LSU football returned to the practice field this week after spring break, and Brian Kelly's program got into full swing Wednesday morning.
The press was given 20 minutes of viewing at the start of practice.
Here are some takeaways from Wednesday morning.
quarterbacks
– Garrett Nussmeier continues to look sharp in up-tempo practices with AJ Swann working with the second team throughout the media.
– For the first week of spring ball, Ricky Collins handled second-team reps and Swann worked with the third team, but it is clear that Joe Sloan will serve as Swann's backup.
– Nussmeier, Swann, Collins and early enrollee Colin Hurley took turns for position work and up-tempo drills.
running backs
– The running back room is still a work in progress, with only two scholarship players on the roster. Caleb Jackson and Josh Williams were seen working alongside Frank Wilson during brief viewings, but there wasn't much to be gained from this position group, which also lacked depth. Wilson & Co. plans to add more players during the spring transfer portal period.
wide receiver
– Kylen Lacy and Chris Hilton will remain the first two wide receivers to take significant snaps, with Aaron Anderson and Kyle Parker also taking turns.
– Kyle Parker continues to impress during spring ball and continues to get more and more minutes alongside the No. 1 player. He worked with Lacy and Hilton as a first-team receiver Wednesday.
offensive line
– Junior offensive tackle Emery Jones sat out Wednesday, with redshirt freshman Tyree Adams serving as the starting right tackle.
– Adams is a top option as a backup tackle, and it's clear O-line coach Brad Davis has faith in his youngster after an impressive offseason.
– Wednesday's starters from left to right: Will Campbell, Garrett Dellinger, DJ Chester, Myles Frazier, Tyree Adams.
defense line
– There's not much to gain from this position group again. The Tigers are working with limited bodies, but early enrollee Gabriel Reliford remains the top player in the program. The youngster is playing his part and has been seen receiving significant coaching from Bo Davis.
– LSU will work to add two or three defensive linemen in the spring portal window while navigating scholarship numbers (85).
linebackers
– Harold Perkins and Greg Penn continue to defend their first-team spots. It's clear that Blake Baker has Perkins on his side from the beginning. Although the sample size was small, Mr. Baker and Mr. Perkins were once again side by side throughout the viewing. Coach Baker turned Damone Clark into a Butkus Award finalist linebacker and had high expectations for Perkins heading into the season.
– Witweek and Westweek represent the second team.
cornerbacks
– Ashton Stamps and Javien Tobiano are the first-team cornerbacks, with Jeremiah Hughes also getting significant snaps.
– Stamps and Tobiano have been paired throughout both media viewings.
– Jaire Brown, a transfer from Ohio State, also practiced Wednesday. The Louisiana native returned to The Boot this offseason and was seen getting significant reps.
– One name to keep an eye on would be JK Johnson. Johnson missed all of last season with a lower-body injury, but is now back with the team after transferring from Ohio State. Speaking to people involved with the show, there was a level of hype surrounding Johnson. He assumed the role Thursday, so he will be subject to monitoring.
– Zai Alexander continues to rehabilitate a torn ACL suffered last season. He is on the field with the team, but not in the game.
safety
– Jardin Gilbert will be a player to watch as a potential starter for the 2024 season. The Texas A&M transfer continues to receive first-team reps and is a player we continue to keep an eye on. His physical attributes are there and Blake Baker's defense has a chance to piece everything together with him.
– Sage Ryan works as a first-team nickel for the Tigers.
– Kylin Jackson is back and healthy again after redshirting as a true freshman in 2024.
– Small sample size from Wednesday's safe.
