To see video from the press conference, click here.
The LSU offense isn’t looking for a Superman or Batman model quarterback to lead the squad Saturday in the season opener against Appalachian State.”We don’t need a superstar or a hero,” said junior running back Charles Scott. “We just need someone who can manage the offense well.” Coach Les Miles echoed that sentiment Monday afternoon during his first press luncheon of the season.
Miles remained tight-lipped about playing time among the trio competing for the starting quarterback role: sophomore Andrew Hatch, redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee and true freshman Jordan Jefferson. He said he has not named a starter but will likely inform that player by Thursday. “The pressure of, ‘You’re the starter…’ I don’t think that’s necessary until a little later in the week, probably Thursday,” he said.Miles said the “two veterans,” Hatch and Lee, will take the majority of the snaps Saturday.”I can’t tell you today who will take the field first, but I’ll be comfortable with whoever that is,” Miles said. Repeated back spasms and an ankle injury plagued Lee during preseason camp, but Miles said there is now “nothing but health there.” Lee returned to practice Monday afternoon.”If somebody were to get an ingrown toenail between now and then, it wouldn’t make any difference, because the other guy would start anyway — whoever that guy was,” Miles said. “They’ll know their roles as we get closer.”But the questions concerning LSU’s quarterbacks won’t cease after Saturday. As Southeastern Conference play approaches, many wonder if Miles will go with a consistent starter or rotate the three prospects as needed.Miles said he isn’t prepared to answer that question.”Would I like to have a guy that I understand exactly how it’s going to be when the bullets fly? Sure,” he said. “I’m going to have to see how it plays out.”Junior offensive tackle Ciron Black said the offensive line’s readiness has not been affected by the quarterback uncertainty.”Whoever coach puts out there, I just can’t wait to see him shine,” he said.Black said injuries and limited practice time caused Lee some understandable angst.”He’s young, he’s hungry and he’s motivated. He’s doing everything he can,” Black said. “He’s in the training room every day. He gets frustrated, but he has to understand that we have a bigger goal in mind.”Black said Jefferson has impressive speed and arm strength, while Hatch is “very smart” and picked up the offense quickly. Hatch said he’s not concerned about the uncertainty of his role, although fans may question if the starter needs to know far in advance.”Whether you’re named the starter before or you’re just out on the field playing, I think you’re playing the game and that’s your focus,” Hatch said.INJURY UPDATES:Miles said all players with “possibly one exception” will be ready to play Saturday. Miles did not identify the “one exception.”Senior center Brett Helms recently returned to practice after missing preseason camp because of a strained calf injury.”We really feel that there will be no limitations to our center,” Miles said.The more uncertain status is that of senior defensive tackle Charles Alexander, who returned Monday after missing most preseason practices because of a hamstring injury. “He just got the green light for today,” Miles said before practice. “We’re going to see how that goes, but we’re optimistic he’ll be ready to play.”Also in question is senior place kicker Colt David, who has been nursing an ankle injury.
 
 
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