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LSU opened spring practice Saturday, the first step in a long journey toward getting back to national title contention in the ultra-competitive SEC West.
The Tigers crumbled down the stretch last fall and saw their streak of four straight 10 plus-win seasons end despite flexing the the league’s best defense. Anchored by one of the nation’s best backs in Leonard Fournette, eight returning starters on each side of the football gives LSU reason for optimism heading into Les Miles’ 11th season in Baton Rouge.
Football is back! Tigers hit the practice field for spring drills today. #LSU pic.twitter.com/lRbW4J1Htm
— LSU Football (@LSUfball) March 7, 2015
Several new faces on the coaching staff made their unofficial debuts during indoor-outdoor sessions including defensive line coach Ed Orgeron who delivered a proper how-to on shedding a block with a power move:
Coach O showing the Defensive Line how it’s done on the first day of #LSU spring practice. A video posted by Emily Villere Dixon (@emilyvdixon) on
LSU is the 10th career stop for Kevin Steele who takes over lead defensive duties from John Chavis following a messy exit to Texas A&M. Steele won’t reinvent the wheel considering the Tigers were one of the nation’s best in all facets defensively last season.
He primarily spent time with linebackers on Saturday:
At #LSU spring practice. DC Kevin Steele working with the LBs pic.twitter.com/nJ9U9bRAmH
— James Bewers (@JamesBewers_TDR) March 7, 2015
True freshman early enrollee Kevin Toliver looked fluid in the gauntlet — at least from available video evidence — and is expected to make a first-year impact as one of the SEC’s few five-star signings in the secondary.
Kevin Toliver II and Malachi Dupre in the gauntlet drill. #LSU pic.twitter.com/pcvFJvdzDc — LSU Football (@LSUfball) March 7, 2015
Incoming running backs Derrius Guice and Nick Brossette, still in high school at the moment, watched from the sidelines during drills. They’ll provide depth and compete for second-team carries with rising sophomore Darrel Williams following the departure of seniors Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard.
#LSU signees Derrius Guice and Nick Brossette watching Frank Wilson and the RB’s at practice. They arrive in May. pic.twitter.com/BvJOoG0QbA
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) March 7, 2015
We all know who will receive the lion’s share of attempts after becoming the featured back midway through his freshman season in 2014:
First day of spring football. What will Leonard Fournette do for a sophomore encore? @LSUfball pic.twitter.com/IcnsyN1ILx
— Chris Price (@cpricesports) March 7, 2015
One question offensive coordinator Cam Cameron wants answered before May is at the quarterback spot. Incumbent Anthony Jennings is the odds-on favorite to retain his job, but second-year passer Brandon Harris is continuing to progress. He didn’t get the ball out fast enough for Cameron’s liking during screen drills, however.
Brandon Harris. “Too slow” Cam Cameron says. #LSU https://t.co/oyy5QpRxEH
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 7, 2015
LSU’s spring game will be played on April 18.
