The LSU football team will conclude its spring practice session with the National L Club Spring Game at 3 p.m. Saturday in Tiger Stadium. The Daily Reveille sports contributor Josh Thornton has an analysis of where the team stands after 14 practices and what to look for on Saturday.
What to watch for:
The LSU defense has gone through a complete makeover this spring, with new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda installing his version of the 3-4 defense.
The role changes for certain defenders could be the most intriguing thing to watch Saturday. Sophomore Arden Key and senior Tashawn Bower have moved from defensive end to a stand-up role at outside linebacker. Senior safety Corey Thompson has also moved closer to the box as an outside linebacker.
Of course, the one thing everyone wants to see is the quarterback. LSU coach Les Miles has said that junior Brandon Harris is “ready” to be the quarterback, but junior transfer Danny Etling is “coming like heck.” He’s been challenging Harris all spring for the starting spot.
The LSU offense will get another taste of life with offensive coordinator Cam Cameron calling plays on the sidelines. Harris said having Cameron down on the field gave him more “comfort” during the Tigers’ 56-27 win against Texas Tech in the Advocare Texas Bowl. LSU recorded 638 total yards of offense versus the Red Raider defense.
Etling also hinted in the spring that Cameron has added a few new “wrinkles” in the offense and expects to see the quarterbacks throw more. Miles has reiterated the extra emphasis on the passing game this spring.
What not to watch for:
Don’t expect junior running back Leonard Fournette to get a lot of touches in the spring game. In the two scrimmages the Tigers conducted, Miles gave the workhorse around 10 carries. Miles wants to keep the running back fresh for the start of next season.
Not receiving a ton of touches doesn’t bother the New Orleans native.
“At the end of the day, it’s not just me,” Fournette said. “They have multiple guys that are on scholarship and also have the same ability as me and probably can do better.”
What they’re saying:
“We’re putting in new schemes,” said junior defensive back Jamal Adams on learning Aranda’s new defense. “We’re definitely trying to settle in and get comfortable … We’re definitely learning. Coach Aranda is doing a great job at just getting us organized, and once we do that, the sky’s the limit for us.”
“Spring is a chill thing,” said sophomore running back Derrius Guice on what spring practice has been like. “You don’t have any games to look forward to but the spring game. It’s more chill than the actual fall is. We have more free time, you practice longer than normal.”
Freshmen to keep an eye on:
Miles has raved all spring about freshman linebacker Devin White and freshman cornerback Saivion Smith. Because sophomore Donte Jackson has been ruled academically ineligible and sophomore Kevin Toliver II is still recovering from shoulder surgery, Smith could start the game at cornerback with the first team defense.
White has practiced throughout the majority of spring with the first-team defense at outside linebacker. Miles said White could be an “every down player” soon and also spoke highly about White’s natural instincts and tackling ability.
Position battles to look out for:
Despite having three starters returning, the offensive line has yet to be settled. Senior center Ethan Pocic, who has been sitting out this spring after
having hip surgery, is expected to start. Sophomore guard Will Clapp should have his spot secured in either guard position after starting 10 games at right guard and one game at left guard. Sophomore offensive tackle Toby Weathersby will likely man the right tackle spot after appearing in 11 games in the position last season.
However, the left tackle and the other guard spots will be up for grabs. Sophomore offensive lineman Maea Teuhema practiced mainly at the left tackle position and could have that spot locked down. Sophomore offensive lineman Chidi Okeke could challenge Teuhema. Miles has called Okeke the most athletic offensive lineman of the group.
The slot receiver position is also up for grabs after the departures of wideouts John Diarse and Trey Quinn. For the second straight spring, Miles has raved about junior wide receiver D.J. Chark. Chark has been impressing coaches with his speed and physical play at the position. Sophomore Derrick Dillon has drawn praise from Miles. He said he expects Dillon to “compete” for playing time next season.
Dillon is a little different from most of the LSU wide receivers. The majority of the LSU receivers are 6-foot-2 or taller, while Dillon only stands at 5-foot-11. Miles talked on Saturday about his quickness after he caught a bubble screen in one of the Tigers’ scrimmages and scored a 50-yard touchdown.