LSU Football players spoke to the media after spring practice Friday morning about the current status of the team.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier mentioned his excitement for his father, Doug Nussmeier, to be accepting the offensive coordinator position with the New Orleans Saints.
“I think he’s really excited to be back there,” Nussmeier said. “It’s great for our family, great for him, and so I’m so excited for him. It’s gonna be really cool.”
Nussmeier also spoke to the abilities of the wide receiver room. This year’s group does not have a height advantage, but Nussmeier says that does not make accuracy any more difficult for him.
“It might not be very big but it’s very deep at each position,” Nussmeier said. “We have a lot of talent and we have a lot of players that can go get the football. We got guys that will make a play with the ball in their hands.”
Wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. also spoke to how the new players are fitting in with the receiving core.
“It’s always good to have new additions,” Hilton Jr. said. “It builds the competition in the room and that’s what you want to see, especially in that room.”
Hilton Jr. missed the first seven games of the 2024 season due to an ankle injury he suffered in fall camp, making his debut in the Texas A&M matchup in late October. As for his recovery, Hilton Jr. says he is “100%” and fully ready for the season ahead.
“It wasn’t easy,” Hilton Jr. said. “I was getting criticized when I was hurt and I wasn’t even playing. I got criticized when I came back. I really had to tell myself, I’m not playing for them.”
The defensive players got to talk about new defensive line coach Kyle Williams, who played defensive tackle at LSU and for the Buffalo Bills. According to the players, his 13-year NFL career has earned him major respect from the team, with everyone buying in to his teachings.
“Coach Kyle’s a great coach,” defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux said. “He not only teaches you technique but he teaches you the right way to go about things. He teaches you how to hustle, how to work, just all around he’s a great coach.”
The players also discussed the expectations of spring practice and how it helps them set goals for the upcoming season.
“Spring ball is really just taking advantage of every opportunity you can get,” linebacker West Weeks said. “It’s really focusing on your craft and being the best you can be… you’re just trying every rep to get better.”
Spring practice continues March 15 but may be moved indoors due to inclement weather.
To view the full press conferences for Chris Hilton Jr., Ahmad Breaux and West Weeks, click the links below:
Chris Hilton – https://youtu.be/wqXqGZPG_yc?si=9Xi50xsCp0Ft_1fB
Ahmad Breaux – https://youtu.be/0RzsFm2kUEQ?si=UQoLssm6utFp__UY
West Weeks – https://youtu.be/pyOvISiAV5E?si=0rMcoWJgS93U6QPk
