LSU receiver Kayshon Boutte on fast track to success

LSU sophomore Kayshon Boutte hails from New Iberia, an area renown for producing superior football talent.

Former New Iberia stars Mark Roman, Kerry Joseph, Corey Raymond and Johnny Hector, along with Alley Broussard (Acadiana), Domanick Davis (Breaux Bridge)and Travin Dural (Breaux Bridge) have all come from southwest Louisiana to Baton Rouge and starred for the Tigers.

As a senior at Westgate, Boutte demonstrated just how dominant he can be. He had a five-touchdown performance with over 300 all-purpose yards against Teurlings Catholic.

Despite growing up dreaming of playing in Tiger Stadium, he briefly considered signing with Alabama during the 2020 recruiting process. Fortunately for LSU, he stayed home.

And it didn’t take long for Boutte to show his star power at wide receiver as a true freshman.

Against Ole Miss in the 2020 season finale, Boutte smashed Josh Reed’s 19 year single game record by racking up 308 yards on 14-catches with three touchdowns, sending out a clear message as to what’s to come.

The 6-foot, 185 pounder tallied 45 grabs for 735 yards and five scores last season but the final three contests allowed him to emerge as a true rising star. He accounted for 27 catches for 527 yards and 4 scores.

Boutte feels that he can be even better in ’21 after a productive spring.

“We showed a little, but not too much. We practiced hard. We can improve in some areas, but together as an offense. (There’s) always room for improvement,” Boutte explained.

Last season was disjointed due to limited interaction as a team during the pandemic. Spring practice and summer workouts will make for an easier transition going into fall.

“It’s easier this year,” Boutte said. “Last year we didn’t have an offseason. This offseason we can work on getting better, and focus on that.”

Two new coaching staff additions, offensive coordinator Jake Peetz and passing game coordinator D.J. Mangas arrived with specific goals in mind. Boutte recognizes some differences that will shape his development moving forward, helping him become more versatile.

“The offense is kind of similar to last year,” Boutte said. “They added a lot of stuff when Coach Peetz and D.J. came in. I played mostly X (position). (Now) I can play X, Z and in the backfield. I like that (Peetz) came in and changed the style.”

Boutte is a big play threat. In high school, he turned in a 21.29 time in the 200 meters, recognized as one of the best in that event in the nation during the spring of ’20. With his reported 4.37 time in the 40-yard dash, Kayshon’s blazing speed gets the attention of the opponents.

It’s no secret The Tigers have tremendous history producing NFL wide receivers. Right now, Odell Beckham, Jr., Jarvis Landry, D.J. Chark, Russell Gage are veterans win the league, Justin Jefferson made a huge impact as a rookie last season while Ja’Marr Chase, Terrace Marshall and Racey McMath join the ranks as rookies in 2021.

There are high expectations when you play that position at LSU.

“In the receiver room, we hold each other to a standard,” Boutte explained. “We make each other better. You have to be accountable. You have to focus on the task at hand.”

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron recognizes the special talent in his sophomore star. The expectations are high.

“(Kayshon) made a bunch of improvement, still has a ways to go,” the head coach said following the Ole Miss performance.” But he’s going to be one of the great players we have here at LSU.”

Boutte feels like both he and the Tiger offense just scratched the surface last fall.

“I feel like I can set up big numbers in this offense. Last year, things I did best was (use) speed, get in and out of breaks. This offseason I’m focusing on being more physical, better route running and work on my blocking, to be the best I can.”

Boutte wants you to know he’s just getting started.

“There is more to show in 2021,” he said with a sly grin. “Just look forward to it. That’s all I’m going to say.”