The week of split squad practices finally came to a close Friday, as LSU brought all its players to the practice field for the team’s first full squad workout.
Big Cat
It’s the event that everyone looks forward to when the players strap on the full pads for the first time. In the “Big Cat” drill, two players line up opposing each other, as one tries to bulldoze the other into submission.
A number of freshmen were called on by LSU coach Les Miles Friday. Defensive linemen Frank Herron and Tashawn Bower and linebackers Kendell Beckwith and Duke Riley all got their chances to impress.
Sophomore tight end Dillon Gordon blew up Beckwith, while Bower held his own against his counterpart. Riley had the pleasure of matching up against senior fullback J.C. Copeland. Riley didn’t last long.
Offensive Notes
For the first time during fall practices, all of LSU’s passers were on the field at the same time. Senior quarterback Zach Mettenberger obviously worked with the first team offense, while freshman Anthony Jennings took snaps with the second string.
Mettenberger and Jennings both looked crisp in individual passing drills.
The wide receivers had their share of ups and downs Friday. Junior Odell Beckham Jr. made an impressive leaping grab along the sidelines, and junior Jarvis Landry continued to prove why he will be a go-to option for Mettenberger in 2013 with a solid showing.
Redshirt freshman Travin Dural looks to be solidifying himself as the squad’s No. 3 receiver, while junior Quantavius Leslie appears to be having a difficult time catching passes with his hands.
Defensive Notes
Sophomore cornerback Jalen Mills finally removed the green no-contact jersey during Friday’s practice.
At defensive tackle, sophomore Mickey Johnson and freshman Christian LaCouture both worked with the second team.
Junior defensive end Jermauria Rasco could be found helping his freshman teammates with block-shedding techniques.