. Between transfer additions and returning talent, LSU has the pieces in place to build one of the SEC’s best offensive lines. But with playing time up for grabs, Kelly suggested a true freshman could make an immediate impact this fall.
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That player is Carius Curne, who’s been working as LSU’s No. 2 left tackle. Curne was a five-star per On3’s final rankings. He was a top-50 overall recruit, and though recruiting services listed Curne as an interior offensive lineman, he’s played tackle since arriving at LSU.
LSU’s first group has remained steady through the first week of fall camp. And there’s not much of a competition at left tackle with Tyree Adams seemingly having a strong hold on the position after winning the battle in early spring. That doesn’t mean Curne will ride the bench all fall, though.
“Carius Curne is going to push Tyree,” Kelly said.
Kelly’s praise echoes the sentiment we heard from the LSU head coach on signing day.
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“Carius Curne, physically imposing. 6’4″, 330 pounds. One of the strong offensive linemen that I’ve recruited in some time. He is physically strong at the point of attack. He dominates his opponents,” Kelly said.
Kelly said Curne is “physically ready to play in the SEC right now.”
As a recruit, Curne was lauded for his elite athletic testing scores. He has elite quickness for someone of his stature, which is why giving Curne a shot at tackle makes sense.
Adams will be LSU’s starting left tackle, but Curne is going to fight for playing time. If LSU runs into injury trouble or struggles across the offensive line, Curne might be the next man up at tackle or guard, left side or right side.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU five-star freshman could make immediate impact on offensive line
