LSU football returns from spring break and will return to the practice field this week to continue spring practice with some storylines to watch.
From the lack of depth on the defensive line to the rookies poised to make an impact on defense, there is significant intrigue within the program.
Here's a closer look at what LSU fans should monitor in the coming weeks as the Bayou Bengals ramp up spring ball.
QUARTERBACK ROOM: Torch passed to Nussmeier.
LSU signal caller Garrett Nussmeyer has been patiently waiting for his time to be the Bayou Bengals' starter. Now it's his time to shine as his QB1.
Nussmeier seemed calm, cool and collected during the first week of spring practice, but it will be interesting to take a closer look in the coming weeks now that the Tigers are back after spring break.
“Every year, it’s always going to be building around the players and not the plays,” Kelly said. “Every year there's a little bit of change. Just like last year, it's going to be important going forward to find the best playmakers and get them the ball. Garrett is a different quarterback than Jaden, so we is going to emphasize him.
“The nuances within the offense, attacking, pushing the ball down the field, balancing the run and pass will remain the same. But the players involved, we have to emphasize what's good about them. “What are their strengths? You'll see some changes there.”
Nussmeier will lead the way as the Tigers' starter, with redshirt freshman Ricky Collins currently handling QB2 duties.
Collins and AJ Swann, a transfer from Vanderbilt, will compete for the backup role this offseason, with Swann assuming the role in the first week.
The fourth scholarship signal caller on the roster is early enrollee Colin Hurley. Even though he arrived in Baton Rouge at age 16 after a one-year change in weight class, Hurley looks ahead of his age. LSU's quarterback room is in good shape this season.
Rushing Attack: 2 scholarships available
LSU's running back room is currently thin. Veteran Josh Williams and sophomore Caleb Jackson are the only two scholarship running backs on the roster, making it a vulnerable group at the position.
Redshirt freshman Trey Holley has been suspended indefinitely by the program to address off-field issues.
The Tigers will no doubt look to acquire another player during the spring transfer portal window. This was a major topic of discussion during spring ball and will continue to be a topic of conversation throughout the offseason.
“Certainly you want to make up for the yards you lost with Jaden Daniels, and there are different ways to do that,” Kelly said. “Where Jaden gave us perimeter runs, we can do that with perimeter throws. How do we use the offensive line, not just the running backs? We have the best offensive line in the country. We think our tackles are going to be able to move and pull. We're going to have an offensive running game that starts moving our offensive linemen and attacking a wider front. I think the run game is becoming more diverse in the sense that we're able to create runs. Running backs are going to play a role in this as well, but how does the offensive line play a bigger role in strengthening our running game? I think we need to focus more on that.”
New coordinator, no problem: It's Joe Sloan time.
LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan is entering his first year as the Tigers' play-caller, and Brian Kelly couldn't be more excited about what's ahead.
Sloan and assistant offensive coordinator Cortez Hankton will work together to keep the Tigers' offense on track this season.
It will be interesting to see the offense develop with different weapons, different play callers, etc. as spring ball continues.
“[Sloan has] I've been interviewing for a few years and had the opportunity to work with him and have been in quarterback conference rooms. When she gets an opportunity to be involved, I sit there,” Kelly said. “So I was around him. I know what that position requires in an offensive coordinator, and he has the leadership ability, the intelligence, the understanding of what I'm looking for in terms of the identity and philosophy of the offense. And I felt like his time had come. I felt that I had made the right choice at the right time for a piece that brought all of these together. ”
Defensive Line: What's Happening Now?
LSU will address several depth issues during spring practice in the coming weeks, as they lost Mekhi Wingo and Marson Smith to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Despite operating with limited physical capacity, defensive line coaches Bo Davis and Kevin Peoples are sure to make the most of what they have.
The Tigers will likely add two or three defensive linemen in the spring portal window.
Secondary: Lots of young people and newcomers
LSU used sophomores Ashton Stamps and Javien Tobiano as boundary corners during the first week of spring ball. Both young men have achieved outstanding results in their first year with the program and are now representing the first team in the spring.
In addition to the two young players, LSU added Jardine Gilbert, a transfer from Texas A&M, to the first team as a safety and Sage Ryan as a nickel.
The secondary will be a hot spot as spring ball continues, with Corey Raymond working with the cornerbacks and defensive coordinator Blake Baker taking a hands-on approach with the safeties.
