Freshman Phenom 7.0: LSU OL Zalance Heard Up Next For The Tigers

Heard has worked his way into first-team reps, looking to continue positive trajectory.

LSU offensive lineman Zalance Heard has the chance to make an immediate impact in his first season with the Tigers.

The five-star prospect out of Monroe (La.) gave this program a boost when he revealed his pledge to Brian Kelly’s program last year, and after making his way to campus over the summer, he turned heads instantly.

The 6-foot-6, 340-pounder is a menace up front and has already seen first-team reps at right tackle during preseason practice.

What’s in store for Heard during his first season in Baton Rouge? What makes him so special?

A dive into Heard’s game:

Physical Tools

The true freshman’s size and strength jumps off of the screen when watching film. Already at 6-foot-6, 340 pounds, Heard looks the part of an SEC offensive lineman and has only been in Baton Rouge for a few months.

A player that could have enrolled early in January, Heard arrived on campus over the summer physically impressive and has only utilized the strength and conditioning program to his advantage. 

The air is different in northern Louisiana and it shows in both Heard and LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell.

Both teammates at Neville High School, they took their talents to LSU with impressive tools to work with. Campbell took the country by storm as a true freshman and Heard has the chance to do the same.

Immediate Impact Talent, Polished Game

Brian Kelly started two true freshman a season ago when he gave Campbell and Emery Jones the nod with the offensive line unit. It was an uncharacteristic move for Kelly who traditionally doesn’t give his youngsters such large roles in year one, but the “gamble” paid off for the Tigers.

Fast forward to Kelly’s second season in Death Valley and we could see him start a freshman once again.

As it stands the first-team offensive line in camp has been: Will Campbell (LT), Garrett Dellinger (LG), Charles Turner (C), Miles Frazier (RG), Emery Jones (RT), but the rotations could change sooner rather than later.

Heard worked in with the first-team on Saturday during the Fall Camp scrimmage. When inserted into a starting role, Miles Frazier was bumped out of the group and Emery Jones slid to right guard. Heard worked at right tackle.

Kelly has praised his youngster and the strides he’s taken over the last few weeks.

Brian Kelly’s Praise

When a five-star prospect of Heard’s caliber arrives on campus, it’s interesting to monitor their progression and Kelly has been pleased with where the Louisiana native stands.

The God-given talent he has is clear with the sheer size and strength he attains, but from a technique perspective, Heard is polishing his game.

“He certainly has developed an understanding of the offense and technique. It’s college football, there were guys last year where it was a mismatch most of the time. Now, he’s going against Sai'vion Jones and college football players and that’s a whole different thing for him to deal with and the rigors of that,” Kelly said on Tuesday. “Is he pushing for a starting position? He’s a guy that we’re giving reps to. We have to find the best five guys, then the next is the sixth and seventh and he’s in the mix. He’s out there competing hard.”

Now, the true freshman has the chance to step in and take significant snaps in his first season with the Tigers. 

A player who arrived in Baton Rouge with high expectations, Heard is living up to the hype through his first offseason.

Other Freshman Phenom Stories:

Freshman Phenom 1.0: LSU TE Ka'Morreun Pimpton Turning Heads

Freshman Phenom 2.0: LSU DB Javien Toviano Impressing Early

Freshman Phenom 3.0: The Rise of LSU CB Ashton Stamps

Freshman Phenom 4.0: LSU DE Dashawn Womack Playing Above His Age

Freshman Phenom 5.0: Hometown Hero Shelton Sampson Jr, Shining

Freshman Phenom 6.0: LSU RB Kaleb Jackson Dazzling For The Tigers