For the second time in three seasons, LSU coach Les Miles finds himself in the middle of a so-called quarterback controversy.
Two seasons ago, the debate was between future No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell and his backup Matt Flynn, who filled in for an injured Russell and closed the 2005 season with a 40-3 win against Miami in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Now, the debate hinges on two inexperienced signal callers – redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee and transfer sophomore Andrew Hatch.
During his brief meeting with reporters Wednesday after LSU’s first practice in shoulder pads, Miles was asked how his method when choosing a starter was different from that of Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, who said at Southeastern Conference Media Days two weeks ago that he would name a starting quarterback after about a week and a half of preseason camp.
“After about 10, 12 days, we will pick a starter,” Tuberville said. “We will have somebody as our starting quarterback. I’m a true believer that your quarterback is the leader of your football team in terms of your locker room, your sideline – not just for your offense, but for your defense and your kicking game.”
Miles said choosing a starter too early could be devastating for a team.
“I’ve always felt like competition [should] play out,” Miles said Wednesday. “Frankly, if you’re premature and name the wrong guy, you make a heck of a mistake.”
Making Miles’ decision even tougher might be the early emergence of true freshman Jordan Jefferson.
Miles said after the Tigers’ first practice Monday that he was impressed with how quickly Jefferson picked up the offense. He reiterated that point Wednesday evening.
“He’s a guy that’s going to have to take snaps for us,” Miles said.
When asked whether that meant Jefferson would see action in early-season games like Appalachian State and North Texas or late-season conference games like Georgia and Alabama, Miles did not specify.
“We’re talking about taking snaps to win games, to play for victory,” he said. “I don’t know exactly who you have marked down … that doesn’t count. To me, they all count.”
INJURY REPORT
Miles said senior center Brett Helms and senior defensive tackle Charles Alexander both missed practice Wednesday.
Miles said Helms missed action because of a calf strain.
“It’s not something you can fix any other way but rest,” Miles said. “It’s not a terribly time consuming issue, but we want him to be fresh.”
Miles said Alexander missed practice because of an injury not related to the torn ACL he suffered the week before the South Carolina game this past season.
“It’s not something that’s going to limit him as we get closer to the fall,” Miles said.
Miles also said senior kicker Colt David missed practice for the third straight day because of a twisted ankle.
—-Contact Tyler Batiste at [email protected]