Brandon Harris started one game in 2014. It came on the road against Auburn, then the No. 5 team in the country. In a hostile environment with an offense that didn’t have any kind of rhythm, Harris flopped. He was just 3-for-14 passing in the third quarter before he was yanked for Anthony Jennings.

From that point, Harris didn’t play a single meaningful snap, despite cries from fans and reassurances from Les Miles that he’d see action. This spring, Harris will get a chance to earn the job on a full-time basis.

What will he have to do to secure the spot?

Master the playbook

When Harris did get into games last year, his play was more of a free-for-all or a toned-down version of LSU’s offense. Against Mississippi State, he ran all over and heaved bombs downfield to try to bring the Tigers back (which he almost did). Against New Mexico State, when he put on a sparkling performance and far outshined Jennings, he threw the ball quickly or took off after his first read.

Being able to work through progressions and make smart decisions when LSU throws will give Harris a leg up on Jennings.

Indications from Cameron are that Harris is up to speed in that regard. He’ll just have to prove it on the field.

“Our guys know our offense now,” Cameron told NOLA.com. “Once you learn the offense, it gives you more time to spend reading the defense.”

Throw accurately and smartly

One part of Jennings’ problems last year was an inability to connect with his receivers. More than half the time, his throws ended up somewhere other than in a receiver’s hands. Deep balls, passes over the middle, throws to the sideline; Jennings struggled with all of them. If Harris can show that he can make all of those passes — and his big arm indicates he’ll be able to — LSU’s offense would be all the better for it.

Knowing where to go with the ball will also be crucial.

“Our quarterbacks have got to become better decision-makers,” Cameron told NOLA.com.

LSU allowed the fifth-most sacks in the SEC last season despite throwing the fewest passes in the conference. That’s not all on the offensive line; too often, Jennings’ indecision led to a sack. That will have to change.

“I don’t know of any throw that Anthony and Brandon can’t make,” Cameron said in the NOLA.com interview. “They just need to have the confidence and belief they can do it.”

Maturity

Cam Cameron told NOLA.com that he needs both Jennings and Harris to get “physically and mentally tougher.” Both quarterbacks were young last year, which affected their leadership abilities. Cameron added that he’s confident both quarterbacks will be able to step their game up, both in the huddle and with the ball in their hands.

There were questions last year about Harris’ readiness to get in the game. Despite being the more talented of the two passers throwing the ball, there were times where he didn’t seem mentally prepared to run the offense.

If he is as focused off the field as Cameron makes it sound, there’s no reason to believe he can’t take a firm grasp of the starting job this spring.