Jontre

Kirklin

The former LSU Tiger and Houston Roughneck worked out for the Saints on Saturday and almost immediately signed with the franchise. Kirklin appears a long shot to make the active roster but will compete with the likes of Keke Coutee, Lynn Bowden, and James Washington for a spot on the final 53.

Kirklin (6'0/184) was recently known for stepping in as quarterback for LSU in the Texas Bowl. He’s always been known as a versatile player that can play receiver, but also can contribute on special teams. His name probably won’t be called in April, but could find his way onto a roster as a UDFA.

Kirklin (6'0/184) plays wide receiver at LSU, not quarterback -- except this time. Kirklin stepped in in wake of multiple player transfers that included quarterback Max Johnson. The versatile Kirklin has had bright moments and some lows throughout the first half of the Texas Bowl, throwing both a floating interception and an impressive long-distance touchdown while completing 3-of-4 passes.

LSU has been faced with a rough situation at quarterback in light of Max Johnson transferring and not wanting to burn Garrett Nussmeier’s redshirt. Enter the versatile Kirklin (6'0/184) who has shown throughout his career that he has the ability to be effective at multiple different positions. He’ll have to prove that in a bigger way in the Lone Star state.

Kirklin (6'0/184) missed the first four games of the season due to academic issues but has been practicing with the team and should hit the ground running. Through five 2020 appearances, he caught 13 passes for 184 and three touchdowns. Kirklin only had three catches in the previous two years combined, though, so last year was clearly a step up in usage for him. He is listed as a backup to Trey Palmer on the team’s latest depth chart for their game against Auburn on Saturday.

Kirklin (6'0/184) was a minor contributor for the Tigers in 2020. Through five appearances, he caught 13 passes for 184 and three touchdowns. He only had three catches in the previous two years combined, though, so it was clearly a step up for him. Kirklin, a senior, will be able to retain the year of eligibility thanks to an NCAA ruling related to the COVID-shortened season.

Leading up to Saturday night, Kirklin had four career catches. He had never one scored a touchdown. Against Vanderbilt, though, Kirklin had a career game, earning a career-best 65 yards. Whether or not Franklin will be a key part of LSU’s passing offense moving forward is to be seen, but it is always nice to see a senior emerge like this and have a spectacular game.

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron says that Kirklin (6'0/182) is “electric” with the ball, and that he’s been trying to get him to make the switch all year. Kirklin was a four-star commit in 2017, but he has played mostly on special teams in the loaded LSU defensive backfield. We’ll see if he gets involved on offense soon; don’t be surprised if the Tigers try and get the speedster the ball this Saturday against Georgia.