LSU was back at spring practice after a 12-day break Tuesday afternoon. The Tigers worked outdoors in full equipment on a cool and windy day. Members of the media were able to watch about 20 minutes of practice.
LSU had a short scrimmage at the end of its last practice. So, it is always interesting to notice if there were any injuries or changes on the depth chart. The answer for both is no. The only people missing were those who were out prior to spring break. It also appears that the coaching staff is starting to settle on the personnel.
On offense, Malachi Dupre and D.J. Chark are the top two wide receivers.Chark is in the top two because of the absence of Travin Dural. Last season, Tyron Johnson saw far more action at wide receiver than Jazz Ferguson. It looks like those two players' spots on the depth chart have switched. With Dural out, Ferguson is the No. 3 wide receiver.
With DeSean Smith out with an injury and Dillon Gordon in limbo with his appeal for a fifth season, Colin Jeter and Foster Moreau are the top tight ends.
It is also becoming more apparent that coach Jeff Grimes is settling on an offensive line. Maea Teuhema will shift from left guard to left tackle. Will Clapp will move from right guard to left guard. When Ethan Pocic returns in August, he will be the starting center. Toby Weathersby will be the right tackle. Garrett Brumfield's ankle injury has opened the way for senior Josh Boutte to return to the lineup at right guard. Boutte will still have to hold off all comers during preseason practice in August.
Brandon Harris has established himself as the No. 1 quarterback. Danny Etling may be a stronger backup quarterback than Anthony Jennings was in 2015.
The most important fact of Tuesday's practice was Leonard Fournette is healthy and looking strong after six practices. Everyone can only hope that such will be the case after the next three weeks of spring drills. Bry'Kiethon Mouton has looked good as the No. 1 fullback during spring practice while John David Moore is recuperating.
Kendell Beckwith, who is apparently healthy after his minor injury a couple of weeks ago, was not at practice. There is no need for Beckwith to be at spring practice. With no Beckwith, there are more available snaps for Donnie Alexander, Devin Voorhies and Devin White. Two of those three players need to be ready to contribute in the fall.
Nothing can be known about the outside linebacker situation until members of the media get to see some scrimmaging. However, even in the spring game, there may be little of coach Dave Aranda's new defense on view. One can assume that the top three pure outside linebackers are Arden Key, Duke Riley and Michael Divinity.
Coach Ed Orgeron's line appears to be a quite confident group. It will be interesting to see where Lewis Neal lines up. It is known that Davon Godchaux and Christian LaCouture will be in the middle of the defensive line. Frank Herron and Greg Gilmore are continuing to make progress under Orgeron's teaching.
The LSU secondary is definitely missing two key members -- Kevin Toliver, who is projected to be a starting cornerback, and John Battle, who will compete with Rickey Jefferson for a starting safety job. Cornerback Tre'Davious White and safety Jamal Adams are sure starters. Donte Jackson is one of the most improved players on defense. It may not be so easy for Toliver to be the starter ahead of Jackson. LSU could be heading for a platoon situation at the cornerback spot opposite White.
The kickers did not work outdoors while members of the media were present Tuesday.
The Tigers will resume spring practice Thursday.
LSU had a short scrimmage at the end of its last practice. So, it is always interesting to notice if there were any injuries or changes on the depth chart. The answer for both is no. The only people missing were those who were out prior to spring break. It also appears that the coaching staff is starting to settle on the personnel.
On offense, Malachi Dupre and D.J. Chark are the top two wide receivers.Chark is in the top two because of the absence of Travin Dural. Last season, Tyron Johnson saw far more action at wide receiver than Jazz Ferguson. It looks like those two players' spots on the depth chart have switched. With Dural out, Ferguson is the No. 3 wide receiver.
With DeSean Smith out with an injury and Dillon Gordon in limbo with his appeal for a fifth season, Colin Jeter and Foster Moreau are the top tight ends.
It is also becoming more apparent that coach Jeff Grimes is settling on an offensive line. Maea Teuhema will shift from left guard to left tackle. Will Clapp will move from right guard to left guard. When Ethan Pocic returns in August, he will be the starting center. Toby Weathersby will be the right tackle. Garrett Brumfield's ankle injury has opened the way for senior Josh Boutte to return to the lineup at right guard. Boutte will still have to hold off all comers during preseason practice in August.
Brandon Harris has established himself as the No. 1 quarterback. Danny Etling may be a stronger backup quarterback than Anthony Jennings was in 2015.
The most important fact of Tuesday's practice was Leonard Fournette is healthy and looking strong after six practices. Everyone can only hope that such will be the case after the next three weeks of spring drills. Bry'Kiethon Mouton has looked good as the No. 1 fullback during spring practice while John David Moore is recuperating.
Kendell Beckwith, who is apparently healthy after his minor injury a couple of weeks ago, was not at practice. There is no need for Beckwith to be at spring practice. With no Beckwith, there are more available snaps for Donnie Alexander, Devin Voorhies and Devin White. Two of those three players need to be ready to contribute in the fall.
Nothing can be known about the outside linebacker situation until members of the media get to see some scrimmaging. However, even in the spring game, there may be little of coach Dave Aranda's new defense on view. One can assume that the top three pure outside linebackers are Arden Key, Duke Riley and Michael Divinity.
Coach Ed Orgeron's line appears to be a quite confident group. It will be interesting to see where Lewis Neal lines up. It is known that Davon Godchaux and Christian LaCouture will be in the middle of the defensive line. Frank Herron and Greg Gilmore are continuing to make progress under Orgeron's teaching.
The LSU secondary is definitely missing two key members -- Kevin Toliver, who is projected to be a starting cornerback, and John Battle, who will compete with Rickey Jefferson for a starting safety job. Cornerback Tre'Davious White and safety Jamal Adams are sure starters. Donte Jackson is one of the most improved players on defense. It may not be so easy for Toliver to be the starter ahead of Jackson. LSU could be heading for a platoon situation at the cornerback spot opposite White.
The kickers did not work outdoors while members of the media were present Tuesday.
The Tigers will resume spring practice Thursday.
