LSU Football: Projecting Stats for Receiving Corps

The LSU Tigers wide receivers are thought to be the weakness of the offense, but they're rich in talent.

Speed is the name of the game in the SEC, and the Tigers have plenty on the outside. And the best part about this season will be the fact that fans should see the unit's true potential with Zach Mettenberger.

He'll be able to find open receivers and open up the offense, unlike you know who. In fact, this could actually be the first time since 2003 the Tigers have a 1,000-yard receiver.

But will that happen?

Odell Beckham

The Tigers won't have a receiver reach 1,000 yards, but that's only because Mettenberger will be spreading the ball around.

Who will be his primary target? Odell Beckham. Beckham's the returning leading receiver for the Tigers, as he had 475 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2011.

Because of Beckham's explosive ability, he has the skills to break away from receivers and gain yards after the catch.

That and the fact that he'll be one of Mettenberger's main deep threats will make him the Tigers leading receiver in 2012.

Projected Stats: 878 receiving yards, 7 TD

Jarvis Landry

Most assume Russell Shepard will either lead the Tigers in receiving this year or be the second leading, but that won't be the case.

The reason for that is Jarvis Landry's potential at wide receiver. There are no ceilings for this player, as he proved last season on special teams that he is an unbelievable talent.

Even with the Tigers run-heavy offense and depth at wide receiver, Landry was able to have an impact on the game on kick coverage with his monstrous hits.

And if his 120-yard receiving performance in LSU's spring game is any premonition to what will happen this season, Landry is in for a breakout season.

Projected Stats: 538 receiving yards, 3 TD

Russell Shepard

Well, this is Russell Shepard's last year to reach his potential.

Shepard, who came to campus as one of the most heavily recruited athletes out of high school in 2009, has been somewhat of a bust.

But it's not all gloom and doom yet. Shepard has one more season to have the breakout season LSU fans have been waiting on, and with Mettenberger as his quarterback, Shepard will have the best season he's had at LSU.

Coming off of a disappointing 190-yard junior season, Shephard will double those stats in 2012. 

Projected Stats: 453 receiving yards, 5 TD

Kadron Boone

Kadron Boone should catch many by surprise in 2012.

With LSU's receivers being somewhat underrated, not many expect a whole lot out of unit this fall, especially Boone.

So far, his career only has 134 yards receiving and two touchdowns, but with Rueben Randle beginning his NFL career next season, Boone should receive more playing time.

During mop up duty against Northwestern State, Mettenberger hit Boone continuously down the field. After another year of practicing together, they should have great chemistry.

Projected Stats: 322 receiving yards, 2 TD

James Wright

It's time for James Wright to finally get the football.

After two seasons of just seven receptions, Wright will receive more looks from Mettenberger when the Tigers open up their offense.

When the Tigers utilize a five-wide set, he should occupy the fifth slot, and Wright should be on the field when the Tigers get close to the goal line because of his size, as well.

After two seasons of experience under his belt and the Tigers willingness to spread the field, he should benefit greatly.

Projected Stats: 197 receiving yards, 1 TD