LSU's receiver corps takes a hit
June 25, 2009 9:00 AM

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low
LSU was already pretty thin at the wide receiver position for this coming season, and now this latest bit of news.
Redshirt freshman Tim Molton, who had a big spring and had put himself solidly into the rotation, injured his knee recently in offseason workouts and could miss a significant portion, if not all, of the 2009 season.
LSU officials confirmed the injury Wednesday, as did LSU coach Les Miles, who was out in Omaha watching the College World Series. Miles did not specify how long Molton would be out, but it sounds like the Tigers are preparing as if he won't be available this season.
What that means -- more than ever -- is that the time is now for incoming freshman receiver Rueben Randle, who was rated as the No. 1 receiver prospect in the country last year by Scouts Inc.
Senior Brandon LaFell will be one of the top receivers in the SEC, but he's going to need help. He's one of only two wide receivers returning on LSU's team who caught 10 or more passes last season. The other was junior Terrance Toliver, who's yet to live up to his lofty billing coming out of high school.
But this could be the year he breaks out after catching 22 passes (and only one touchdown) last season.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Randle will clearly be one of the keys for the Tigers, especially with sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson still learning on the job.
The thinning ranks at receiver may also push freshman Russell Shepard to more of a wideout role. Miles has said he wants to move Shepard around with the idea of playing him some at quarterback and also getting the ball into his hands as a receiver.
There just aren't a lot of proven options at receiver right now on LSU's roster. Senior Jared Mitchell won't be back after being selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft, and senior speedster Trindon Holliday has been more effective as a return specialist. The Tigers would love to get more out of him on offense this coming season and may have to.
But in terms of freshmen around the SEC who have a huge opportunity to come in right away and make a big impact, Randle would be at the top of the list.