LSU Fall Camp Evaluations: The Quarterbacks
Fall Camp is in the rearview mirror for the LSU Tigers as this program begins shifting focus to the season opener against Florida State.
The Tigers worked through 14 practices during camp and there were several media opportunities over the last few weeks with the chance to evaluate each position group.
How did Jayden Daniels and the quarterback room look during preseason practice?
The Quarterback Evaluations:
Jayden Daniels
Daniels returned to Baton Rouge with the chance to continue evolving his game. Fast forward to Fall Camp and the Tigers starting quarterback has taken strides in the right direction with his intermediate and deep passes.
Daniels grew at a rapid pace last season. From the season opener to the SEC Championship Game, his decision making and trust in his arm showed on a routine basis.
After a productive summer, Daniels carried the momentum into camp with a clear connection with LSU’s WR1 Malik Nabers.
Last season, Daniels’ inability to push the ball downfield hurt the Tigers’ chances of utilizing Nabers’ skillset as a deep threat but during camp it was a different story.
Daniels trusted his arm through 14 days on the practice field. He allowed his receivers to make plays and it started with Nabers in the red zone.
Looking ahead to this season, it’s expected Daniels gets the ball to his playmakers and provides a balanced attack.
In 2022, there were times where Daniels would tuck it and run a little too early. He wouldn’t go through all of his progressions and instead just use his legs.
It was a small sample size during camp, but it appears Daniels is continuing to evolve in his decision making when it comes to going through his reads and trusting his arm talent.
Garrett Nussmeier
There were times during camp where Nussmeier had the sidelines in awe of what he was doing on the field. He showcased his arm talent, improved speed and decision making, but consistency remains an issue for the third-year Tiger.
With jaw-dropping plays came bonehead throws that continue to be a concern, but in-game work will be his best friend in the future.
The talent of Nussmeier is no secret, and as he continues working alongside quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan, he’ll be up next for this program.
During camp, Nussmeier showed flashes of what’s to come while also showing there’s still room for improvement in a few areas. All in all, the future of this program is taking strides in the right direction.
Rickie Collins
Collins took part in his first Fall Camp as an LSU Tiger and continues getting accustomed to a college routine.
He’s a raw talent with the physical tools that will have him succeed moving forward, but there is work to be done in his game.
The offseason gave quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan the chance to work on Collins’ footwork and throwing mechanics. This was the first piece Sloan worked on with his first-year signal-caller and there has been clear improvement through his first few months on campus.
Fast forward to August and Collins’ throwing mechanics have improved but accuracy remains a piece to the puzzle that needs solving. It’s a matter of reps and one-on-one work with Sloan that will get Collins over the hump.
The Baton Rouge native will likely redshirt this season, but in-game snaps against weaker opponents will play a major role in his growth as he goes through his first season with the program.
