Expected to be one of the more intriguing quarterback battles in the country over the next few weeks, LSU’s Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris joined teammates for the Tigers’ first fall workout Monday but did so in different shifts.
Jennings, a sophomore who started one game (Outback Bowl) last season after leading a game-winning drive against Arkansas, performed during LSU’s morning practice while Jennings, a heralded five-star early enrollee, took snaps during the afternoon.
Les Miles didn’t let any quarterbacks speak to the media. He’s waiting until Sunday, the team’s media day, a spokesman said according to The Advocate.
“I want them to relax and play football,” Miles said. “I don’t want (their progress) to be interfered with with the questions of, ‘What do you think?’ ‘How’s it going?’ ‘Where you at — first or second?’ ”
Mostly veterans practiced during Monday’s morning session, while the afternoon shift was designed for the majority of the Tigers’ newcomers. It was the first time Miles was able to see most of the nation’s second-ranked recruiting class in action.
“I was really excited to finally get out there with them. There were a number of guys that really showed well,” Miles said. It’s a good group. I like our receivers. I think they are going to be really good and the young guys will be pressing to play. It takes time to run routes and learn adjustments.
“You’ll see some talented guys in this (freshman) class that will learn quickly. They will eventually get there. This class is the style of class that you can win a national championship with hopefully sooner or later.”
One of those potential first-year stars is Leonard Fournette, the nation’s top-ranked player and five-star running back. Fournette will battle for early playing time with veterans Kenny Hilliard and projected featured back Terrence Magee, who was recently presented with LSU’s prestigious No. 18 jersey.
Though pleased with Fournette’s first day, Miles is reserving judgment until he can see the 6-foot-1, 225-pound beast hit the hole.
“We have to see (Fournette) with pads on,” Miles said. “He has acceleration, good vision and good ball skills. I would guess that he would be a physical back once we put the pads on. We’re going to see how fast he comes, and I’ll be able to tell once we get closer to a game.”
Harris and Jennings will switch practice sessions on Tuesday. LSU’s first full-pad practice is Friday morning.
“We divided the team so we can have twice the reps,” Miles said. “The split squad practices are beneficial to young guys who are getting a chance to get a lot of work during these first four days.
“Don’t make too much of which group players are practicing with. This is designed so that everyone is getting maximum reps. It may be as deceptive as pairing linebackers together so they can see it being done extremely well. It is fully for teaching purposes so that everyone can get maximum reps.”
In a bit of a surprise, junior defensive back Jalen Mills practiced with team after being welcomed back following a summer-long suspension. He was expected to miss the start of fall camp, but recently had a second-degree battery charge reduced to a misdemeanor simple battery.
Miles hasn’t yet announced whether or not he’ll take further disciplinary action when the Tigers open the season against Wisconsin on Aug. 30.
“Jalen practiced with us today,” Miles said. “He was suspended from the team for the entire summer. He will continue to be disciplined internally. The decision to let him come back took time. After an entire summer of suspension we felt like we’d bring him back, but he will continue to be disciplined.”
