Ed Orgeron tells '60 Minutes' about LSU's practices, recruiting efforts during COVID-19

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron was featured on CBS’ “60 Minutes” on Sunday.

In addition to the familiar topics of Orgeron’s background, the segment also offered a behind-the-scenes look at LSU football during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Around the country, summer workouts and fall camp practices were interrupted by players catching the coronavirus. Orgeron offered some positives in his “60 Minutes” interview. He told the show that players have been able to practice without catching the virus. Orgeron said that players who have tested positive for the virus have been able to get over it quickly.

“I’ve seen them practice, and not get sick. I’ve seen them get sick… I think that the young players, when they do get sick, get over it quick,” says LSU’s head football coach, explaining why he thinks college football can safely return in the fall. https://t.co/a34qhECk0d pic.twitter.com/HlThb2Qo4D

— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) September 21, 2020

Orgeron’s observations are encouraging for the 2020 season. As for future season, LSU and other programs have been unable to bring prospects on campus for official visits. With recruiting limited to calling, texting, FaceTime, Zoom and other methods of remote contact, Orgeron’s staff has a daily “power hour” where they work to make contact with as many recruits as possible.

Ed Orgeron is the head football coach of the LSU Tigers, known for his hoarse voice and recruiting savvy. Five days a week, for one frenzied hour, “Coach O” works the phones, calling recruits that are prevented by the pandemic from visiting campus. https://t.co/BznWdzMOAU pic.twitter.com/vWppAO87uP

— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) September 21, 2020