The LSU football team participated in its first full pad scrimmage Saturday morning at the Charles McClendon football practice facility.
The Tigers, who opened spring practice Monday, ran about 80 plays during the 40-minute scrimmage.
“We had a lot of fun,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “Still too sloppy for my liking. We may go slower in football to make sure we have it all right.”
Despite the “sloppy” play, Miles said he was most impressed with the Tigers’ rushing attack, including redshirt freshman running back Michael Ford.
“The [rushing game] was a nice start to our endeavor to be more dominant and more physical,” Miles said. “Probably more rushing yards in this game than maybe any scrimmage we had a year ago.”
Senior running back Richard Murphy was held out of the scrimmage as he continues his recovery from knee surgery that sidelined him for most of the 2009 season.
Murphy continues to practice with the team, but wears the same green jersey quarterbacks wear to signify no contact.
The highlight of the scrimmage came when junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson connected with sophomore wide receiver Chris Tolliver for a 70-yard touchdown pass.
Miles and his coaching staff unveiled a new drill at practice, which Miles referred to as the “Big Cat” drill.
The drill, which is also known as the pit drill or Oklahoma drill, pits two players in combat within a confined space.
The team ran the drill eight times as Miles stood between the players with his whistle while the team surrounded whoever was partaking in the drill like a pack of wolves, trash talking and yelling words of encouragement.
“It’s a great way to get the practice started,” Miles said. “It’s a physical presence. It’s body control. It’s being able to dominate your opponent.”
Miles said the drill inspired more technically sound football during the scrimmage.
“I don’t think I saw a missed tackle,” he said.
Although Jefferson remains the expected starter and continues to run with the first unit during practice, Miles didn’t dismiss any talks of redshirt freshman Chris Garrett pushing for time.
“Absolutely,” Miles said of Garrett’s ability to move up the depth chart. “He’s a talented thrower and … he has a great opportunity to do so.”
Junior linebacker Ryan Baker participated in the entire scrimmage after missing some time during the first week of practice, while sophomore defensive tackle Josh Downs has yet to practice with a sore thigh muscle.
Miles also said he doesn’t expect sophomore wide receiver Jhyryn Taylor back with the team because of a hamstring injury and a focus on academics.
LSU returns to practice Tuesday and will take the field for another scrimmage next Saturday.
 
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