2019 Spring Football Game

[LSUDad]

LSU sets dates for spring football

 

By TigerBait Staff

January 22, 2019

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BATON ROUGE – The dates for LSU spring football practice have been set as the Tigers are set to open offseason drills on Thursday, March 7 as they prepare for their third full season under head coach Ed Orgeron.

Spring practice culminates on Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m. when the Tigers host the National L Club Spring Game in Tiger Stadium.

Other dates of interest for LSU football during the spring include Pro Day on Friday, March 22 and the annual LSU Coaches Clinic on March 28-29.

LSU returns 16 starters (8 offense, 8 defense) from the 2018 squad that posted a 10-3 overall mark and finished the year ranked as high as No. 6 in the nation. LSU opens the 2019 slate on August 31 when they host Georgia Southern in Tiger Stadium.

 

The following is a complete list of LSU’s spring practice dates:

Week 1: March 7, 9

Week 2: March 12, 14, 16

Week 3: March 19, 21, 23

Week 4: March 26, 28, 30

Week 5: April 2, 4, 5, 6

[LSUDad]

http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=211787345

[LSUDad]

10 Things to Watch: LSU Spring Ball

• by Shea Dixon
• 9 hours ago

The LSU football team kicks off spring practices this week, with the first practice coming on Thursday before the Tigers return to the field again on Saturday.

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron will meet with the media following Thursday's practice, and he will certainly shed some light on position battles and the makeup of the team moving into spring ball. 

But with 24 hours to go until things begin, what are the things that LSU fans should be watching over the next month during the lead up to April's annual L-Club Spring Game?

 

From the arrival of the new freshmen to some big-time position battles set to be decided, we run down 10 things we are keeping an eye on over the course of the 15 practices in March and April.

Here's a glance at LSU's Spring Practice dates:

Week 1: March 7, 9
Week 2: March 12, 14, 16
Week 3: March 19, 21, 23
Week 4: March 26, 28, 30
Week 5: April 2, 4, 5, 6 (Spring Game, 1 p.m. CT)

 

DEREK STINGLEY'S DEBUT

 

Technically, freshman cornerback and former five-star Derek Stingley already has three practices under his belt after taking part in the team's bowl prep in late-December ahead of the 2019 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and head coach Ed Orgeron said Stingley was lights out in those practices, looking nothing like a player who had just left a high school classroom earlier that month. Even quarterback Joe Burrow admitted that Stingley intercepted him multiple times when he tested him during December's practices. But now Stingley will get 15 spring practices under his belt, which will include a handful of scrimmages. If he wants to play early and often, this will be Stingley's chance to settle into what the Tigers want him to do. 

 

INTRODUCING THE EARLY ENROLLEES

 

Spring practice always gives LSU fans their first glimpse of the early-enrollees who were part of the most recent signing class. The headliner is Derek Stingley, who left high school as the nation's No. 1 cornerback prospect. But there are three others to keep an eye on.

JUCO tight end TK McClendon, defensive tackle Siaki Ika and tight end/offensive lineman Charles Turner all enrolled early in Baton Rouge and will be full participants in spring practices. How quickly can they make their mark given the head start they will get on the rest of the 2019 class?

At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Turner will likely need some time to get adjusted to the college game. The staff will start him out as a blocking tight end before a potential move to the offensive line in the future. He left the IMG Academy as one of the nation's top-ranked center prospects, but he saw action at multiple positions along the line as a senior last fall.

A more immediate impact is expected out of McClendon and Ika. For McClendon, his age and body maturation should bode well given he's two years removed from high school, and the tight end spot is seemingly open for reps with the departure of Foster Moreau. For Ika, it will about making his mark at nose tackle. With Edwin Alexander gone from the roster, can he step into the spotlight and give the team reps as a true freshman next fall?

 

 

 

WHO STEPS IN FOR BROSSETTE?

(Photo: Stephen Lew, USA TODAY Sports)  

Nick Brossette is off to the NFL Draft, meaning the Tigers will need to replace the team's leading rusher and more than 1,000 yards of production on the ground.

The good news: help is on the way thanks to some solid recruiting in the 2019 class. LSU inked the No. 1 running back in the country in John Emery and the No. 6 running back in the country in Tyrion Davis. But neither of them will show up until the summer. Translation: the next 15 practices will give the rest of the running back room their chance to win over the staff.

It's safe to assume Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be heavily involved, again. He rushed it 146 times for 658 yards and seven touchdowns in 2018 and will have a shot to take over the starting spot when the Tigers kick off the 2019 campaign. The other top returning back would be Lanard Fournette, who added over 100 yards on the season. But will he be able to push that number higher?

All eyes will be on two returning freshmen (now redshirt freshmen) in Chris Curry and Tae Provens, who combined for 15 yards last fall. If they want to jump into the rotation before Emery and Davis arrive, this spring will give them that chance. 

 

NEXT MAN UP AT THE TE SPOT

 

Foster Moreau tore apart the Senior Bowl practice week and then the NFL Combine, further proof of how talented LSU's starting tight end was coming out of Baton Rouge. He was also a veteran leader who wore the No. 18, and his blocking skills helped bail out an offensive line that struggled at times protecting the edges. We've seen the staff use Tory Carter as an H-Back type and Racey McMath as a slot tight end. But who is the every down option? That race will likely be between Thaddeus Moss and Jamal Pettigrew, who are both coming off injuries that sidelined them the entire 2018 season. Now healthy again, they are the expected frontrunners to grab the job. It's also worth keeping an eye on JUCO tight end signee TK McClendon, who will kick off his first practice at LSU on Thursday.

 

WHAT BATTLES WILL PLAY OUT ON THE OL?

 

We will see offensive line coach James Cregg try a number of offensive line combinations this spring, but where will the biggest battles play out?

Lloyd Cushenberry returns as the team's starting center, and it's unlikely anyone bumps him from that role. Damien Lewisis also back at the right guard spot, and fans will be monitoring whether or not a one-time starter at right guard will return to the lineup in Ed Ingram, who has been away from the program since last August for a violation of university policy.

The Tigers also get Saahdiq Charlesback at left tackle, though names like Cameron Wire and Dare Rosenthal will also push for reps at the offensive tackle spot. And with Garrett Brumfield gone from the left guard spot, the next option up appears to be Chasen Hines, who switched from defensive tackle to offensive guard last season and shined when Brumfield was sidelined with an injury. Hines had offseason surgery, so it's unclear what his role will be this spring. 

Perhaps the biggest debate will come at the right tackle spot. Do the Tigers roll with Austin Deculus, or will names like Wire or Rosenthal, or Adrian Magee and Badara Traore, show enough strides to leap him into the rotation?

This spring will give the veterans a chance to all battle for playing time, and decisions likely won't be made until fall camp. But it's worth monitoring who comes into spring ball looking the part after a February filled with strength and conditioning work with the staff.

 

 

 

HOW DO YOU REPLACE COLE TRACY?

 

 

It's not often that LSU fans enter spring practice with a curiosity on the kicking situation, but that's where things stand this spring. The reason being: Cole Tracy.

With 97 made field goals and 502 total points, Tracy his college career as the most prolific kicker in NCAA history. Whether it was his debut against Miami, his game-winner against Auburn, his non-stop field goals to down Georgia or his final act of four field goals in the Fiesta Bowl, Tracy did a bit of it all en route to LSU's double-digit win season and Top 10 finish. But who's up next?

One-time starting kicker Connor Culpwill make his bid for the starting job this spring, and Tracy had put his vote of confidence behind Culp - who he worked closely with over the past year. Avery Atkins is back handling kickoff duties, but we have not see him test out his talent as a place kicker. The Tigers signed one of the nation's best kickers in Cade York, but he doesn't arrive until the summer. That means the next 15 practices will be Culp's chance to make a big impression on special teams coordinator Greg McMahon.

 

NEW NAMES AT NOSE TACKLE

 

LSU's 3-4 defense is helped out plenty by a dominant nose tackle, and there were times that Ed Alexander showed flashes of that a year ago. But then he left school early and entered the NFL Draft, which means it's next man up on the interior for the Tigers.

We saw defensive end Breiden Fehokoslide inside with Glen Logan and Rashard Lawrence at defensive end last spring and then into the season, but it became evident the Tigers were hoping to see more from one of their pure nose tackles. And with Dominic Livingstondeciding to transfer out of the program, the top candidates appear to be Tyler Shelvin and Siaki Ika.

For Shelvin, it will be about continuing to shed weight and up his conditioning work load. He has flashed signs of being a dominant lineman, but it's consistency that Ed Orgeron is searching for with the Louisiana native. Ika is also in the process of trimming down coming out of high school, but he showed as a senior and again at the All-American Bowl in January that he can move along the line for a big man.

 

 

AND THE DEVIN WHITE TORCH GOES TO...

 

 

Devin White was Mr. Everything for LSU's defense over the past two seasons, leaving college with the program's lone Butkus Award (given annually to the nation's top linebacker). He then tore apart the NFL Combine, which could send him up even further in the first round of this year's NFL Draft.

Who is waiting in the wings to take over?

The go-to answer to start spring ball is Patrick Queen. Jacob Phillips is already back at his starting middle linebacker spot, and Queen filled in for White when he was suspended for a targeting violation. And while it's tough to match White's impact, Queen still delivered some solid plays during the time he got on the field. He was a high school two-sport star who has great athleticism, and his impact next fall could certainly surprise some people.

The staff could also test out Micah Baskerville or Damone Clark at a starting spot, a pair of former four-stars who saw action as true freshman last season. It will also be worth monitoring whether or not Tyler Taylor (violation of team rules) will ever return to the roster.

 

THE NEW-LOOK OF DBU

 

LSU lost cornerback Greedy Williams to the NFL Draft, so there is certainly a void to fill with one of the top cornerbacks in America leaving school. Senior Terrence Alexander also heads out after his one season in Baton Rouge as a graduate transfer from Stanford.

The bowl game against UCF showed that between injuries, suspensions and early departures, even a talented defensive backs room can get shallow in a hurry. The biggest name returning to the outside cornerback spot is Kristian Fulton, who is back for his senior season after playing a key role last fall. The Tigers also get Kary Vincent back into the lineup, and he has excelled in the nickel spot. Could freshman Derek Stingley slide in from there opposite Fulton? That might be the answer in the fall, but Fulton is still recovering from an offseason surgery that could keep him sidelined through spring ball. 

Mannie Netherly is also back at the cornerback spot, as is one-time receiver Jontre Kirklin. Will Kelvin Joseph remain at cornerback or move back to safety? With Raydarious Jones, Cordale Flott and Jay Ward all arriving this summer, more cornerback help is on the way. But this spring will give us a chance to see what the group looks like ahead of their arrival. 

 

HOW DO THE NUMBERS SHAKE OUT?

 

LSU is still well above the NCAA's 85-man scholarship limit after the Tigers inked a full class of 25 signees in February. That means that between now and fall camp, more than five current players will need to come off the roster for the program to meet scholarship requirements.

It's tough to speculate on who those players might be, but expect to see the NCAA Transfer Portal busy with LSU entrants. Davin Cotton and Dominic Livingston both already entered their names into the portal, and Livingston confirmed that he's returning home to Texas for college. More names will follow as guys get a feel for where they land on the depth chart, and spring practices should bring some clarity on that front. 

[LSUDad]

Don’t forget the Spring Game. Also that night, the Baseball team will be playing aTm. I’m gonna try and make both. 

[houtiger]

This morning from Dandy Don, this sounds encouraging to me.  If Ingram thought there was no chance of him rejoining the team, I don't think he would be hanging out in BR.

– Orgeron is taking a “wait and see” attitude on suspended OL Ed Ingram, who has been around and looks in good shape.

[LSUDad]

A little more on the Spring...

Notebook: Changes at linebacker, new addition to defensive line

ByBILLY EMBODY 15 hours ago 

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BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU football was back on the field on Tuesday for spring practice ahead of a press conference with head coach Ed Orgeron with reporters. There were several players back with their fellow Tigers on the field while a couple players were missing. Along with a position change for one player, Geaux247 takes a look at some of the key takeaways from practice.

Orgeron said that Saturday's scrimmage inside Tiger Stadium was impressive, especially from the offensive standpoint after the early going in the scrimmage. With Joe Burrow and Myles Brennan at the helm, the offense was able to complete passes.

"We had a very good scrimmage on Saturday. We started off with a short yardage period. The defense did very well. 3rd down and 2, 3rd down and 1. We had a 3rd down period," Orgeron told reporters. "First down period, the offense completed some balls. I thought the passing game was excellent on Saturday. The offense really really threw a deep ball well. We moved the ball."

The Tigers will have an open practice to media on Thursday along with player interviews. The LSU Coaches Clinic begins on Thursday evening as well ahead of a scrimmage on Saturday. With that, here are some of the key notes from LSU's practice on Tuesday.

MISSING FROM THE LINEBACKER GROUP...

Junior linebacker Ray Thornton was missing from practice on Tuesday. The Kileen, Texas native started two games last year for the Tigers. It wasn't immediately clear why Thornton wasn't at practice. The 6-4, 226-pound linebacker made 21 tackles and had a sack in 2018 for the Tigers.

"Got an ankle. Sprained his ankle. Day-by-day. Non-contact injury," Orgeron reported on the injury after practice.

A LOOK AT THE FREE SAFETY POSITION...

While LSU is solid with the new No. 7 and All-American safety Grant Delpit back at safety, the free safety spot is up for grabs. The two that have been competing the most at the position have been junior Todd Harris and redshirt junior Eric Monroe. Harris, the former Plaquemine standout, was running next to Delpit during drills on Tuesday while Jacoby Stevens was playing in the quarter safety position that he broke out at last year.

"Both of them are really good," Orgeron said simply after practice about Harris and Monroe. "Both of them can play."

JARELL CHERRY GETS PRAISE...

Former Dallas Carter standout Jarell Cherry is one that Orgeron is certainly high on out of his group of outside linebackers. Orgeron praised the former four-star prospect for his work in block shedding drills and the pop that he gave the ball carrier in the drill. There's growing positivity around his ability to contribute to the group in 2019 and Orgeron's praise confirms that.

Former five-star prospect K'Lavon Chaisson worked lightly in practice in just shorts and a helmet as the staff is being careful with the redshirt sophomore that missed almost the entire 2018 season with a knee injury sustained in the Miami game.

NEW ADDITION TO THE DEFENSIVE LINE...

LSU lineman Jakori Savage worked in with the offensive line for his first three seasons on campus, playing in 18 overall games after redshirting in 2016. On Tuesday, the 6-6, 296-pound lineman was working with the nose tackles, running through drills after Siaki Ika and Tyler Shelvin. With Ed Alexander gone, Breiden Fehoko banged up and Rashard Lawrence out for the spring, LSU needed the depth boost at the nose tackle position.

"He's been there for a while. He's a good young man," Orgeron said of Savage. "It's more of that we're very thin there and he gives us some depth. He's done a good job for us."

On the bright side for the Tigers, defensive linemen Glen Logan, Justin Thomas and Neil Farrell all returned to practice after missing some time.

MIDDLE LINEBACKER GROUP ADDS A NEW NAME...

Jacob Phillips practiced in a gold jersey next to Patrick Queen with the No. 1 unit while outside linebacker Michael Divinityjoined the group for practice. It certainly doesn't mean that Divinity is going to be there for good, as Orgeron has praised his pass rushing skills a few times, but it was certainly an interesting development.

The New Orleans area native started 11 games at outside linebacker last season for the Tigers while tying for the team lead with five sacks in a season that saw LSU struggle to generate a consistent pass rush. Orgeron said it's more about the depth though.

"I think he did very well. Mike's a good player for us. We want to have some depth there. We've got some guys hurt and not playing. We want to see if he can do it."

BRENNAN HEADLINES SCRIMMAGE WITH STRONG PLAY...

In Saturday's scrimmage, Orgeron said that Brennan played well and has been having a strong spring overall, which dates back to the 4th Quarter program. The redshirt sophomore has built off that and Orgeron reported that he also ran the ball well, in addition to making some good decisions.

"I thought Myles Brennan had his best day," Orgeron explained. "Completed passes, running around while working with the second team. His completion ratio, I don't know what it was, but he threw some good balls. He ran the ball well on the option. He made some good throws, made some decisions. He was on fire."

 

FORMER WIDE RECEIVER STILL ADJUSTING TO SAFETY...

Sophomore Kenan Jones was moved to safety from wide receiver during the offseason and sure looks the part at 6-3, 210. The former Berwick standout is still grasping the position with safeties coach Bill Busch getting on him for his hustle in a drill. The group was working on defending bunch formation routes when the media was in practice.

"He's doing well. Good young man. Very athletic. Just needs to learn the spot," Orgeron said. "So many things that we're doing. We're moving those guys up on the line of scrimmage, playing them in the post, playing quarters. Lot of learning to do."

"HELP" ON THE WAY AT RUNNING BACK...

LSU signed two of the top running backs in the country in Tyrion Davis and John Emery and while Orgeron is liking what he sees from his backs on campus, he had an eye towards the future as well when speaking with reporters on Tuesday.

"Clyde has had a really good spring. Clyde right now is our starting running back," Orgeron explained. "Lanard Fournettehas done some things. Lanard can come in and play. Chris Curry has done some things. Short yardage back. We really feel that Tyrion Davis and John Emery will come in and give us some good help."

ORGERON HIGHLIGHTS HARD-WORKING STAFF...

LSU's coaching staff is in the building in time for a 6 a.m. staff meeting every day, Orgeron reported. He's been proud of the way the staff is gelling, which includes new passing game coordinator Joe Brady.

"I tell ya, this is one of the best coaching staffs I've been with," Orgeron raved. "They're hard-working. Everybody's in the offense about 5:30 and they don't leave the offense until 10 about every night this spring. This is an excellent coaching staff. We added some new analysts that have really helped us out with the coaching staff. We go over everything in detail. I think we have a fantastic staff."

LAGNIAPPE...

* Orgeron highlighted two receivers from the scrimmage that made a serious impact, "Ja'Marr Chase was excellent, so was Justin Jefferson and I think the receivers had a good day," he said at the press conference.

* LSU tight end Aaron Moffitt was in a gold jersey during practice while third-string quarterback Andre Sale was missing from practice as well.

* Orgeron said that kicker Avery Atkins did much better than he thought he would, going 3-for-5 on field goals. Orgeron didn't know his long, but he's giving the sophomore at shot at it.

* Nickelback Kary Vincent, Jr. is handling track and football well with Orgeron noting that Vincent has gotten confidence off last season.

* Derek Stingley, Jr. returned punts this weekend and Orgeron said that he did, "very well

[houtiger]

Damn good update on the spring, thanks Dad!  I was hoping for a more encouraging report on Chris Curry at RB.  Based on remembering the recruitment of our safeties, I like that group.  No weakness, all very talented.  We need some of the incoming cornerbacks to become players quickly, for backups this year.  I feel better about both lines, seems like we are getting to some quality depth.  Much more depth at TE this year (due to injury last year).

[LSUDad]

Ok, made a call, got two seats behind home plate in the Gold seats for the Saturday night Baseball game. Now waiting on a call for tickets in the Stadium Club for the Spring Game. Or in a suite? I’m not picky.

One year my Dr friend called and said, I got you a ticket for the Spring Game, I said, you don’t need a ticket for the Spring Game. He said where we are going, you do. We were in the suite with the owners of Abita Beer. Nice folks. 

[dachsie]

Refresh my memory - why is Ed Ingram suspended?

[LSUDad]

Bleacher Report has a list of 10 players that could win the Heisman this season. One name, is a Tiger. 

 

John Emery Jr., RB, LSU

4 OF 10

Credit: 247Sports

When Leonard Fournette was in high school, he talked about winning the Heisman Trophy as a freshman at LSU. Unfortunately for him and the Tigers, that didn't happen.

The latest elite Bayou Bengals running back from the home state isn't talking a bunch of noise while coming out of Destrehan High School, but John Emery Jr. could still turn into a superstar.

If you want an incoming freshman running back who can vie for college football's top honor in his first year, betting on Alabama's Trey Sanders or Michigan's Zach Charbonnet makes sense. But neither is virtually guaranteed carries like Emery.

He's the nation's second-ranked running back, according to the 247Sports Composite (first overall for 247Sports).  The 5'11", 210-pound former high school star also has the clearest path to a starting job after Nick Brossette exhausted his eligibility.

Head coach Ed Orgeron will give a shot at the gig to Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who ran for 658 yards and seven touchdowns in relief of Brossette a season ago. Incoming freshman Tyrion Davis, as well as Chris Curry and Tae Provens, will have opportunities, too.

But Emery is a next-level playmaker who has the ability to bruise defenses between the tackles and break outside for huge gains. He'll be hurt considerably by the fact he's not a mid-term enrollee going through spring drills, but he's too good to keep off the field.

Will that happen early enough in the season to get the Heisman hype rolling? That depends on what kind of first impression he makes this summer.

[LSUDad]

Just now, dachsie said:

Refresh my memory - why is Ed Ingram suspended?

Contact with a young girl. 

[houtiger]

Emery for Heisman is a long long shot, one I am not interested in the least.  But whoever the RB is this season, he will have an advantage over last year, perhaps several.

First is the o-line.  Last year we were hurt by injury and we had to depend on some young untested players.  I think depth will be improved, and those young players have a years experience.  The o-line should be better.  I think Burrow with a year of experience will be better also.

Next is the scheme.  FH in particular complained about it, and given our lack of success against InbredGumps, the complaints were justified.  Sullivan is out, Joe Brady is in as WR coach and passing game coordinator.  My take, Sullivan is probably a WR "mechanics of route running" master, but he did not transform the passing game.  He's old enough to retire, but I wonder how much of that move was attributable to O not being satisfied with the passing game.  My suspicion is that is what drove the move.  E is in his 60's and probably won't be the OC for real long.  Brady is respected by O, and just maybe was convinced to leave the Saints with enticement that if he does well, when E retires, he is well positioned to become OC.  That would be a nice step up for Brady and clearly move him into the upper echelon of coaching, and that is worth a lot of money long term, if he performs well.  At his age, any of us would take our shot at making a name for ourselves.  O gets to interview the guy for a couple of years before having to make a decision without much knowledge of the coach, which worked out poorly with Matt Canada.

Back to Emery, or more specifically the LSU running game.  Whoever the back is, I think we will have a more talented back than Brossette back there, and I think the o-line will be improved, and I think the scheme will be improved, and that all should make the running game better.  Having a viable passing attack will keep the defenses guessing and not allow them to key just on the RB.

That is taking the optimistic view, and I am optimistic about the coming season.  I think the offense will be better.  I don't care if Emery wins the Heisman, I would just like to beat aTm, InbredGumps, and Auburn (and Fla.).

[Nutriaitch]

3 hours ago, LSUDad said:

We were in the suite with the owners of Abita Beer. Nice folks. 

please tell them there is something wrong with their Purple Haze beer. 

and to protect the general public, i’ll take one for the team and dispose of it for them if they just ship it directly to my house. 

[LSUDad]

1 hour ago, Nutriaitch said:

please tell them there is something wrong with their Purple Haze beer. 

and to protect the general public, i’ll take one for the team and dispose of it for them if they just ship it directly to my house. 

Next time I’ll see what I can do. 

Along those lines, my daughters company, Jacobs Engineers, did the expansion on St Arnold’s Brewery’s. here in Houston. They we invited to the opening. That was one I would have liked to have attended. But was out of town. 

[LSUDad]

Ed Orgeron 'couldn't be happier' with new offense, but don't expect to see it in Saturday's spring game

SDS STAFF | 18 HOURS AGO

 

 

LSU can’t wait to roll out its new-look offense, but that won’t be during Saturday’s spring game.

Ed Orgeron spoke to the media Tuesday and previewed Saturday, and he made sure to add that the offense won’t show much.

“We’re not going to show everything,” Orgeron said. “It’s going to be a very basic spring game. … We’re not going to open up the playbook in the spring game.”

But when talking about the Tigers’ offense, which Coach O has been raving about since the start of spring practice, he lights up.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Orgeron said of the new offense. “Our guys have a pep in their step. This offense has been fantastic. … The key to the whole thing is having Joe Burrow back.”

Orgeron announced that defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko will likely play Saturday, but cornerback Kristian Fulton and linebacker Jacob Phillips “aren’t even close” to being ready.

LSU’s spring game kicks off on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

You can watch Ed Orgeron’s press conference below:

[LSUDad]

Ok, just got a call, tickets in Stadium Club. Set for Saturday 

[LSUDad]

Great day for Football and Baseball games

[Fishhead]

Looked like the offense actually is different... in a good way. 

Lots of drops by receivers, but brennan looked really good. Joe looked ok, but not concerned about him. Brennan has put on noticeable weight, still needs a little more. 

Stingley will be a household name!

Chris Curry and Lanard were very impressive. Lanard looks great in this offense...fast!

Now for the best part.  Apu Ika is a friggin BEAST!!

[houtiger]

Thanks for the report FH.  I was in La. attending a family funeral and missed the game.  It will be on SEC network tonight and I have it set to record, although some will be edited out I am sure.  I saw the Stingley INT, and he does look like a player.  He does not appear to lack confidence.

I think this team will be better than last year, but we will lose a lot and be rebuilding in 2020.  This is our year, we gotta get it done NOW.  We have the experience returning, and have improved depth.   Just my opinion.  I will be very interested to see the replay.

I think we have a good starting QB, and from reports a very good backup situation.  Some years we have not even had a good starter.  There is a lot to get excited about for the coming year.  We will find out early in Austin.

[houtiger]

From what I read in the Advocate the biggest question mark going into the season remains the offensive line.  They gave up some sacks again.

[houtiger]

After the game, O said Ika and Shelvin may be co-starters.  He said Shelvin had the better day last week, Ika had a better day Saturday.  He was asked about Shelvin's weight and I think he said his "lean body weight" was 338, and Tyler weighed 341 and was playing well.  Tyler is down from 380, quite an accomplishment.  O also said Tyler's weight has more muscle and less fat now.  He used to be noticeably bigger than everyone, but now he'll blend in with the other 340 pounders.  I think Ika came in around 330 - 340.  I wonder if they can change some fat to muscle on him also, make him a better 340.

[LSUDad]

The WR’s after the first couple drops, did well for the day. We have too much height on the WR ‘s, but that’s a good thing. Lots of moving parts in the offense, also good. 

The OL got to just touch the QB, that adds to the sack totals. That won’t be the starting OL for the first game. Much like the DL, same thing. Lots of players got reps. 

Stingley will be Freshman AA, 3 years and a 1st round pick. He maned up on every WR, held his own. Will retun a few punts for TD’s, he did reach for one punt, then you see O talking with him about it. We are deep at DB, they played a number of guys, mixed up the looks. That too on that side of the ball was vanilla. 

I could see what Ensminger was doing, but he too held off and did just a few things. Nothing with a TE, McMath, was the only one to show a little. #84 was the JC TE, unless I missed it, didn’t see anything from him. 

Both QB’s threw into tight windows, the Jefferson TD, from upstairs look great. 

The OL started with Charles, Deculus, Cush, Lewis and Magee, Cush is still the anchor, he looks really, really good. Last year at this time, he was fighting it, now he flows with the position. 

RB’s, ECH is fit for this offense, the two True Freshmen will give the others a run at the position. 

Punting and FG kicking, needs consistency this year. 

I have it recorded, I’ll have more after watching. 

[LSUDad]

5 observations from LSU's spring game

By Brody Miller | Posted April 06, 2019 at 04:23 PM | Updated April 06, 2019 at 05:41 PM

 

 

 

 

 

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(Photo by Brett Duke NOLA.com |

 

There’s been a few key talking points this spring for LSU football. There’s the new passing game. There’s the apparently improved offensive line. There’s the early enrollees apparently looking like stars. 

Some of those storylines rang true at LSU’s spring game Saturday (April 6). Some of them still are yet to be proven. 

It’s difficult to truly gauge how much of Saturday is available for dissection, because LSU admittedly wasn’t showing too much it will really run in 2019. Still, one can take something from which players stood out and what areas remain a concern. 

Here’s what were were able to take away from the LSU spring game.

(Photo by Brett Duke NOLA.com | 

Quicker passing game

New LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady likes quick passes with more slants and checkdowns. He believes in taking yards when it can get them. LSU didn’t do that too often in 2018. 

While LSU hid much of its offense Saturday, the LSU passing game clearly moved the ball quicker than it has in the past, with quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Myles Brennan often getting the ball out in two seconds to a slanting receiver or a target near the sideline. 

Some of that may Burrow and Brennan being more comfortable with more time in the program, but Burrow said it's been the plan, and it worked. 

In the first half —  when Burrow worked with the first team and Brennan worked with the second team —  Burrow completed 15-of-25 passes for 159 yards and an interception. Brennan completed 11-of-14 passes for 158 yards and had a few dimes downfield. 

Dee Anderson had three catches for 57 yards. Racey McMath had three catches for 55 yards. Justin Jefferson had a nice 10-yard touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone.

 

 

 

 

(Photo by Brett Duke NOLA.com | 

Early enrollees stand out

Derek Stingley quickly established himself as the star cornerback the world expected him to be when he was rated the No. 1 player in the country. He had a few nice lockdown plays on Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall. 

But his greatest play was on a deep throw from Burrow, when he leapt over Marshall and grabbed the ball out of his hands for the interception. 

Nose tackle Apu Ika —  primarily going against the second team offensive line —  was maybe the most dominant player of the day. At one point he broke through on three-straight plays to pressure Brennan, and he had two sacks in the first half. 

He flipped to the first team in the second half, and the first team offensive line contained him better, but it was still an impressive showing. Orgeron said LSU couldn’t run the ball up the middle against him. 

(Photo by Brett Duke NOLA.com | 

Pass protetion still a concern

There were 10 total sacks in the LSU spring game, and there were a few more that could have been called. Pass protection was LSU’s biggest issue in 2018, and it appears to still be a concern in 2019. 

LSU had success rushing off the edge, as Andre Anthony had three sacks, Michael Divinity had two, Ika had two, Jarell Cherry had one, and so did Travez Moore and Breiden Fehoko. 

Some of those came against the second-team offensive line, but Orgeron named that as the biggest concern still through the spring.

(Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com |

Michael Divinity shows out at inside linebacker

Divinity started playing inside linebacker just two weeks ago to provide depth and communication, but the senior defensive leader has been trying to prove he deserves to stay there this fall. 

Divinity finished with 10 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble Saturday, and Orgeron raved about how smart Divinity is. It will be interesting to see how he’s used when Jacob Phillips returns from injury this fall. 

Damone Clark, one of the standouts this offseason according to coaches and players, had a team-leading 11 tackles. Patrick Queen, the expected starting Rover, had six. 

 

 

 

 

(Photo by Brett Duke NOLA.com | 

Running backs make some plays

Chris Curry had arguably the top highlight of the day, as the second-year running back stormed through safety Kenan Jones and barreled him to the ground. 

Then, a few plays later he made Jones whiff on a spin move, continuing his success over the safety Saturday. Curry had an overall impressive day, rushing 15 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Orgeron said Curry still has a ways to go, but he showed what he’s capable of. 

Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 77 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, in addition to four catches for 22 yards. 

Lanard Fournette had 60 yards on 17 carries, but he had one run for 18 yards

[LSUDad]

Quarterback Myles Brennan Is Finally Turning The Corner

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By Crissy Froyd@crissy_froyd  Apr 8, 2019, 9:21am CDT

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Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

LSU quarterback Myles Brennan hardly impressed in last year’s spring game, but looked much-improved at the helm on Saturday.

When Orgeron was asked about what he was most impressed with from his backup after the game, he spoke to his intangibles just as much as his abilities on the field.

“Him maturing, him taking leadership, playing with fire, being out there. Being the quarterback we’ve seen when he came in. He was a kid full of fire. He has a really quick release, and you see it out there. His accuracy and his understanding of the offense.”

Current starting quarterback Joe Burrow says he’s confident that Brennan could get the job done if he were to be sidelined, and gave the impression that the backup could eventually be running neck-and-neck with him.

“I feel like he can come in and the offense wouldn’t miss a beat if I had to go down,” he said. “And I’m really excited about his growth as a player and his growth as a leader as well. He’s getting a lot better, and he’s got a ways to go, too. I know he’s excited about where we are as an offense, and I’m excited about where he is. He’s right there with me.”

Brennan finished the game 16-of-24 passes for 212 yards, and 4-of-9 passes for 41 yards with the first team offense.

These numbers are much better than the ones from 2018’s spring game, when Brennan completed 11-of-23 passes for 113 yards, and was the only signal-caller to not throw a touchdown pass.

And it’s not just the stats that indicated Brennan is turning the corner.

Brennan looked much more comfortable and confident in the pocket, got the ball out of his hands more quickly than we’ve previously seen and was able to deliver some explosive plays he hadn’t quite been able to execute in the past. 

These included a 24-yard pass to Jaray Jenkins, a throw to Dee Anderson that resulted in a 41-yard gain, a 44-yard deep ball to Racey McMath and a 20-yard dart that set up a Clyde Edwards-Helaire touchdown run.

With Brennan’s evident improvement, it will be interesting to see how things shake out at the quarterback position in upcoming seasons.

[houtiger]

After watching the game, Brennan's arm at its best is better than Burrow.  But Burrow's worst mistakes are a lot better than Brennan's mistakes IMO.  Burrow is still the starter.  Brennan did not look like a wide eyed freshman, he looked confident, like he knew what was going on and he was comfortable.  Brennan made a couple of surprisingly poor throws IMO.  On a short pass, it looked like he shot putted the ball.  This is probably the best 1-2 setup at QB since JaMarcus and Matt Flynn and Saban signed both of them.

I don't see much talk about Chris Curry, but he looked good on his runs.  CEH should be good in this offense, and I expect him to start the year.  Curry looks like a good backup.  I wonder how long it will take Emery and Davis to learn the plays and contribute?  RB is usually the easiest for freshmen to pick up.