Les Miles made his weekly appearance on the SEC’s coaches teleconference Wednesday morning, commenting on a variety of subjects. Some of the highlights were his philosophy on practice time, Kenny Hilliard’s role going forward, and Leonard Fournette addressing his teammates.

  • Kenny Hilliard has been Miles’ top choice at running back so far this season, and it doesn’t sound like that’s going to change anytime soon. Miles praised Hilliard’s personality, leadership and work ethic, saying that he expects Hilliard to be the guy to carry the rock down the stretch. Miles also said that he imagines Hilliard, who has already earned his degree from LSU, has improved his NFL draft stock.
  • Linebackers Kwon Alexander Lamar Louis, both recovering from injuries, will practice at some point this week, and Miles expects them to play on Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe.
  • On the subject of practice time, Miles said that he’s much more willing to play a veteran player on a short practice week than a younger player who might not know the game plan as well. “A veteran can miss some time in a week and it won’t be significant, while a young player could miss the same amount of time and you wouldn’t put him out there because he wouldn’t be ready,” Miles said. 
  • Miles likes the way the early-season schedule has shaken out for his Tigers, as it’s given them a chance to play both a spread offense and a more traditional power running offense. LSU will see both types of offense against the best of the SEC West.
  • When Leonard Fournette’s Heisman pose celebration from the Sam Houston game came up, Miles gave a balanced response. “You’d rather have a guy who is ambitious,” Miles said, before saying that Fournette should curb his enthusiasm for those individual national awards. Miles also said Fournette has addressed the team and said that the freshman regrets striking the pose.
  • Of course, not slowing down the Fournette hype, Miles said he still expects Fournette to have an excellent campaign and compared him to two of the best players he’s ever been around: Michigan wide receiver Desmond Howard, who won a Heisman, and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, who was in the running for one.