Ed Orgeron hated to see TJ Finley leave LSU following the conclusion of spring camp in Baton Rouge but the quarterback’s decision at least cleared up the offseason competition on the bayou.

If you missed it, Finley announced his decision to leave LSU last week. Finley started five games during his only season with the program and completed 80 of his 140 passes for 941 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions.

During his most recent appearance on ESPN 104.5 FM radio show Off The Bench, Orgeron was asked to respond to Finley’s decision to leave LSU.

“TJ did everything right. He reached out and said, ‘Coach, I need to have a meeting with you.’ Very heartfelt, it was a very hard decision for him,” Orgeron said on the show. “He felt that it was the best decision for him in his career.

“Obviously, I tried to have him stay. You know, I think the world of TJ, and I think it’s a great young man. I think it’s a great quarterback, but he felt that there was something that he needed to do, but I got to say, he did everything right. He did it first class, and we wish him the very best wherever he goes. Someone’s gonna get a great young man, a great quarterback.”

At this time, Finley has not decided where he will continue his college football career.

With Finley gone, Orgeron sees the competition between Myles Brennan and Max Johnson heating up. While true freshman Garrett Nussmeier is still competing for the right to start, LSU’s coach suggested the young quarterback is currently in third place when it comes to the offseason competition.

“Obviously, Garrett, we all saw in the spring game; I think he is going to require a little bit more experience,” Orgeron said. “But, [Brennan and Johnson] are neck and neck right now – two great quarterbacks.

“I believe in both; both have great families, great leadership. Let the best man win. And we are going to go through camp, and we’re gonna decide that towards the end of camp, who is the best quarterback for our football team.”