Former LSU soccer goalie Mo Isom is pursuing a different kind of football dream this spring.
Isom kicked again Tuesday during an ongoing tryout to make the LSU football team as a walk-on.
“We’re looking at things like hang-time, distance control and accuracy,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “That’s how we evaluate all kickers. If she gives us an advantage, we’ll give her a shot.”
Isom, the reigning Homecoming queen, was a standout goalie for four seasons with the Tigers soccer team.
She allowed 21 goals in 21 games this past fall, compiling a 13-5-1 record as the starting goalkeeper for LSU’s Southeastern Conference western division championship team.
Isom is renowned for her strong leg, which routinely sent goal kicks well beyond the midfield and earned her a highlight-reel, cross-field goal as a freshman.
“I like that she’s an athlete,” Miles said. “She’s been on teams before, [she] understands that commitment. I wouldn’t have any reservations if she proves herself on the field.”
Isom would have one year of football eligibility.
EARLY ENROLLEE EARNS ACCLAIM
Freshman linebacker Ronnie Feist should still be in high school.
Instead, Feist is taking down Tigers in practice. The West St. John product and spring enrollee was a standout performer at Tuesday’s practice, LSU’s fourth of the spring.
Feist took on sophomore running back Kenny Hilliard in Miles’ physical ‘Big Cat’ drill.
The freshman ferociously drove Hilliard into the turf, inspiring spirited cheers from the defensive unit.
“[Feist]’s young, but he’s eager,” Miles said. “He has the physical makeup. The ‘Big Cat’ is a nice predictor of toughness and want. Ronnie passed.”
Feist, the 2011 Louisiana 1A Defensive Player of the Year, also earned kudos for his footwork in pursuit drills from defensive coordinator John Chavis.
OFFENSIVE LINE GETS A SHAKEUP
Miles spent individual drills catching up with his favorite unit: the offensive linemen.
A slew of young linemen impressed as offensive coordinator and line coach Greg Studrawa focused on blocking packages.
“The curriculum for young offensive lineman is difficult,” Miles said. “It’s an expansive, ever-changing role. You have to quickly learn pass sets, combo footwork and double team blocks.”
Embattled sophomore transfer Elliot Porter took snaps at center, where Miles said he expects the Waggaman, La., native to compete for significant playing time next fall.
Sixth-year senior Josh Dworaczyk — who started 26 straight games in 2009-10 — is used to starting when healthy. But standout sophomore La’el Collins has impressed this spring, creating a healthy challenge to Dworaczyk’s hold on the spot.
“La’el will step in and play,” Miles said. “He’ll make the position play better than him. It gives Josh a challenge to meet.”
 
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Contact Chris Abshire at [email protected]