LSU’s spring game on Saturday will include some familiar faces on the field and the sidelines.
Coach Ed Orgeron said in a post-practice press conference on Thursday that a number of former players will roam the sideline for LSU’s spring game Saturday.
Among the returnees are Odell Beckham Jr., Charles Alexander, Ryan Clark, Kevin Faulk, Tommy Hodson and Matt Mauck.
“Shoot, I might be getting autographs,” Orgeron quipped.
Orgeron said that special assistant Derek Ponamsky reached out to all the former players and came up with the idea.
As for the spring game, Orgeron said that the scrimmage will be first team offense versus first team defense and second team offense versus second team defense.
LSU not holding back
Orgeron also said the game will have two 12 minute quarters in the first half and a two 12 minute quarters in the second half on a running clock.
“I want to see us get after it,” Orgeron said. “I want to see us compete in a game time atmosphere. I want our guys to walk down the Tiger walk, and put themselves in a situation just like a preseason game. I want to see them perform and perform under pressure, see what they can do, play hard, have fun and have energy.”
Orgeron mentioned that some players including junior running back Derrius Guice and senior safety John Battle will see either limited action or no action.
Lawrence takes over starting gig
A few players who have impressed Orgeron during spring include senior wide receiver Russell Gage and senior wide receiver D.J. Chark. Orgeron said the two have taken a step toward being one of the better players on the team.
Defensively, Orgeron said sophomore linebacker Devin White has “matured” and sophomore defensive end Rashard Lawrence has replaced senior defensive end Frank Herron as the starter at defensive end opposite of senior defensive end Christian LaCouture.
“Rashard is a starter now,” Orgeron said. “He’s solidified that position and along with being the starter, he has a 4.0 grade point average and one of the top players in the state and I’m really excited about him.”
LSU junior wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) attempts to navigate around an Iowa defender Wednesday, January 1, 2014 during the Tigers' 21-14 victory against the Hawkeyes in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
