Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers returned to the practice field Tuesday morning, and the rotation has emerged as spring ball ramps up.
Here we take a look at each position group with some observations.
quarterbacks
– Garrett Nussmeier looks calm and collected in his up-tempo productions. He's working on a new offense but still feels comfortable under Joe Sloan's plan. He regularly speaks up and converses with his early enrollee Colin Hurley.
– The backup quarterback battle will be a hot topic. The media went through four practices with AJ Swann and Ricky Collins swapping the QB2 role each day. On Tuesday, Swann was the first to take charge as the second signal-caller.
– Harley's trip through Baton Rouge will be fun to watch. On Tuesday, the media was given a chance to show off his quick release, and the youngster will no doubt benefit from extra time alongside Nussmeier and others.
running backs
– Veteran back Josh Williams will run as a first-team running back during spring ball, with Caleb Jackson also splitting reps. Those two are the only scholarship players on the spring roster, with Malachi Lane earning third-team snaps.
– Lane may be a walk-on, but he looked impressive while in a small sample size.
– There's not much to be gained from this position group. With only two scholarship players, Frank Wilson will have limited work to do during his spring transfer portal period and will need to add one more player to add depth to his roster.
wide receiver
– Kylen Lacy, Chris Hilton and Aaron Anderson were first-team wide receivers on Tuesday. It's clear that Lacy and Hilton are separating themselves from the pack, but the search for a third starting receiver will be fun to watch.
– Anderson has been the third starting receiver over the past two practices, but Kyle Parker is still in contention for the starting spot alongside CJ Daniels and Zavion Thomas.
– Parker, Daniels and Thomas took the majority of second-team snaps, with Shelton Sampson and Kai Prine also in the mix.
– LSU has an embarrassing amount of wealth at the wideout position, and there will be no shortage of players in Cortez Hankton's arsenal.
October 21, 2023. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. LSU Tigers wide receiver Kylen Lacy (2) celebrates victory.
Danny Wilde-USA TODAY Sports
offensive line
– From left to right: Will Campbell, Garrett Dillinger, DJ Chester, Myles Frazier and Emery Jones took first-team reps on Tuesday. It was the same lineup throughout camp, and continuity shined through.
– Tyree Adams has broken away from the pack as a backup tackle. While Jones returned to full fitness, Adams stepped in and did his part. LSU has its eye on Adams, and it's clear he'll get snaps this year.
defense line
– The first-team defensive line was Bradyn Swinson, Jacobean Guillory, Jalen Lee and Saivion Jones.
– Bo Davis, like Frank Wilson, lacks depth in his work this spring. The spring portal window will be key for Davis to add two or three players.
linebackers
– Harold Perkins and Greg Penn III continue to maintain this position group with Blake Baker taking a hands-on approach to this unit.
– We saw Coach Baker develop former Tiger Damone Clark into a Butkus Award finalist, and it's clear he's looking to bring Perkins under his wing this offseason.
– The Weeks Brothers (Hoyt and West) also continue to take important snaps, with Hoyt's speed flashing from time to time. He's still a top-rated player for the Tigers, and it will be essential for him to get significant reps during spring ball.
cornerbacks
– Ashton Stamps and Javien Tobiano continue to be first-team cornerbacks and have been paired together throughout practice for all positions. Corey Raymond pairs corners so the two work side by side each day.
– Jaire Brown continues to work with the second team through position drills, with PJ Woodland and Jeremiah Hughes also targeting second team spots.
– JK Johnson, who missed the 2023 season with a lower-body injury, is a player to watch within the program. He's working to get back to 100% and will likely work in the spring to get things back on track.
safety
– Jardine Gilbert and Major Burns work as safeties on the first team. Barnes has been a star under Blake Baker's new defense.
– Sage Ryan was the Tigers' starting nickel player during spring ball.
– Early enrollee Dashawn McBride will be a player to watch. He is highly regarded for what he can do in his first year at LSU with his length and his instincts. He will be an immediate asset when he takes the baton this fall at Rouge.
