Rain forced most of the LSU football team’s Tuesday practice indoors, and the Tigers held a light scrimmage to prepare for the annual Spring Game, which is only 10 days away.
“I enjoyed the scrimmage,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “We completed some balls, and the offense moved the football well against the first defense. But not without a challenge, which is how it’s supposed to be.”
PRO DAY AWAITS LSU will host its annual Pro Timing Day in the Indoor Practice Facility on Thursday, and nine former Tigers are scheduled to work out in front of pro scouts.
“We like to see our guys move to the next step in their careers, and we like that guys like [defensive tackle Michael] Brockers and [cornerback Mo] Claiborne get a chance to show off in a familiar place,” Miles said.
On Thursday morning, the hopeful NFL prospects will be measured and have their vertical jump, bench press, broad jump and 40-yard dash numbers, among others, recorded. They will then work out with individual NFL coaches in the afternoon and receive personal evaluations.
OFFENSIVE LINE IMPRESSES Miles said the offensive line has especially impressed the coaching staff in scrimmages so far, with Tuesday evening’s session being no different.
Miles, a former offensive lineman at Michigan, indicated that losing two starters from last year’s crew won’t be an issue with the depth the line is developing.
“It looks like a veteran bunch out there, and that’s led by Josh Dworaczyk and Chris Davenport,” Miles said. “Whether it’s [sophomore] Elliot Porter in a reserve role at center or [freshman] Trai Turner knocking guys off the line, that’s a position we like this spring.”
KICKOFFS AN OFFENSIVE GAME With LSU losing its two featured kickoff returners from last season, cornerbacks Claiborne and Ron Brooks, the Tigers are turning to the other side of the ball for their replacements.
A wide receiver committee of sophomore Odell Beckham Jr. - who had five returns for 120 yards in 2011 - sophomore Jarvis Landry, freshman Paul Turner and senior Russell Shepard have taken the return reins this spring, according to Miles.
“Odell has some experience there, but I know they’re enjoying the opportunity,” Miles said. “They’re having fun trying to outdo the other.”
 
____ Contact Chris Abshire at [email protected]