The long-awaited debut of the LSU quarterback show was unveiled Saturday.
Media flocked to see their first glimpses of the trio of quarterbacks — sophomore Zach Mettenberger and seniors Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee — who all shared snaps in the limited media opportunity during Saturday’s spring practice.
The first two days of spring practice did little to lock in the quarterback depth chart, but some clarity was brought to the hazy situation.
Incumbents Jefferson and Lee are using their past years of experience to their benefit.
Jefferson, who started 26 games for LSU, hasn’t been publicly named the starter, but he has the upper hand with three years of playing time.
Lee only has nine starts at LSU while Mettenbeger joined the team a few months ago.
“The experience under our belt has helped us for our first day,” Lee said Friday after the team’s first spring practice.
Mettenberger, the largest of the three quarterbacks at 6-feet-5-inches and 250-pounds, drew praise from his teammate.
“Zach can definitely throw the ball. He’s a big kid so he’s got that going for him,” Lee said “Competition only makes you better.”
LSU coach Les Miles said little to settle the quarterback dispute.
“Both guys that are veteran looked to be veteran,” Miles said. “Jefferson looks much better.”
Mettenberger has his own share of college experience, leading Butler Community College to the Junior College National Championship Game last season.
“[Mettenberger’s] going to be a nice addition to us,” Miles said. “We’re a team that can throw and catch, and he gives us advantages there.”
Even though the quarterbacks are in a fierce competition, junior wide receiver Russell Shepard made one thing clear — there’s harmony among the three competitors.
“They’re coming together as one,” Shepard said. “At the end of the day you have one quarterback. A lot of times you get a lot of tension, but there’s no tension in that room.”
Mettenberger isn’t the only new addition to the 2011 squad. Offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe and special teams coach Thomas McGaughey made their debuts this past weekend.
McGaughey, a former special teams coach for the New York Giants, drew praise from the players for his energy in the first couple of practices.
“We loved him,” said senior linebacker Karnell Hatcher. “He hyped us up before practice. He’s coached a lot of great players, so I know he could do a very good job on this level with us.”
On the injury front, sophomore defensive end Sam Montgomery and senior safety Brandon Taylor wore green non-contact jerseys Saturday.
Montgomery, who was expected to be held out of practice until fall, is ahead of schedule while recovering from a knee injury and participated in some drills Saturday. Taylor hurt his foot against Alabama.
Junior cornerback Mo Claiborne wasn’t held back Saturday and is also ahead of schedule after injuring his ankle during the Cotton Bowl.
Senior offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk (knee) and sophomore safety Eric Reid (ankle) were absent from drills, but neither appeared to be long-term injuries.
The Tigers will return to the field Tuesday for their first practice in full pads.
Follow Michael Lambert on Twitter@TDR_Lambert.
 
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