LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker has been calling for an aggressive defense and that aggressive defense has gotten the best of the offense the last couple of days in practice during 11v11 action.
Today, the defense continues to show improvement as Garrett Nussmeier only went 3 for 8 during 11v11 action. That side of the football forced a four and out and even an interception as a tipped pass fell into the hands of defensive lineman Paris Shand.
According to Coach Baker, Harold Perkins has had a hot summer and shows why he is a preseason All-American by recording a sack and a PBU during 11v11 action. After practice, Perkins informed the media that he is playing at a good weight of 220 pounds.
Zy Alexander added a late PBU to force a turnover on downs during 11v11. Another cornerback that has emerged the last couple of practices has been Ohio State transfer Jyaire Brown, who added another PBU during practice. He and JK Johnson have been getting first team reps with the nickel and dime defense along with the likes of Ashton Stamps, Sage Ryan, Major Burns, Jardin Gilbert, and Jordan Allen.
The defensive line has also showed some unique looks including a pressure package that included a three man front featuring Shand on the inside, Saivion Jones, and Bradyn Swinson as the edge rushers.
Speaking of Saivion Jones, he is having his best camp of his career. After beating Emery Jones 1v1 a couple of times, he has also gotten the better of All-American Will Campbell. The St. James product is putting it altogether during 1v1s and that success is also being translated to Swinson, who returns after finishing some coursework. The two veteran pass rushers have looked promising and could bring some much needed pass rush to the entire defensive unit. The front also got a boost when Gio Paez returned to camp today after missing Saturday’s practice. He continues to be on the first team with Jacobian Guillory when the Tigers go to a four man front.
While the defense was working in some new personnel and formation changes so was the offense. The most unique one today was that Garrett Dellinger was working some reps today at center while DJ Chester was getting first team reps at guard. The coaching staff is mixing the lineup after a couple mis snaps in the last couple of days.
Even though the 11v11s didn’t go towards the offense’s way, it was the 1v1s that were dominated by the wide receivers. Besides a PBU from Zy Alexander and Jardin Gilbert, the receivers won every rep. Perhaps the best catch of the camp was when tight end Trey’Dez Green caught an under thrown ball one handed over Kylin Jackson. The other impressive grab came when CJ Daniels reached out his arms on a stop and go and caught a touchdown from Garrett Nussmeier during 1v1s.
Aaron Anderson and Mason Taylor were consistent during the 1v1s and winning reps against defensive backs. The offense got a scare when John Emery Jr. went down holding his knee, but did stay for the rest of practice.
Finally, the special teams unit got some extra looks when Blake Oschendorf and Peyton Todd were sharing reps. Oschendorf continues to look strong while Todd improved his punts towards the end. The returners getting the most looks were Zavion Thomas, Aaron Anderson, and Jelani Watkins.
Tomorrow, we will have more footage and analysis from LSU practice. For all of our LSU content, make sure to go to www.gridironfootballusa.com!
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