For the first time this spring, we got access to the entire practice and got to see a lot.
The first thing of note is the starting offense. The first team offense featured Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback, Caden Durham at running back, Zavion Thomas, Aaron Anderson, Chris Hilton Jr. as the three receivers, Trey’Dez Green at tight end, Tyree Adams at left tackle, Paul Mubenga at left guard, DJ Chester at center, Coen Echols at right guard, and Weston Davis at right tackle.
During 11v11 and 7v7, Nussmeier made some nice throws none better than a tight window throw to Chris Hilton Jr., who caught a pass over Tamarcus Cooley and Austin Ausberry. Nussmeier did throw an interception to Ausberry, but besides that, had a nice day.
The offensive standout had to be tight end Trey’Dez Green. The 6’7 tight end shows why he is such a mismatch problem against other defenders as he is too quick for linebackers and too big for defensive backs. He won every 1v1 rep including a couple of jump ball touchdowns and showcased why he is such a problem for opposing defenses.
While Green stole the headlines, it was a good overall day for the tight ends with Bauer Sharp also having a fine outing beating Ausberry 1v1 in coverage scoring a touchdown. Donovan Green caught a touchdown from Michael Van Buren Jr.
Florida State transfer Destyn Hill won a jump ball over Ashton Stamps during 1v1s. Barion Brown, continues to show his speed with the deep ball. Kylan Billiot made a nice catch after dropping a pass the play before, and finally, freshman TaRon Francis caught a touchdown off a deep ball thrown by backup quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr.
Defensively, the first team defense looked like this with Patrick Payton at defensive end, Jimari Butler at defensive end,Dominick McKinley at defensive tackle, Ahmad Breaux at defensive tackle, Davhon Keys at linebacker, West Weeks at linebacker, Austin Ausberry at STAR, Mansoor Delane at cornerback, Ashton Stamps at cornerback, Javien Toviano at safety, and Tamarcus Cooley at safety.
Meanwhile, the second team defense had Shone Washington at defensive tackle, Sydir Mitchell at defensive tackle, Gabriel Reliford at defensive end, Jack Pyburn at defensive end, Kenzel Kelly at linebacker, Gabe Leonards at linebacker, Charles Ross at STAR, Michael Turner Jr. at cornerback, and Dashawn Spears at safety, and DJ Pickett at cornerback.
There were times where Ja’Keem Jackson was at cornerback with PJ Woodland at nickel and Ausberry at STAR.
While the offense made some plays, it was the defense that got the best of the offense during 11v11. The defense forced a turnover on downs as on fourth down, Davhon Keys came in with the pressure and forced Nussmeier to throw an incompletion.
Along with Ausberry getting an interception, DaShawn Spears got an interception off of Van Buren. The last play of the practice turned out to be the best play of the day as Van Buren was trying to go for a deep shot for Barion Brown, but Michael Turner Jr. had perfect coverage and came away with the football to snag a pick. Along with freshman DJ Pickett continuing to shine, the defensive backs have elevated their stock after a good day against the receivers.
With our Gridiron Football Elite Camp being this Saturday, our next LSU practice report won’t be until next Tuesday.
For more LSU coverage, make sure to go to www.gridironfootballusa.com and make sure to tune into The Chase With Jace every Wednesday on our YouTube channel!
