LSU football coach Les Miles couldn’t wait to watch film from his team’s first practices of the season.
“I’m not going to watch it tonight. It’s going to be in about two to three minutes,” Miles said. “This is the practice where we’re going to revisit and evaluate guys and have fun. It’s a great practice to watch.”
The Tigers went through their first practice session of the season Thursday. Most varsity players practiced at 9:30 a.m., while freshmen and selected veterans practiced at 4:15 p.m. The team moved indoors for the final 30 minutes of the second practice because of the threat of rain.
Miles said some younger players practiced with the varsity to even out the size of the two groups and allow an optimal amount of reps for players.
“It’s done position by position for what is optimal for teaching,” Miles said.
Miles said today looked like the first practice of the season but was satisfied with what he saw.
“It was a lot of fun to watch,” Miles said of the afternoon practice. “With the talent there, we’re excited.”
One player who didn’t practice today but is expected to practice tomorrow is freshman linebacker Tahj Jones. Jones has been cleared to play by the NCAA after his eligibility came into question.
“I suspect he’ll be at practice tomorrow,” Miles said.
Both junior Richard Dugas and sophomore Stevan Ridley were able to practice at fullback today. Both suffered knee injuries during spring practice.
Miles also said senior running back Charles Scott spent some time at fullback, and he also said he liked how freshman Dominique Allen looked at the position.
“I’ll tell you right now, that young fullback is a big man,” Miles said. “I’m going to give that young fullback a ball. I’m going to find out if he can carry it. If he can carry it, I don’t know who would want to tackle him.”
Two players vying for the starting center spot split reps at the position in today’s practices. Redshirt freshman Patrick Lonergan practiced in the morning, while sophomore T-Bob Hebert worked out in the afternoon.
Miles said he would continue that pattern for four more practices.
“The idea was to get maximum reps out of our best guys,” Miles said. “It’s the way to grow the two and give them greater experience.”
Several players sat out of Thursday’s practices while dealing with health issues.
Miles said redshirt freshman linebacker Kellen Theriot won’t be able to practice with the team until school starts.
“Kellen Theriot is with us,” Miles said, addressing a question about whether Theriot had left the team. “He’s had a series of injuries, and we’re trying to make sure that he’s healthy when he comes to the field.”
Sophomore fullback James Stampley also sat out with what Miles called a “respiratory issue.”
“It won’t allow him to come back for probably three to four days,” Miles said.
Freshman offensive lineman Josh Williford didn’t practice while dealing with conditioning issues.
“We’re working with him as we go forward,” Miles said.
A few young players explored position changes during the first practice session of the season.
Sophomore Brandon Taylor worked out at safety Thursday after working at cornerback last season.
“Corner’s a pretty easy mental position,” Miles said. “If we can dual train him, it’ll give us some flexibility when we come to the ball. I think it’s smart.”
Freshman Morris Claiborne, who is listed on the roster as a wide receiver but was recruited to LSU as an athlete, worked out at receiver and cornerback Thursday.
“We think Mo can play corner or wide receiver,” Miles said. “We’re just trying to figure out where.”
Redshirt freshman Cordian Hagans has been moved from defensive line to offensive line, working out at left guard at the afternoon practice.
“If he accepts the rigors of learning from inside of the ball, he’ll be a very good player and a very talented offensive lineman,” Miles said.
 
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