The LSU football team started spring practice on Saturday, with its second practice on Tuesday as the team begins its long journey to September. After a 2014 season left the Tigers in a cloud of doubt, sophomore running back Leonard Fournette became a bright patch for Tiger fans moving forward.
Fournette finished 2014 with 1,034 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging just under 80 yards per game in the hard- hitting Southeastern Conference. Fournette has plenty to be proud about, but instead he’s choosing to stay humble only a year after beaming with confidence and setting goals to become a Heisman winner in his freshman season.
The New Orleans native has matured, and with a season under his belt, he has learned what it takes to be the ultimate team player.
“I’m not really focused on [a Heisman Trophy] right now,” Fournette said. “I’m just focusing on getting better with the team and winning a championship.”
Fournette said he has no set goals for himself this year, electing to set his sights on a championship. Fournette is over the Heisman hype of last year, including when he struck a Heisman pose in the end zone against Sam Houston State after scoring his first touchdown of the season.
Fournette said he has learned from past mistakes and is choosing to embrace the role as a team player ­— a player whose mind is focused on an ultimate goal, not a personal achievement.
“[The Heisman hype] didn’t affect me at all,” Fournette said. “That’s everyone’s goal to win it, but after the Notre Dame loss, I wasn’t worried about it anymore.”
NEW YEAR, NEW COACHES
The 2015 season brings change in LSU’s defense with the additions of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and defensive line coach Ed Orgeron.
The changes come after the abrupt departure of former defensive coordinator John Chavis. Chavis’ departure forced the defense to embrace and adapt to change, and so far, it has been smooth.
“It has been pretty good,” said sophomore defensive lineman Davon Godchaux. “The intensity is so high. Practice is so much different. We’re running through a lot faster. A lot more hard work. It’s just so high, so enthusiastic. It’s kind of like the NFL.”
Both Steele and Orgeron take over their positions with years of experience under their belts, from minor graduate roles to head coaching stints. Godchaux said both Steele and Orgeron have brought a new intensity to the practice field that has excited both him and his teammates.
“Coach Orgeron, he’s an intense guy, but we love that,” said junior defensive lineman Christian LaCouture. “We take that on the field with us. He’ll go out there and do the drills like we do. Fiery guy. He has put so many people in the league. Awesome coach, fiery guy and we love that. We’ll take that and bring it on the field.”
You can reach Jack Chascin on Twitter @Chascin_TDR.