The LSU Tigers went through their eight practice of the spring and as always, there was a lot going on at the Ponderosa. For today’s practice report, we are going to focus on the defensive side of the football.
At the end of practice, defensive coordinator Matt House met with the media to discuss how some of the new and veteran faces on that side of the football are approaching the spring.
The first topic discussed was star linebacker Harold Perkins and how he has grown from his standout freshman campaign to now.
Perkins is not the only linebacker that has impressed Coach House, but he has liked how Omar Speights has come in and translated into playing spring football.
With this opportunity, I asked Matt House about what he thought about the talent and depth at the Jack position knowing that there will be a new starter there. Despite having new faces at the position, Coach House is excited about the depth and talent that’s there.
“I am encouraged about the power and numbers from that group. I think right now, you got four guys in the group that are really competing. Ovie’s got a lot of experience, but we are happy with the development of Bradyn, we are happy with the development of Princeton, and we are happy with the development of Jaxon. Like I said, we got a long way to go. This is spring practice number eight, but those guys have shown growth and potential.”
LSU DC Matt House on Jack Position
Coach House sees the potential because of not only the position group’s talent, but also how their position coach John Jancek has set the tone for the unit.
“I am a big John Jancek fan. I love having JJ out there. He gives great energy. He’s been successful in this league both as a coordinator and as a position coach. He’s definitely added great value on the field.”
LSU DC Matt House on John Jancek
The defensive line is trying to transition with an interim coach and is doing so without some of their best players available such as Mekhi Wingo and Maason Smith that are still recovering from injury, but some of the veteran players like Jacobian Guillory and Saivion Jones are taking it among themselves to set the tone.
“I am excited about the potential of depth in that group. There’s a lot of guys that are growing and that’s exciting.”
LSU DC Matt House on defensive line
Coach House pointed out a couple of new names on the defense that have stood out defensively and are showing progress with each practice.
“Guys that have good springs so far are Jaxon, who has had a good spring, Javien’s had a good spring, and in the last three practices, the lights are starting to click on for Whit. Things are slowing down for him a bit. Ryan Yaites, things are starting to slow down for him. Like I said, it is practice number eight, but the true thing about these guys is that they are learning what our process is, and that way, in the summer and training camp, they can apply those.”
LSU DC Matt House on freshmen that are standing out
Javien Toviano is one of those standout freshmen in the secondary and has already impressed by showing off his versatility.
The secondary is filled with new faces, but there are some veterans that are taking advantage of the opportunities and preventing the younger players to take their spot. One of those players is Sage Ryan, who is making the most of getting starting snaps at nickel with Syracuse transfer Duce Chestnut being out.
Whether they are veterans, transfers, or true freshmen, Matt House is taking the springtime, especially with not everybody available to make it even more of a learning opportunity as we are in the final month of spring practice.
Check out the practice highlights from today!
Check out LSU Defensive Coordinator Matt House’s post practice press conference!
