Sophomore fullback Dominique Allen has left the team, LSU coach Les Miles confirmed Tuesday following the Tigers’ third and final scrimmage of fall camp.Allen, who was expected to be LSU’s starting fullback for its season opener Sept. 4 against North Carolina, was suspended indefinitely in July for violating team rules.”His issues were he needed to follow team rules and guidelines,” Miles said of the bruising 255-pound fullback. “He did not. We said goodbye not long ago.”With Allen’s departure comes a golden opportunity for junior walk-on James Stampley to step into the starting role.Miles named Stampley as the new starter, saying he is “clearly the No. 1 guy,” with players like senior Richard Dugas and true freshman Connor Neighbors also battling for snaps.As for the scrimmage, LSU went through a total of 120 plays in its last full-scale preparation before opening the season in Atlanta.The offensive production was similar to the first two scrimmages, as the Tigers passed for about 200 yards and rushed for about 175, according to Miles.”We like the position we’re in right now,” Miles said. “We’re still not ready to play a game, but we know what we need to do probably after we see this film.”Miles also noted the strides the offense has made, specifically the passing attack.”The quarterbacks and the receivers, there’s just a lot more chemistry in the passing game, and I think they’re starting to understand the run and that philosophy more,” he said.True freshman James Wright is one young receiver who stood out Tuesday and may find his way onto the field Sept. 4.Sophomore wide receiver Chris Tolliver suffered a concussion during practice last Tuesday and will likely miss the season opener, leaving Wright possible playing time behind senior Terrence Toliver and sophomores Rueben Randle and Russell Shepard.”Wright had a couple big catches again,” Miles said. “Wright probably won the day in terms of young receivers. I think he expects himself to do well. He’s a fast learner.”On the defensive side of the ball, Miles said he is still toying with the idea of moving senior Kelvin Sheppard to outside linebacker with the absence of junior Ryan Baker, who is still recovering from a broken jaw. The move would allow one of the younger linebackers, either redshirt freshmen Lamin Barrow or Kevin Minter, to slide into the starting lineup.In defensive coordinator John Chavis’ scheme, linebackers take the role of a nickelback, staying on the field at all times even if that means covering a slot receiver or tight end. But without Baker, Miles and Chavis may be forced to utilize more nickel and dime packages to compensate.”There is an understanding by situation you might move Sheppard around and play with five defensive backs, or play with the right mix at linebacker,” Miles said.Sophomore defensive tackle Josh Downs did not play in Tuesday’s scrimmage, five days after he was carted off the field in LSU’s last scrimmage.—————Contact Sean Isabella at [email protected]
Football: Fullback Allen departs from team
August 23, 2010