https://lsu.rivals.com/news/lsu-depth-developing-nicely-amid-camp-injuries
LSU coach Ed Orgeron admitted, in somewhat comical fashion, as post-practice press conference concluded that the lower numbers at some positions Tuesday could be a bit concerning.
But his relative ease seemed to support his stance that the slew of key players currently sidelined were only facing minor injuries and conditioning issues and should be available before LSU's opener Aug. 31 against Georgia Southern.
And, in their absence, younger Tigers across the field have given the coaching staff reason to be confident in the team's growing depth.
"Their attitude has been phenomenal," Orgeron said. "(Former USC head coach and LSU analyst) Johnny Robinson makes observations, and he says, 'Coach, they look you in the eye, they're observing things, they're early to meetings, there's enthusiasm. I've never seen a team practice so hard.'
"The guys have been having a phenomenal attitude. I'll say this to you: There's good leadership on this team, and we recruited some young men with some great character, so they've blended in nice."
Senior cornerback Kristian Fulton has been among the notable names missing from action the past three days.
But a quartet of freshman defensive backs, as well as the versatility of another veteran, appears to have Orgeron at ease with the options in the secondary.
"Derek Stingley (Jr.) continues to have one great camp," Orgeron said. "Cordale Flott, Jay Ward, Radarious (Jones), those guys are outstanding. (Maurice) 'Mo' Hampton showed today he can make some plays.
"At cornerback, I think we'll be fine. I think Kristian will be back soon. And I think that Jay Ward made some outstanding plays out there. So has Cordale Flott. And we always have (junior) Kary (Vincent Jr.) we can put there, and we have Mo Hampton. He made a bunch of plays today."
And even with stars such as junior linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson and senior defensive end Rashard Lawrence resting, LSU sees many players ready to step up in the front seven.
Juniors Ray Thornton, Andre Anthony and Travez Moore continue to battle for reps opposite and behind Chaisson, while senior Michael Divinity, juniors Jacob Phillips, Patrick Queen and sophomore Damone Clark are all making strong pushes for playing time in the middle of the defense.
"(Clark) is pushing," Orgeron said. "He's pushing. They're competing. So is Patrick. And I thought Jacob Phillips had his best day today. Those three guys are battling for that position.
"(Clark) is big, and he's strong. very good motor, skilled. You know, he had to learn to play linebacker with game diagnosis — he's worked very hard to do that. He's probably one of our best guys in the weight room. He's in the best condition. He's a rare athlete for his size."
Orgeron has referenced viewing Lawrence, junior Glen Logan and senior Breiden Fehoko as three starting defensive ends, while junior Neil Farrell also returns with extensive experience and impressive flashes.
And Tuesday, redshirt freshman Jarell Cherry drew praise at the position.
"On the defensive line, Jarell Cherry had an excellent day today," Orgeron said. "He's playing inside and outside. (Nose tackle) Tyler Shelvin has gone through every rep the last couple of days, very tough practices. He showed that he's in good condition — not great condition. So had (Siaki) 'Apu' Ika. Those guys are showing up."
Missed action by a pair of freshmen on the offensive line has helped returning players earn increased opportunities in practice — and seemingly a stronger probability of hanging onto those roles in the near future.
"I think at left guard, it's gonna be (senior) Adrian Magee or (sophomore) Chasen Hines," Orgeron said. "(Freshman) Kardell Thomas has had a shot. He's missing a couple of practices with just some minor injuries, so he hasn't had a chance to be able to compete for that position yet. But maybe he'll come along. Our young offensive linemen are really good."
Hines has also taken on second-string center duties, behind junior Lloyd Cushenberry, in the absence of freshman Charles Turner for the first week or so of camp.
But Orgeron called the group up front as the most improved he's seen thus far, including nods to junior Saahdiq Charles' technique in pass protection, junior Austin Deculus' shape and senior Badara Traore's progress.
Senior wide receiver Dee Anderson and tight end Jamal Pettigrew also continued to miss, without a definitive timeline on either's return.
But a wide range of pass-catchers has impressed Orgeron, as well.
The coach specifically mentioned Amite freshman Devonta Lee behind returning standouts Justin Jefferson, Racey McMath, Ja'Marr Chase, Terrace Marshall Jr. at receiver and rattled off senior Stephen Sullivan, junior Thaddeus Moss and Tory Carter at tight end.
Orgeron has also liked what he's seen from the trio of freshman running backs — John Emery and Tyrion Davis-Price and redshirt freshman Chris Curry — challenging junior Clyde Edwards-Helaire and senior Lanard Fournette for carries.
"I want those guys to climb the charts, just like we did with (quarterback) Joe (Burrow) — earn the respect of the football team," Orgeron said. "The (first) scrimmage (set for Saturday) is gonna be big. Lanard is doing some good things. Chris is doing some good things. We're just gonna let 'em compete, work 'em in on significant plays and give 'em a chance to scrimmage. But let me say this, they've been excellent so far. They haven't disappointed."
LSU coach Ed Orgeron admitted, in somewhat comical fashion, as post-practice press conference concluded that the lower numbers at some positions Tuesday could be a bit concerning.
But his relative ease seemed to support his stance that the slew of key players currently sidelined were only facing minor injuries and conditioning issues and should be available before LSU's opener Aug. 31 against Georgia Southern.
And, in their absence, younger Tigers across the field have given the coaching staff reason to be confident in the team's growing depth.
"Their attitude has been phenomenal," Orgeron said. "(Former USC head coach and LSU analyst) Johnny Robinson makes observations, and he says, 'Coach, they look you in the eye, they're observing things, they're early to meetings, there's enthusiasm. I've never seen a team practice so hard.'
"The guys have been having a phenomenal attitude. I'll say this to you: There's good leadership on this team, and we recruited some young men with some great character, so they've blended in nice."
Senior cornerback Kristian Fulton has been among the notable names missing from action the past three days.
But a quartet of freshman defensive backs, as well as the versatility of another veteran, appears to have Orgeron at ease with the options in the secondary.
"Derek Stingley (Jr.) continues to have one great camp," Orgeron said. "Cordale Flott, Jay Ward, Radarious (Jones), those guys are outstanding. (Maurice) 'Mo' Hampton showed today he can make some plays.
"At cornerback, I think we'll be fine. I think Kristian will be back soon. And I think that Jay Ward made some outstanding plays out there. So has Cordale Flott. And we always have (junior) Kary (Vincent Jr.) we can put there, and we have Mo Hampton. He made a bunch of plays today."
And even with stars such as junior linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson and senior defensive end Rashard Lawrence resting, LSU sees many players ready to step up in the front seven.
Juniors Ray Thornton, Andre Anthony and Travez Moore continue to battle for reps opposite and behind Chaisson, while senior Michael Divinity, juniors Jacob Phillips, Patrick Queen and sophomore Damone Clark are all making strong pushes for playing time in the middle of the defense.
"(Clark) is pushing," Orgeron said. "He's pushing. They're competing. So is Patrick. And I thought Jacob Phillips had his best day today. Those three guys are battling for that position.
"(Clark) is big, and he's strong. very good motor, skilled. You know, he had to learn to play linebacker with game diagnosis — he's worked very hard to do that. He's probably one of our best guys in the weight room. He's in the best condition. He's a rare athlete for his size."
Orgeron has referenced viewing Lawrence, junior Glen Logan and senior Breiden Fehoko as three starting defensive ends, while junior Neil Farrell also returns with extensive experience and impressive flashes.
And Tuesday, redshirt freshman Jarell Cherry drew praise at the position.
"On the defensive line, Jarell Cherry had an excellent day today," Orgeron said. "He's playing inside and outside. (Nose tackle) Tyler Shelvin has gone through every rep the last couple of days, very tough practices. He showed that he's in good condition — not great condition. So had (Siaki) 'Apu' Ika. Those guys are showing up."
Missed action by a pair of freshmen on the offensive line has helped returning players earn increased opportunities in practice — and seemingly a stronger probability of hanging onto those roles in the near future.
"I think at left guard, it's gonna be (senior) Adrian Magee or (sophomore) Chasen Hines," Orgeron said. "(Freshman) Kardell Thomas has had a shot. He's missing a couple of practices with just some minor injuries, so he hasn't had a chance to be able to compete for that position yet. But maybe he'll come along. Our young offensive linemen are really good."
Hines has also taken on second-string center duties, behind junior Lloyd Cushenberry, in the absence of freshman Charles Turner for the first week or so of camp.
But Orgeron called the group up front as the most improved he's seen thus far, including nods to junior Saahdiq Charles' technique in pass protection, junior Austin Deculus' shape and senior Badara Traore's progress.
Senior wide receiver Dee Anderson and tight end Jamal Pettigrew also continued to miss, without a definitive timeline on either's return.
But a wide range of pass-catchers has impressed Orgeron, as well.
The coach specifically mentioned Amite freshman Devonta Lee behind returning standouts Justin Jefferson, Racey McMath, Ja'Marr Chase, Terrace Marshall Jr. at receiver and rattled off senior Stephen Sullivan, junior Thaddeus Moss and Tory Carter at tight end.
Orgeron has also liked what he's seen from the trio of freshman running backs — John Emery and Tyrion Davis-Price and redshirt freshman Chris Curry — challenging junior Clyde Edwards-Helaire and senior Lanard Fournette for carries.
"I want those guys to climb the charts, just like we did with (quarterback) Joe (Burrow) — earn the respect of the football team," Orgeron said. "The (first) scrimmage (set for Saturday) is gonna be big. Lanard is doing some good things. Chris is doing some good things. We're just gonna let 'em compete, work 'em in on significant plays and give 'em a chance to scrimmage. But let me say this, they've been excellent so far. They haven't disappointed."
