The LSU football team still has about three weeks until its season opener, but LSU coach Les Miles said his team is starting to adapt to its rigorous fall practice schedule.
“This is that time in camp where the body starts to accept and adapt to football,” Miles said. “You get a groin, you get a shoulder, you get a neck. Your body starts to understand what it’s being called on to do.”
The Tigers are preparing for a scrimmage Saturday in Tiger Stadium, which Miles said will only be about 24 snaps.
He said the scrimmage will feature first team versus second team for about 12 snaps, first team against second team for about six plays and back to first team versus second team for about another six plays.
“We’ll tackle live,” Miles said. “It’s not going to be an 80-play, 90-play scrimmage. It’ll just be a part of the practice.”
Miles gave his usual comments about his quarterbacks and receivers getting better at his post-practice media session Thursday, but he also said the kickers have been looking better recently.
Miles was high on junior Josh Jasper, who is expected to replace all-time leading scorer Colt David at place kicker.
“Jasper kicked the ball very well today. I expect him to not let up where Colt David left off. I think he looks forward to that opportunity to lead the team there. He’s had a really strong summer.
Senior running back Trindon Holliday once again sat out practice with an unspecified injury.
“I think he’ll [Holliday] be back tomorrow to be honest with you,” Miles said. “I’m not in any hurry. What he does, he can do already.”
Miles said freshman Morris Claiborne is still working at both cornerback and wide receiver in fall practice. He said he has yet to choose which position Claiborne will play.
“I asked Mo today. I said, ‘Mo, what do you think?'” Miles said. “‘He said, ‘You know what coach? I’d play either one. It’s up to you guys.’ That’s just exactly what you want him to say.”
 
TOLIVER NAMED TO UNITY COUNCIL
Junior wide receiver Terrance Toliver was recently named to the football team’s unity council, which serves as a leadership council for the team.
“Terrance Toliver has led himself since he got here,” Miles said. “He’s never been a guy that’s had negative social issues. Academically, he’s always done a good job with his coursework and curriculum. His view is one where he leads himself very well.”
Toliver is on the council with several other veteran receivers, including seniors Brandon LaFell and R.J. Jackson.
“We have some veteran receivers, and he’s becoming one,” Miles said. “I wanted to reward that style of leadership by having him have a say.”
 
NOT SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE
Miles already has a travel plan for his team’s season opener against Washington in Seattle on Sept. 5.
Miles said the team will travel to Seattle the Thursday before the game and will travel home the Sunday after, giving his players a chance to sleep in Seattle the Saturday night after the game.
“We’re not going to lose sleep. The issue is we have to stay on a sleep schedule so we can rehabilitate for the rest of the week.
 
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