LSU football struggled to run the ball in 2024. LSU’s 2023 ground game was the most efficient in college football, but losing the dual-threat ability of Jayden Daniels was an adjustment.
LSU hired tight ends coach and run game coordinator Alex Atkins to kick-start the rushing attack. Atkins most recently worked as Florida State‘s offensive coordinator and has a history of developing dynamic run games.
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LSU head coach Brian Kelly discussed the impact Atkins is having on the team.
“Alex is a veteran coach, and any time that you can add somebody that has had the kind of career that he’s had and influencing, in particular as a coordinator and as a run game coordinator, you’re adding another piece to a championship program,” Kelly said.
Under Atkins, FSU finished 2023 with a top-25 offense, per ESPN’s SP+ ratings. In 2022, the Seminoles ranked No. 11 nationally in EPA/run.
Kelly is hoping the addition of a run game coordinator can elevate that phase of the game for LSU. It takes some off Joe Sloan’s plate and allows Atkins to have a constant eye on the rushing attack.
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“That experience, that success, that confidence, that ability to really focus on a run game just makes us a better football team,” Kelly said.
Atkins is also tasked with leading LSU’s tight end room. LSU lost star tight end Mason Taylor to the NFL, but the Tigers landed transfers Bauer Sharp and Donovan Green. High hopes remain for five-star Trey’Dez Green, too.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Brian Kelly praises LSU football’s new run game coordinator
