LSU continued the grind of fall camp, and held its second “preseason game” on Saturday.
The team scrimmage pitted the first team offense against the first team defense and the second team offense against the second team defense.
Malone and Weathersby return to the offensive line
LSU regained its two starting tackles on offense – although they are still without junior center Will Clapp – and the numbers in the run game showed. The Tigers ran the ball 38 times for 232 yards according to the stats provided by coach Orgeron. He did say, however, that the line was not up to par in pass protection which could be contributed to youth and inexperience.
The team has been forced to rely upon freshmen and walk-ons to fill in for three injured starters, but the returns have been positive for Orgeron. He has constantly referred to the trio of freshmen – Saahdiq Charles, Austin Deculus and Ed Ingram – as players who are more than capable of starting.
“[Saahdiq] has proven to us that he can play like a starter,” Orgeron said, “so has Ed Ingram. Those guys have done a fantastic job, and so has Austin Deculus.”
With Clapp out currently due to injury and Lloyd Cushenberry in his place, Ingram has been thrusted into the starting right guard spot. Orgeron said that depending on Clapp’s health, Ingram could be starter for the opening game against BYU.
Myles Brennan receiving some first team reps
While Orgeron maintains that senior Danny Etling is still the starter at quarterback, freshman Myles Brennan continues to grow physically and as a player.
The Bay St. Louis product received a few first team reps in the Tigers scrimmage, completing 4 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown.
Etling’s numbers were not very impressive on paper with two interceptions, but Orgeron said that Etling was under tremendous pressure and the staff still needs to review the tape.
Brennan’s growth throughout the fall as Etling’s backup will be a big talking point during the season. The freshman is expected to receive playing time in spots during season as Orgeron and his staff look to develop a quarterback for the future.
Derrick Dillon rising up the receiver depth chart
LSU will be trotting out a lot of fresh faces at wide receiver this fall, and one them is redshirt sophomore Derrick Dillon.
Orgeron mentioned seniors D.J. Chark and Russell Gage along with Dillon as the three receivers who have separated themselves during fall camp.
Dillon is LSU’s smallest receiver at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds, but was credited for his consistency as a route runner and ability to catch the ball by Orgeron.
Orgeron also praised the coaching of new wide receivers coach Mickey Joseph and longtime NFL receivers coach Jerry Sullivan, who was officially added to the team’s support staff earlier this week.
“I can see our wide receivers getting better, Jerry has been a big help,” Orgeron said.
Stats
