The LSU football team finally got a chance to go against each other Tuesday.
The Tigers completed their first full-squad practice in full pads today, and LSU coach Les Miles said the practice got heated at times.
“We had a couple of nice live tackling drills early on,” Miles said. “Very competitive practice. Defense, offense getting after it. Tempers flared a little bit. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
Miles said his players worked out with their individual positions for about 25 percent of the practice, and the other 75 percent consisted of offense going against defense.
“There’s greater emphasis, in my opinion, on not letting that ball go down the field [on defense],” Miles said. “On the offensive side, it’s to make us have greater attention to protecting the quarterback, have great ball security and playing.”
Senior running back Trindon Holliday was held out of practice because of an unspecified injury.
“He was a little tweaked,” Miles said. “But we expect him to be back tomorrow.”
Sophomore T.C. McCartney, who switched from quarterback to tight end this offseason, spent some time at practice today back at quarterback, according to Miles.
“The opportunity to have a guy like him to come in and know exactly what’s going on and finish a game is important,” Miles said. “I think he will be a ‘both’ guy, only because he’s one of those very bright people that can do both.”
Miles also said he is hoping freshman Chris Garrett will be able to redshirt this season.
“I don’t know that we’re ready to say that at this point because we’re still early in the camp,” Miles said.
Sophomore Brandon Taylor, younger brother of former LSU safety Curtis Taylor, spent time at practice today with the first-team strong safeties. Taylor, originally a cornerback, just recently started working out at strong safety.
“Brandon Taylor in my opinion is a talented guy back there,” Miles said. “We’re going to see how it plays out.”
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Football: Tigers go through first full-squad practice – 2:18 p.m.
August 10, 2009