Will Bauer Sharp make an impact on LSU football? How does the transfer portal TE fit?

Will Bauer Sharp Make an Impact on LSU Football? How Does the Transfer Portal TE Fit?

As the LSU Tigers continue their quest to dominate the college football landscape, one of the most anticipated additions to the team in recent years is tight end Bauer Sharp, who committed to LSU through the transfer portal. This addition has created a buzz around the program, raising questions about how Sharp will fit into the offense and what kind of impact he could have on LSU’s football program in the 2024 season and beyond.

Sharp’s commitment is an exciting one for LSU, particularly as the team looks to build on its strong recruiting classes, while also looking for immediate contributors from the transfer portal. As the tight end position continues to evolve in college football, Sharp’s abilities could make him an integral part of the offense. But how exactly does he fit into LSU’s system, and will he be able to make a significant impact?

The Transfer Portal: LSU’s Strategic Approach

The rise of the transfer portal has added a new dimension to college football, with players transferring between schools at unprecedented rates. For LSU, the transfer portal has become a critical avenue to improve the roster, particularly at positions where the team may need immediate upgrades. Tight end is one such position, and LSU’s coaching staff has made it clear that adding a dynamic talent like Bauer Sharp was a priority.

Over the past few years, the Tigers have successfully used the portal to add depth and talent to positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back. Adding a tight end like Sharp fits into this broader strategy of bringing in playmakers who can contribute right away while maintaining a competitive edge. Sharp’s skill set provides LSU with the potential for both short-term and long-term success at the tight end position, which is an essential piece of any well-rounded offense.

Bauer Sharp’s Background: A Transfer Portal Success Story

Bauer Sharp is a tight end who comes to LSU after transferring from an established program where he had already made a name for himself. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 250 pounds, Sharp has the ideal physical tools to be a major contributor at tight end in the SEC. He combines size, athleticism, and reliable hands, giving him the ability to stretch the field in the passing game, while also being a strong blocker in the running game.

Sharp’s previous experience at his former school, combined with his ability to excel in both blocking and receiving roles, has led many to believe that he will be a valuable asset for LSU. Over the course of his career, Sharp has demonstrated the versatility that is highly coveted at the tight end position. Whether he is used as an inline tight end or split out wide as a receiving threat, his versatility makes him an appealing addition to the LSU offense.

What Bauer Sharp Brings to LSU Football

At the heart of LSU’s offensive success in recent years has been their ability to diversify the attack, mixing up the run and pass games to keep opposing defenses on their heels. With a strong running back corps and an impressive quarterback in Jayden Daniels, the Tigers have had an offensive system built to exploit mismatches. This is where Bauer Sharp comes into play. His addition strengthens LSU’s offense by providing a reliable target for Daniels while also adding another layer of depth to the tight end position.

1. Passing Game: A Target for Jayden Daniels

One of the most important aspects of Sharp’s game is his ability to be a reliable receiving option. Tight ends have always been a critical part of any offense, but in today’s college football landscape, their role is even more dynamic. Sharp is more than just a safety valve for the quarterback; he is capable of running routes down the seam, creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His size and athleticism allow him to present a difficult matchup for defenders, especially in the middle of the field.

Jayden Daniels, who is known for his ability to extend plays with his legs and make precise throws on the move, will benefit from having a target like Sharp at his disposal. Sharp’s size makes him a prime red zone threat, where his ability to outmuscle defenders and present a large catch radius could prove invaluable. Additionally, his ability to stretch the field could open up space for LSU’s wide receivers and create more opportunities in the passing game.

As LSU continues to develop their passing game, Sharp could become a trusted target in both the short and intermediate passing game. His route running is solid, and he can catch passes in a variety of different ways, from quick slants to seam routes down the middle. This versatility gives offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock flexibility in terms of how to use Sharp in the offense.

2. Blocking Ability: A Crucial Part of LSU’s Run Game

In addition to his skills as a receiver, Sharp’s blocking ability will be a major asset for LSU. The Tigers have consistently had one of the most formidable running games in college football, and having a tight end who can block effectively on the edge or at the line of scrimmage is key to maintaining that success. Sharp is known for his physicality and his ability to seal off defenders in the running game, especially on outside zone and power plays.

Sharp’s ability to block allows LSU to remain balanced on offense, making it harder for opposing defenses to predict what’s coming. Tight ends are critical in creating space for running backs to find creases in the defense, and Sharp’s blocking skills will help LSU’s running backs find those creases more frequently. Whether it’s leading the way on a sweep or providing extra protection for Daniels in the pocket, Sharp’s contributions as a blocker will ensure that LSU remains a multifaceted offensive team capable of executing a variety of plays.

How Bauer Sharp Fits in LSU’s Offensive Scheme

LSU’s offensive scheme has been built to take advantage of the unique skills of its players, and Sharp’s versatility fits perfectly into this approach. Whether the Tigers are in a pro-style formation or going with a more spread look, Sharp has the ability to line up in various positions to create mismatches. His experience in multiple offensive systems and his understanding of tight end responsibilities will allow LSU to use him effectively across different situations.

Under head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, LSU has employed an offense that takes a “next-man-up” mentality while using every weapon at their disposal. Sharp could be utilized as a dual-threat tight end—someone who not only catches passes but also plays a key role in blocking assignments. In fact, many of the top offenses in college football today use tight ends in this hybrid role, allowing them to attack defenses from multiple angles. Whether in the passing game, as a mismatch for smaller defenders, or in the running game, as a key contributor to the blocking scheme, Sharp offers LSU the flexibility to keep defenses guessing.

1. Split Out in the Slot: Versatility as a Pass-Catcher

Sharp could find himself lined up in a variety of spots on the field, not just at tight end but also in the slot or even outside as a wide receiver. His size and agility make him a difficult matchup for defenders, and he can create significant mismatches when lined up against smaller, quicker defenders. LSU will likely use Sharp in this way to exploit opposing defenses that struggle against tight ends who can stretch the field.

2. Inline Tight End: A Traditional Role

In more traditional formations, Sharp could line up as an inline tight end, providing additional protection for the quarterback or opening up lanes for the running backs. His experience in this role will allow him to effectively contribute to LSU’s physical approach in the run game, which has been an important aspect of their offense.

The LSU Tight End Position: A History of Success

LSU has had a strong history of tight ends who have played crucial roles in their offensive success. From former stars like John David Washington and Foster Moreau to the current roster, tight ends have always been an important part of LSU’s offensive identity. The addition of Bauer Sharp only adds to the Tigers’ storied tradition at the position, as they look to build a versatile and potent offensive attack.

Sharp will look to continue LSU’s legacy of dynamic tight end play, and his blend of size, athleticism, and versatility will make him an important piece in the Tigers’ pursuit of a championship in the coming years.

Conclusion: The Impact of Bauer Sharp

Bauer Sharp’s transfer to LSU has the potential to make a significant impact on the Tigers’ offensive attack. His combination of skills as both a blocker and a receiver gives LSU an added dimension to their offensive scheme, providing quarterback Jayden Daniels with another reliable target in the passing game. Sharp’s ability to block in the running game will also be key to LSU’s success on the ground, helping to keep opposing defenses off balance.

Ultimately, Sharp’s role in LSU’s offense will be determined by how well he adapts to the team’s offensive system and how effectively he can contribute in both the passing and running games. With the talent and versatility that Sharp brings to the table, there is no doubt that he has the potential to become a key player for LSU in the coming seasons. The combination of Sharp’s skills and LSU’s offensive weapons could result in an exciting and successful season for the Tigers, making the addition of Bauer Sharp a major boon for the program.