With the NFL draft looming, LSU quarterback Marcus Randall is making the most of the opportunities to showcase his talent.
The LSU quarterback, who split time last season with redshirt freshman JaMarcus Russell, started at the Gridiron Classic in Lady Lake, Fla., on Jan. 15 for the South and was named the game’s most valuable player.
Randall completed 7-of-11 passes for 88 yards as he led the South to a 24-21 victory against the North.
On the opening drive of the game Randall drove the South 69 yards in four plays which culminated in a 7-yard touchdown run by Central Florida running back Alex Haynes. Randall connected with Samford’s Efrem Hill for a 43-yard strike on the very first play of the drive.
Randall had a grand total of five days to learn the offense which was coached by Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer and Berlin Thunder coach Rick Lantz.
“That just shows my knowledge for the game is real,” Randall told ESPN after the game. “I know how to play this game.”
More than 200 NFL scouts were on hand during the week of preparation for the game.
Four other Tigers are vying to improve their draft status through all-star games before the NFL draft in April.
LSU middle linebacker Lionel Turner is participating in two all-star games in consecutive weekends.
Turner started in the 80th annual East-West Shrine game in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 15 and helped the East defeat the West, 45-27. He recorded four assisted tackles in the effort.
This week Turner is in Hawaii on the island of Maui in preparation for the 2005 Hula Bowl. The game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. on ESPN. Turner will participate for the East squad.
Meanwhile, LSU defensive players Marcus Spears, Corey Webster and Travis Daniels are preparing for the Senior Bowl to be held on Jan. 29 in Mobile, Ala.
Webster, a two-time First Team All-American, ranks second in LSU history with 16 interceptions. He started his career at LSU as a wide receiver before moving to cornerback in 2002 when he recorded seven interceptions as a sophomore.
Spears ranks fifth in LSU history with 19 sacks and was a 2004 First Team All-American selection. As a senior he piled-up 49 tackles — 17 for loss — and nine sacks.
Daniels started opposite Webster at cornerback for two years at LSU, recording 110 tackles and two interceptions during his career.
The Senior Bowl kicks off at 3 p.m. and is televised nationally by ESPN.