For the first time in almost five years, it seems as if the LSU football team has found depth at the quarterback position.
LSU has struggled to find consistency in its passing game since the dismissal of Ryan Perrilloux in 2008.
But with senior Zach Mettenberger at the helm for a second season along with new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, the Tigers hope they have finally found the answers to their offensive woes.
Mettenberger said he has used spring practice as an opportunity to further develop his leadership skills.
“I can be a guy’s best friend, and I can definitely jump on a guy when I need to,” Mettenberger said. “Being a starter for a second year, I can be a vocal leader now. … This year we have a lot of young guys, and I need to take that role as a vocal leader.”
Sophomore Stephen Rivers has attempted to improve his game by adjusting his throwing motion.
“It’s definitely more over the top now, which helps me,” Rivers said. “I have more velocity and more control. It feels more natural.”
Before spring practice, Rivers was the clear favorite to take the No. 2 spot behind Mettenberger.
But three weeks into spring practice, early enrollee freshmen Anthony Jennings and Hayden Rettig have emerged as legitimate contenders to compete with Rivers for the coveted position.
In three scrimmages, Jennings has completed a combined 17 passes in 31 attempts (55 percent) for 170 yards and three touchdowns. He has also shown promise as a possible dual-threat by adding 61 yards in nine carries for a 6.8 yards-per-carry average.
Rettig threw his name into the ring by displaying impressive efficiency while participating in two of LSU’s three scrimmages. The highly touted freshman out of Los Angeles threw 8-for-15 (53 percent) for 158 yards and three touchdowns.
Rivers, however, has remained relatively quiet throughout spring practice, as he completed 10 of his 25 attempted passes (40 percent) for 109 yards and failed to complete a touchdown pass in three scrimmages.
Junior transfer from Penn State Rob Bolden has been unable to participate in spring training as he recovers from a right knee injury.
There is a lot of time between now and next season, but if Rivers’ lack of production continues, it may provide Jennings and Rettig with the perfect opportunity to surpass the sophomore on the depth chart.
Fans may not have to wait long to get their first taste of Jennings. He has taken a number of snaps in which he ran the spread option. LSU coach Les Miles said this was something he was just testing right now.
“That’s just stuff he can do,” Miles said. “I don’t know how important that piece is right now.”
“This year we have a lot of young guys, and I need to take that role as a vocal leader.”
LSU freshman quarterback Anthony Jennings (10) hands the ball off to senior running back Alfred Blue (4) April 11, 2013 during practice at the LSU Football Operations Center.
