Getty Image / Kevin C. Cox
Kayshon Boutte is one of the most electrifying players in college football. The LSU receiver can make highlight plays and has as much potential as any receiver in the country.
But, his stats were underwhelming this year for the SEC West Champions. He had just 48 catches for 538 yards and two touchdowns for Brian Kelly in his first year as a head coach.
Still, the potential is there. He has the speed, hands, and route running to be a star in the NFL. Plus, he’s dynamic after the catch.
Kayshon Boutte showing off his ability and them YAC skills! pic.twitter.com/7pOEbEEN29
— Mace (@realmaceblack) December 29, 2022
He was projected by some before the season to be the top wideout off the board in the upcoming NFL draft. But, his play this year and some character concerns made that unlikely. That prompted Boutte to announce in early December that he would be returning to LSU for another season.
Kayshon Boutte has announced that he will be returning to LSU and not entering the NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/eTMHSM3cfA
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 6, 2022
But, that all changed on Wednesday, when he shocked the football world.
Kayshon Boutte will now enter the 2023 NFL Draft
On Wednesday, LSU announced the receiver would not be available for the Citrus Bowl on Monday. And, this was the explanation given by one LSU beat writer.
A source close to #LSU WR Kayshon Boutte told https://t.co/kVcWW3VXtw that Boutte is "fine", no injuries, and isn't playing vs Purdue because he is "focused on his senior season" & "isn't risking anything". #LSUOdyssey
More than understandable. pic.twitter.com/8SFvSVD039— Lonn Phillips Sullivan (@LonnPhillips) December 28, 2022
But, that was not the real story. Instead, he’s going pro.
BREAKING: Kayshon Boutte declares for 2023 NFL Draft, he confirms in a Twitter DM to @On3sports.#LSU announced the star WR won't be available for the Citrus Bowl earlier today.https://t.co/a0wiH8u0R6 pic.twitter.com/jcu9g1XHC2
— Billy Embody (@BillyEmbody) December 29, 2022
After careful thoughts and consideration, I will be declaring for the 2023 NFL DRAFT.
— Kayshon Boutte (@KayshonBoutte1) December 29, 2022
After the announcement, Tiger head coach Brian Kelly released a statement.
Statement from Brian Kelly on Kayshon Boutte now leaving #LSU for the NFL:
“We support Kayshon and his decision. He went through a thoughtful process and ultimately decided this was in his best interest. We appreciate all he did during his time at LSU and wish him well.“
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) December 29, 2022
It’s a puzzling decision, as he had a lot to gain by coming back. But, some team will take a chance on a guy who can do things like this.
While #LSU WR Kayshon Boutte didn’t pop off in 2022 like many expected, he should still be a target for the #Bears in the 2023 #NFLDraft because of plays like this:
— Usayd Koshul (@usaydkoshul) December 29, 2022