Fourteen hours removed from LSU losing out on its quarterback of the future, the Zach Lee soap opera is still in full force. LSU coach Les Miles addressed the media for roughly 17 minutes Tuesday afternoon, with the majority involving the former freshman quarterback’s surprise move to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers late Monday night for a reported $5.25 million. ”Certainly we wish Zach Lee good fortune in baseball, and he certainly has an opportunity he couldn’t pass up,” Miles said after the team’s morning practice. “We understand that. We say goodbye, and let’s move on.” Lee, a four-star recruit from McKinney, Texas, reported to camp earlier this month and was expected to be the team’s third quarterback behind juniors Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee. It was also widely assumed he would vie for the starting job in the coming years, but that was thrown out the window following last night’s 11th hour deal. With the departure of Lee and Chris Garrett, who transferred to Northwestern State this summer, Miles is left with only two quarterbacks behind Jefferson and Lee — junior T.C. McCartney and freshman Barrett Bailey. The Tigers return to the field tomorrow to practice in shells before taking part in their second scrimmage Thursday. SHEPARD SITS OUT Sophomore wide receiver Russell Shepard missed practice because of a “nick,” according to Miles. Shepard, who is making the transition from quarterback to receiver, is expected back at practice tomorrow. LIFE WITHOUT BAKER Several players have stepped up since LSU lost junior linebacker Ryan Baker after suffering a broken jaw during Friday’s practice. Miles mentioned two players — redshirt freshmen Lamin Barrow and Kevin Minter — as the ones who should reap the benefits of Baker’s absence. Minter could possibly fill in at middle linebacker with senior Kelvin Sheppard, who normally plays in the middle, sliding over to the outside position. Baker is expected back in four to six weeks.
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Miles wants to “move on” from Lee departure – 2:14 p.m.
August 16, 2010