An 11-2 finish and victory in the Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M last season were long-forgotten events when the LSU football team began spring practice March 11.
The Tigers have a different look on all sides of the ball and on the coaching staff. Their head man, Les Miles, is back for a seventh season, as is defensive coordinator John Chavis, but offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe and special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey are new to the party.
Fifteen players, including six potential defensive starters, did not play in the National L Club Spring Game on April 9.
The defense next season will be without the services of four former players who were selected in the NFL draft — cornerback Patrick Peterson (No. 5 overall to the Arizona Cardinals), linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (third round to the Buffalo Bills), defensive lineman Drake Nevis (third round to the Indianapolis Colts) and defensive lineman Lazarius Levingston (seventh round to the Seattle Seahawks).
Sophomore defensive end Sam Montgomery, senior linebacker Karnell Hatcher and senior safety Brandon Taylor all wore green non-contact jerseys throughout the spring.
Junior defensive tackle Josh Downs and junior defensive end Lavar Edwards also did not play in the spring game.
LSU coach Les Miles said he simply did not want to risk any further complications to injured players.
“We’re a little nicked right now, certainly at the back end of the spring,” Miles said. “The ones that are there have really paid the price and improved. Sam Montgomery really could have played some this spring, but why would you? Just let him have another strong summer and be ready to play in the fall.”
Quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee are seniors now, but they will need more than just experience to propel the passing game out of the cellar of the Southeastern Conference next season. Jefferson was a woeful 4-for-14 in the spring game.
Sophomore transfer quarterback Zach Mettenberger provided a new face in spring practice, and he rifled a 60-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second half in the spring game.
Miles said during spring practice that there’s still more to do.
“In the back half of the spring, Lee and Mettenberger have continued to press,” Miles said. “Zach is certainly improving in the knowledge of his play, and his throws are really good.
… I feel the same way about Lee. Jefferson is a more complete quarterback.”
Sophomore running back Spencer Ware picked up right where he left off by capping the spring with 94 yards rushing and 50 yards receiving. He immediately went back to baseball after the spring game.
Stevan Ridley was the third LSU player drafted this past week, as the New England Patriots picked him in the third round.
Offensive lineman Joseph Barksdale went in the fourth round to the Oakland Raiders.
Former LSU wide receiver Terrence Toliver went undrafted, as did kicker Josh Jasper.
Juniors Rueben Randle and Russell Shepard will be the veterans in the receiving corps with Toliver’s departure.
McGaughey also has a young group of special teamers to work with. He said several players have a chance to be active in the return game, namely Randle, running back Jakhari Gore, and cornerbacks Ron Brooks, Morris Claiborne and Tyrann Mathieu.
Drew Alleman and Brad Wing are new at kicker and punter, respectively.
“Drew has a great temperament, and that’s key to have as a successful field goal kicker,” McGaughey said. “Brad Wing has tremendous talent, a very focused young man. He has the ability to punt in the NFL.”
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Contact Rachel Whittaker at [email protected]