The LSU football team reported to campus Wednesday, and it begins practice Thursday with veteran players reporting at 9:30 a.m.
But several players won’t be on the field when practice starts, coach Les Miles said Wednesday afternoon.
The most unclear situation surrounds Craig Loston, a five-star defensive back from Eisenhower High School in Houston.
Miles said Loston won’t join the team until school starts because he has “classwork that he’s finishing.”
Miles was also asked if Loston was dealing with any injuries at this point, but he only mentioned a hand injury he heard Loston suffered last spring.
“I have not been informed if in fact he had an operation in the last 10 days,” Miles said.
One reporter said Loston told him personally that he had season-ending surgery. That was a surprise to Miles, who said he still expects Loston to contribute this season.
“It seems to me that you’ve been getting to know Craig a lot better than I have,” Miles told the reporter.
One player who is definitely out for the season is redshirt freshman wide receiver Tim Molton, who is dealing with a knee injury.
“Tim will not participate,” Miles said. “He’s waiting to get his knee operated on. He’s done for the year.”
Miles said he is still waiting to hear about freshman linebacker Tahj Jones’ eligibility, but didn’t elaborate on what Jones’ situation was.
“We’re optimistic,” Miles said.
Miles said Jones and Loston will not be at practice tomorrow, and they are not on campus at the moment.
Miles reported only one person leaving the team. Sidell Corley, a defensive end from Mobile, Ala., who was a freshman last season, is no longer on the roster and is expected to transfer.
Miles didn’t exactly say why Corley was leaving.
“He had a very difficult personal run,” Miles said. “We certainly understand that football isn’t for everybody’s timetable. We wish him the very best and hope that he has success.”
Miles said Corley would’ve been in a back-up role at best on the team.
“Being close to home may well be the best thing for him,” Miles said.
Miles said fullbacks Stevan Ridley and Richard Dugas will start practicing at a moderate pace but are ahead of schedule in terms of rehabilitation. Both players suffered knee injuries during spring practice.
“Both of those guys are way ahead in their rehabilitation, and we’re thrilled about it,” Miles said.
Miles said Akiem Hicks, a defensive lineman who transfered from Sacramento City Community College in Elk Grove, Calif., is just joining the team after finishing one more required class.
“He got a B in college algebra — nice job,” Miles said. “The only hurdle that he had was one class, and he did very well. I don’t know if the clearinghouse has ruled on it at this point, but I’m certain it’s a matter of formality at this point.”
In a notable position move, sophomore T.C. McCartney, a walk-on who used to play quarterback, has been switched to tight end.
Speaking of quarterbacks, Miles comments about his quarterback situation were a little unclear. He didn’t rule out the possibility of sophomore Jarrett Lee getting playing time at the position, but he also seemed to hint that sophomore Jordan Jefferson has the advantage as of now.
“I think there are two quarterbacks that have experience, and I think our football team is going to be much better by the execution at the position,” Miles said. “Certainly Jefferson comes off a season-ending bowl experience and has really had a great summer. And I think our team is looking forward to him at quarterback.”
Miles said he isn’t sure yet where highly-touted freshman quarterback Russell Shepard will end up playing this season, but he said Shepard will start fall practice working at quarterback.
“If I knew it, I would tell you,” Miles said of the five-star quarterback from Houston. “We’ll find out. He’s a very talented man.”
Miles also expects another star freshman, wide receiver Rueben Randle, to be in the mix for playing time. Randle was another five-star recruit who didn’t commit to LSU until National Signing Day on Feb. 4.
“He’s a very bright learner and a talented man,” Miles said. “But of course he’ll have to make strides.”
 
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