LSU Sophomore wide receiver James Wright played in all seven home games last season but only caught one pass under the bright lights of Tiger Stadium in his first year.
Wright, who is battling for the third wide receiver spot, garnered the limelight Saturday in Tiger Stadium during LSU’s second spring scrimmage, grabbing three touchdowns — one from each of the Tigers’ quarterbacks.
“He’s always had some talent but he’s been more consistent,” said LSU coach Les Miles.
Sophomore quarterback Zach Mettenberger and senior quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee each tossed a touchdown to Wright. Jefferson also rushed for a touchdown.
Mettenberger found the end zone a second time with a pass to redshirt freshman wide receiver Jarrett Fobbs.
Still, Miles believes Jefferson and Lee have the upper hand after eight spring practices.
“Mettenberger’s a very talented guy, but I think the two veterans still have an advantage with the understanding of the offense,” Miles said.
The team ran 110 plays Saturday. They focused on red zone, short yardage and third-and-long plays.
Miles gave the nod to the Tigers’ defense in the second scrimmage.
“The defense kind of won the day,” Miles said. “We moved the football on offense at times, and I think we rushed the ball with regularity, but the defense came up with bigger plays at times.”
Miles complimented freshman defensive tackle Anthony Johnson, who recorded two solo tackles, and sophomore cornerback Tyrann Mathieu.
Mathieu has continued to earn praise after a stellar freshman season, which was capped by a defensive MVP performance at the Cotton Bowl.
“He got a pick today and has made some big plays,” Miles said. “He had a very good day in both the return game and on defense.”
Redshirt freshman safety Sam Gibson also had an interception, and senior middle linebacker Ryan Baker recorded a sack.
On the offensive side, redshirt freshman Jakhari Gore, who had a 35-yard run Saturday, has returned to the running backs after spending time with the wide receivers last season.
“[Gore] made some really nice runs,” Miles said. “I want to see him more and more.”
Miles said freshman running back Kenny Hilliard was absent from the scrimmage.
“He had a personal issue that required some attention,” Miles said.
Junior defensive end Lavar Edwards was out again with an injured ankle.
LSU will begin its fourth week of spring practices Tuesday.
Follow Michael Lambert on Twitter@TDR_Lambert.
 
 
 
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