LSU had their second spring practice today in front of the media and through the 20 minute period, there were some interesting things to take not of.
Today was another opportunity to look at what the first team offense looks like early into the offseason. Of course, taking the reigns under center is none other than Garrett Nussmeier, who is returning back for his second year as the starting quarterback.
RB1 is also unquestioned with freshman All-American Caden Durham getting the first team reps alongside Nussmeier. The Tigers’ wide receiver set including three wideouts that are the top returning targets from a season ago in Aaron Anderson, Chris Hilton Jr.., and Zavion Thomas with tight end Trey’Dez Green lining up both on the line of scrimmage or on the outside as another receiver.
The offensive line is what a lot of people are paying attention to with four starters not returning from last season. At the start of spring practice, the starting five looks like this. Tyree Adams is at left tackle. Paul Mubenga is at left guard. DJ Chester is at center. Bo Borderlon is at right guard, and finally, Weston Davis is at right tackle.
The second team offensive line featured Carius Curne at left tackle, Solomon Thomas at left guard, Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore at center, Coen Echols at right guard, and Ethan Calloway at right tackle.
Kaleb Jackson was getting second team reps at running back while Barion Brown, Destyn Hill, and Kyle Parker were getting second team receiving reps. For the second time in a row, Parker was wearing a red non-contact jersey at practice as he is still fully recovering from a torn triceps injury suffered against UCLA.
There were also questions on who would be the backup behind Garrett Nussmeier. Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Buren Jr. took the second team snaps and former LCA record breaking dual threat Ju’Juan Johnson is making the transition back to quarterback after primarily playing running back and defensive back his freshman year.
In a laid back media viewing period, there was not a whole lot to gather especially since it is only the first full week of spring practice, but it was also a chance to see some of immediate impact freshmen and transfers for the first time in a Tiger uniform.
Offensively, Kentucky transfer Barion Brown showcased his dynamic speed and why he set a SEC record for kickoff returns for touchdowns in returning punts. He, Aaron Anderson, and Zavion Thomas will be battling for the starting punt returner role.
Tight end transfers Bauer Sharp and Donovan Green were getting a lot of work with new tight ends coach Alex Atkins.
Five star running back Harlem Berry was wearing the #22 jersey today and getting some catches when working with running backs coach Frank Wilson.
Defensively, I got an extended look at the defensive ends working with Kevin Peoples, who did a masterful job with Saivion Jones and Bradyn Swinson last season. This year, he has mostly a new group to work with featuring three transfers in Patrick Payton, Jimari Butler, and Jack Pyburn. Also, working the sleds was Gabriel Reliford, who is also expected to have a big role on the edge in the two deep.
In the secondary, five star DJ Pickett certainly looks the part of a big time cornerback at 6’4, 190 pounds. Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane was also hitting the one man sleds.
Finally, it is not just about the new players that were intriguing to watch as it was also a first look for me to see former Tiger great Kyle Williams work with the defensive line. Early indications show that Williams has been really hands on with the defensive line working the blocking sleds. He is looking comfortable and is showing off his wisdom of being a top defensive lineman for over 20 years.
As expected after productive freshmen campaigns, Ahmad Breaux and Dominick McKinley were pacing the group.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s practice report and keep up to date for any LSU football updates at www.gridironfootballusa.com!
