LSU Football Makes Its Return To Fall Camp

For the first time this fall, the LSU Tigers made its return back to the Ponderosa in order to start preparations for the 2025 season.

Although it was the first day, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looked really sharp as he completed every pass during 7v7. He hit multiple receivers while doing so and looked like he was in total command of the offense including two beautiful deep balls to Kentucky transfer Barion Brown and Chris Hilton Jr. Coach Kelly still wants Nussmeier to use his feet more this season as he has been clocked at 21 miles per hour.

The wide receiver talent definitely showed out today as well with Destyn Hill becoming the biggest standout of the practice. The Florida State transfer had multiple catches including one in which he caught a sailing pass one handed. Besides that play, TaRon “Manchild” Francis had an unbelievable catch in tight coverage against DJ Pickett. The two freshmen both showed off their abilities on that play alone.

Head Coach Brian Kelly stated that he has eight guys that are SEC caliber at the position. The first team wide receivers featured Aaron Anderson, Zavion Thomas, and Chris Hilton Jr. while the second unit included Destyn Hill, Kyle Parker, and Barion Brown. Both Bauer Sharp and Trey’Dez Green had first team reps with the offense as well.

A lot of eyes on the first day were on the offensive line. The first team looked like this: Tyree Adams at left tackle, DJ Chester at left guard, Braelin Moore at center, Josh Thompson at right guard, and Weston Davis at right tackle. Coach Kelly did say that with the first day in fall camp that nothing is set in stone up front.

“We are still competing for positions. Braelin Moore moved into the center position. DJ moved into left guard, but DJ is going to compete with Paul Mubenga and on the right side, Josh is going to compete with Coen Echols. That’s competition. Carius Curne is going to push Tyree. Bo Bordelon is going to push Weston Davis. Those are what you should be seeing and how that will move. Sometimes, DJ may slide into center. You will see some moving around, but there are competitive battles on the offensive line.”

LSU HC Brian Kelly

Coach Kelly also updated the media on a couple of injuries as freshman offensive lineman Solomon Thomas is out for a month with a foot injury.

WR Nic Anderson was dressed for practice, but did not participate in contact drills after completing concussion protocol.

The first defensive line included Gabriel Reliford, Dominick McKinley, Ahmad Breaux, who is now wearing 16, and Jack Pyburn. Dominick McKinley has had an amazing offseason as Coach Kelly stated that there were not enough weights in the weight room for him to max squat with the former Acadiana Wreckin’ Ram squatting 650 pounds.

The Tigers also return their two biggest pieces at linebacker with both Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins fully returning to practice after both suffering major injuries.

“Presence. We can all appreciate it’s Day 1, but their presence is impactful. You see them, feel them, hear them. The temperature is a little different when those guys are in the room. They lead by example and make a huge difference.”

LSU HC Brian Kelly

With Weeks at linebacker and Perkins at Star, Davhon Keys and West Weeks also got some first team reps in.

At cornerback, Ashton Stamps and Mansor Delane got first team reps there while Jardin Gilbert and Tamarcus Cooley got first team reps at safety.

The second team defensive line had a good day with Patrick Payton, Bernard Gooden, and Jimari Butler all getting in the offensive backfield.

PJ Woodland, Ja’Keem Jackson, and DJ Pickett were the second team cornerbacks. Tylen Singleton was the second team star and finally, Javien Taviano and A.J. Haulcy got second team reps at safety.

The next LSU fall practice report will be tomorrow so make sure to stay tuned for more coverage at www.gridironfootballusa.com!