Though he has not officially named a starter, LSU football coach Les Miles revealed sophomore Brandon Harris is leading the quarterback competition at a Tuesday night press conference following the Tigers’ third and final preseason scrimmage at Tiger Stadium.
Harris was widely believed to be the frontrunner based on Miles’ previously saying Harris had the advantage in first-team reps in two prior scrimmages. In Tuesday’s scrimmage, during which numerous plays took place in the red zone, the 11th-year coach said Harris passed for 66 yards and three touchdowns, while junior quarterback Anthony Jennings tossed one touchdown with 80 yards.
“Right now, Brandon Harris certainly has the lead,” Miles said. “Again, we’ll do what we’ve done. We promise to field one. We like both of our guys, and Brandon Harris is certainly the leader at this point.”
While Miles continues to acknowledge both quarterbacks have raised their level of play since last season, Miles also indicated Harris has held the lead since fall camp began.
“He’s not lost his position,” Miles said. “He’s kind of put himself in that position based on a summer’s body of work, and he’s continued that path.”
Miles also said senior safety Jalen Mills had surgery for a lower leg injury he suffered at practice on Aug. 19. The timetable for his recovery is still undetermined, but Miles is optimistic.
“I’m still harboring personal feelings that we can get him back sooner rather than later,” Miles said. “I still don’t know exactly how soon that is.”