The second practice that the media got access to was fairly brief as there was only a 15 minute, three period availability for today. However, this was an opportunity to see more of the special teams unit as they started with a punt and punt return session in front of the cameras.
One of the position battles that we will be following for the rest of the camp just so happens to be punter and punt returner. After an underwhelming spring from Peyton Todd, the LSU coaching staff went through the transfer portal to get Louisiana Tech punter Blake Ochsendorf. Because of the addition through the portal, it will be a position battle between Ochsendorf and Todd throughout camp. Both of them got plenty of reps and as of today, it looked like that Ochsendorf was more consistent with his hang time and distance. Still, this will be a battle that will continue throughout fall camp.
We also got to see the punt returner candidates in action as this has been a position group which has struggled the last couple of seasons. The returners were Aaron Anderson, Zavion Thomas, Kyle Parker, and freshman Jelani Watkins.
While last year the returners were more consistent in catching the punts, the coaches want to make sure that they can bring back the playmaking ability in the return game, and those four candidates all have the ability to make guys miss.
The media also got to see the first team and second team offense run a little bit. The offensive line remains unchanged while the starting three receivers were Kyren Lacy, Chris Hilton Jr., and CJ Daniels. Lacy has shown to be WR1 while the Tigers were working in some quick passes and bubble screens with Hilton as they are trying to get the newly number 3 the ball in open space. A noticeable absentee from practice at receiver was Shelton Sampson Jr., who after making a circus catch yesterday, hit his head on the ground and missed today’s practice as a precaution.
At running back, John Emery Jr. got the first team reps while the other running backs were getting carries. Coach Kelly stated yesterday that they wanted to get Emery more carries in fall practice to make sure that he is comfortable with the knee.
The first team offensive line is pretty much set in stone, but finding more depth up front is going to be key for not only this season, but beyond as the Tigers will be most likely replacing a lot of veterans on the offensive line after this year. That is going to be something to watch out for as Coen Echols was at center, Paul Mubenga was at left guard, Tyree Adams at left tackle, Bo Bordelon at right guard, and Weston Davis at right tackle.
Defensively, the starting defensive front is unchanged from yesterday as Jacobian Guillory and Gio Paez were taking first team reps on the interior while Kimo Makane’ole and Shone Washington were also getting a lot of reps. After missing practice today and yesterday, it was reported that defensive tackle Jalen Lee and defensive end Bradyn Swinson will return to practice on Monday as they were both completing coursework for graduation. That is a great sign for the depth of the defensive line in its totality as Da’Shawn Womack and Saivion Jones are continuing to get first team reps at defensive end while Paris Shand is getting a lot of reps in the rotation.
The secondary is another position group that will most likely be rotated around for the next couple of weeks, but for now, it looks as if Ashton Stamps is putting his best foot forward in trying to solidify one of the starting two spots. Sage Ryan continues to get first team reps at cornerback after yesterday with PJ Woodland and JK Johnson just behind them. Zy Alexander was dressed, but did not participate in drills during our availability.
At safety, Jardin Gilbert and Jordan Allen got the first team reps while DaShawn Spears and Kylin Jackson were the backup safeties. After getting second team STAR reps behind Major Burns yesterday, Ju’Juan Johnson is getting more reps again as the backup safety.
Only watching three periods today, we will get a better viewing of the team during practice on Monday as the team is approaching having full padded practices.
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Check out yesterday’s LSU Fall Practice Report below!
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