Max Johnson on what Kevontre Bradford brings to the LSU offense

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra09/09/21

SamraSource

In their opening game, LSU quarterback Max Johnson didn’t get much help from his running game. While Johnson passed for 330 yards and three touchdowns, the Tigers running backs combined for just 49 yards total.

Fortunately, his team’s options just received a huge boost. With the return of Kevontre Bradford, the LSU running back room receives an influx of talent.

With the possibility of a return as soon as this week for Bradford on the table, Johnson spoke glowingly about the talented running back.

“I think he’s a great runner, he sees the holes,” Johnson said. “He’s actually a really good pass catcher as well. I think he brings great energy.

“We’re all looking forward to having him back. I think it creates more depth for our running back room.”

Last season, Johnson and Bradford connected on a four-yard touchdown pass against Florida. The score put LSU up 34-31 at the time, and they would go on to upset the Gators, 37-34. 

Additionally, Bradford showed off his prowess in the rushing game in LSU’s 53-48 victory over Ole Miss last season. The running back rushed for 53 yards on just nine attempts, helping the Tigers offense accumulate 593 total yards in an offensive explosion.

Evidently, the return of Bradford will be met with open arms from Max Johnson. If the two can recapture their magic from last season, perhaps the LSU offense can get back on track.

Ed Orgeron on Kevontre Bradford

Ahead of LSU‘s matchup with McNeese State, Ed Orgeron revealed the status of running back Kevontre Bradford.

On the SEC coaches teleconference, Orgeron stated Bradford’s status for Saturday is “up in the air.” Additionally, Orgeron mentioned that Bradford is like a member of the family, and players and coaches welcome him back.

After one season in Baton Rogue, Bradford transferred to Oklahoma in June. Following participating in summer workouts and fall camp with the Sooners, Bradford opted to return to LSU.

Unfortunately for Oklahoma, Bradford’s departure left them with just two scholarship running backs on their roster, Eric Gray and Kennedy Brooks.

As for LSU, the running back joins an Tigers team that’s reeling from a Week One upset loss to UCLA. The Tigers struggled to run the football against the Bruins, accumulating just 49 rushing yards as a team.

As a freshman at LSU, Bradford appeared in five games, rushing ten times for 58 yards and had a touchdown reception. Coming out of Lancaster High School in Texas, Bradford was a four-star prospect. In three seasons at Lancaster, Bradford rushed for more than 3,000 yards.

Hopefully, Kevontre Bradford can provide Orgeron and his team with a much-needed boost in the department.