Newman left tackle Brett Bordelon has bright future ahead

LSU’s Will Campbell surprised many by seizing the left tackle starting role as a true freshman during the spring of 2022. It led into a freshman All-American season. Campbell appears destined to continue his career in the NFL.

What will happen at LSU after when Campbell heads to the next level? In the topsy turvy world of college football, nothing is certain. The transfer portal increases the uncertainty from one year to the next.

However, a recruit lined up to arrive for the 2025 season could be Campbell’s heir apparent.

Brett Bordelon, the left tackle at Isidore Newman School, is a talent who cannot be counted out to follow the same path as Campbell once he gets to Baton Rouge.

Starting for the Tigers as true freshman would put Bordelon in exclusive company among offensive linemen. Lance “Big Daddy” Smith, Kevin Mawae and the aforementioned Campbell are LSU greats who pulled off the feat.

Although he is not playing currently at what is considered a big school by enrollment, no environment will be too big for Bordelon. The Newman Greenies have challenged themselves the past two years against highly talented foes.

“He can play as a freshman,” Newman head football coach Nelson Stewart stated plainly. “He’s not intimidated having played against top flight competition on national TV.”

Bordelon grew up as an LSU fan and a frequent visitor to Tiger Stadium. It makes sense because he father Ben Bordelon played at LSU from 1993-’96, earning All-SEC honors as a senior before playing for the San Diego Chargers. His brother Bo is currently the backup left tackle for the Tigers.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly is attempting to build a wall around the Pelican state, attempting to void other FBS powers from poaching the key prospects from the talent-rich state. Lineman like Bordelon are premium targets so it helps to have the built in family connection. Bordelon has considered offers from national powers including Alabama, Georgia and Texas, among others.

Playing as freshman at Newman, Brett was named All-State last season as a sophomore. The last Greenie to accomplish that feat was quarterback Jay Tyler in 2012. Tyler is the son of former LSU quarterback Herb Tyler.

The 6-foot-5 1/2, 290-pound Bordelon has similar skills to Campbell at the same stage of development.

“First off, he’s athletic,” Stewart stated. “He has great hands, great bend, and he’s flexible. He’s a natural pass protector. He can protect the edge.”

Bordelon will experience a learning curve when he lands in college, but he’s versatile enough to be considered anywhere along the offensive front if needed. He comes to play at all times,, brushing off the normal bumps and bruises that come with playing on the line.

“He’s a high football IQ,” Stewart said. “He enjoys using his technique. He’s a textbook left tackle, but can also play center or guard. He’s a rarity. He plays with violent hands, extremely tough. He’s a grinder.”

Having been an interior lineman during his playing days at Newman and Tulane, Stewart knows the intricacies of the position.

“He can play in an assortment of sets, zone scheme, gap scheme, he’s adaptable. He doesn’t lunge, has good body control. He’s good at pulling. He has mobility but he’s explosive.”

The Greenies are currently 7-0. One of the primary reasons for that success is the dynamic duo of quarterback Eli Friend and wide receiver Peter Loop. Bordelon has kept Friend’s jersey clean.

Bordelon may have just scratched the surface of his vast potential. As special as he has been, the best may be yet to come.

“His maturity stands out. I’ve never seen him nervous,” Stewart stated. “No stage is too high for him. He is never overwhelmed and he still has two years to grow.”