LSU coach Ed Orgeron held his final press conference of the preseason. The Tigers are traveling to New Orleans on Friday ahead of its game against BYU on Saturday.

Chaisson, Thornton battling for linebacker spot

Orgeron announced the team has yet to decide who will fill the final linebacker spot for Saturday’s game against BYU.

Redshirt freshman Andre Anthony went down with an injury earlier this week in practice leaving redshirt freshman Ray Thornton and true freshman K’Lavon Chaisson as the two competitors for the position.  

“It’s a toss up right now,” Orgeron said.  “I’ll make a decision before game time.”

Chaisson and Thornton have been the two names mentioned most as replacements for junior Arden Key, who is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

Charles to start at right guard against BYU

The Tigers have also decided to move forward with freshman Saahdiq Charles as the starter at right guard.  

Charles battled redshirt freshman Lloyd Cushenberry and true freshman Ed Ingram for the starting spot after junior Maea Teuhema transferred at the beginning of fall camp.

Orgeron feels confident in making that decision, but says Charles will be splitting time with Ingram on Saturday.

“I do believe that Saahdiq will start at right guard,” Orgeron said.  “He and Ed Ingram will share time.”

Player Suspensions

The team has decided to not release a list of players who will be suspended for Saturday’s game against BYU.

Orgeron prefers to keep that an in-house issue, and does not want to tip the opposing team on who will not be available.

“I want to handle everything in house,” Orgeron said.  “I don’t want to give a competitor an advantage before a game.”

Orgeron is not concerned with how the public could perceive a player not participating meaning suspension.

“My mind won’t even go that far,” Orgeron said.  “I didn’t want to announce any suspensions to give BYU a competitive advantage.”

Orgeron also said that players who are suspended will not be traveling with the team for the game.