Nearly three months ago, LSU football coach Les Miles was being carried off the field at Tiger Stadium, many believing it to be his last time in Death Valley.
Fast forward to March 7, and now Miles is preparing his team to make a championship run in the 2016-17 season, meeting with the media following the Tigers’ first spring practice.
As with every season, competing for a championship is always expected among the Tiger faithful. But expectations will be even higher this season, as a top-five recruiting class comes in and a wealth of experience returns.
If there’s one recurring problem, it’s the quarterback, so Miles and company are making the passing game a priority in the spring. The Tigers only averaged 180.4 yards per game, throwing the ball last season.
“We’re headed toward the opportunity to throw the ball better,” Miles said. “I want to throw the football 15 times just like we did today. We’re taking an inordinate amount of time at the beginning of practices, technically on our throwing game.”
Along with returning starter Brandon Harris, a new quarterback will be looking to fight his way up the depth chart.
Danny Etling, a transfer from Purdue University, sat out last season but practiced with the team throughout.
In two seasons as a Boilermaker, Etling threw for 2,490 yards, 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Miles said he should be in competition with Harris and the other quarterbacks for the starting gig.
“There’s some competition, certainly,” he said. “Talented guy that can play. You put another good player in the room, and that’s an issue. Creates some competition.”
There’s also been a few staff changes — LSU had to replace three different coaches this offseason.
Dave Aranda will be the third defensive coordinator for the Tigers in three years. Ace recruiter and running backs coach Frank Wilson departed LSU for a head coaching gig at University of Texas at San Antonio and was replaced by former Louisiana Tech running backs coach Jabbar Juluke.
Along with a new wide receivers coach, Dameyune Craig, who the Tigers plucked from Auburn to replace Tony Ball, there will be a few personnel holes to fill, as well.
A big void will be at linebacker. Senior Kendell Beckwith is the only starting linebacker returning for Aranda’s defense, but a newcomer, freshman linebacker Devin White, is eager to get on the field.
The Springhill, Louisiana native was recruited as a running back but also played linebacker in high school. He started spring ball working with Aranda and the linebacking corps.
With an already loaded backfield that features Heisman Trophy candidate Leonard Fournette, White figured he would get on the field faster if he played linebacker, Miles said.
“We went around the room and we talked about [White’s] lower body skills and his contact,” Miles said. “He texted and said, ‘Maybe if I played linebacker, I could get on the field sooner.’ I said ‘That might be true.’”
With the departures of NFL prospects Jerald Hawkins and Vadal Alexander, the offensive line will also have two new starters.
Miles said sophomore offensive tackle Maea Teuhema spent time practicing at left tackle and sophomore offensive tackle Toby Weathersby spent time at right tackle.
Miles said at least 10 or 12 players were missing from practice because of previous injury or academic reasons, but he said none of the absences are related to discipline and all should be ready for fall practice.
Sophomore quarterback Anthony Jennings and sophomore running back Derrius Guice were two notable absentees from practice.
“We’re pretty fortunate to have a team that accommodates some guys that are missing,” Miles said.
Miles: ‘Inordinate amount of time’ being spent on passing game in spring practices
By Josh Thornton
March 7, 2016
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