Another season goes by, and LSU football continues to cement its status as “Wide Receiver University.” Heading into the year, the Tigers had three former players ranked in ESPN’s top 10 wide receiver poll, voted on by NFL executives, coaches and scouts. As expected, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Malik Nabers cracked the top 10, and Brian Thomas Jr. was an honorable mention.
Jefferson and Nabers had rough seasons, with Jefferson struggling amid poor quarterback play and Nabers suffering a torn ACL early in the year. Chase, however, maintained his status, earning first-team All-Pro honors for his 125-catch, 1400-yard season.
One former Tiger has flown under the radar this season, however: Kayshon Boutte. Boutte's star profile wasn't to the level of Chase, Jefferson, and Nabers, but he’s now the only one who will be in the Super Bowl. Let’s take a look at where the former Tiger ranks on LSU’s all-time receiving list:
Boutte spent three seasons at LSU, coming in immediately following the Tigers’ legendary 2019 team. His performance toward the end of his freshman year had fans wondering whether he could shatter program records over his time as a Tiger, as he recorded 27 catches for 527 yards and four touchdowns in his final three games. Unfortunately, Boutte was unable to return to the level he reached in 2020 over his next two seasons in Baton Rouge, but he still ranks among LSU’s all-time receiving leaders.
According to Sports Reference, Boutte has the 15th-most receptions in program history, with 131. He ranks just ahead of Mason Taylor and just behind Tony Moss. He has the 20th-most receiving yards in program history, with 1,781. He ranks ahead of Abram Booty and behind Jarvis Landry. Boutte is tied with the 10th-most receiving touchdowns in LSU football history, with 16. He’s tied with Tony Moss and Kyren Lacy.
| Rank | Total | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 20th | 1,781 | Receiving Yards |
| 15th | 131 | Receptions |
| 15th | 16 | Touchdowns |
Boutte has a tough matchup in the upcoming Super Bowl, facing off against what is arguably the league’s best defense. New England fans should hope he can channel the performance he had in LSU’s 2020 season finale, when he recorded 14 catches for 308 yards and three touchdowns. Obviously, that sort of stat line is unrealistic to hope for, but for the Patriots to get a win over the Seahawks in a couple of weeks, they’ll need a performance that’s not far from it.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Where Kayshon Boutte ranks on LSU football's all-time receiving list?
