LSU Football: Three Observations From Fall Camp

Brian Kelly and Co. have the opportunity to do something special this season in Baton Rouge and this program understands the expectations on its shoulders.

It’s been a fiery first couple of days during Fall Camp. We’ve seen tempers flare, youngsters stepping up to the plate and more as Week 2 continues, but there have been several noteworthy takeaways as this team works towards its ultimate goal of winning a National Championship.

A few observations from the first four practices:

No Shortage of Talent on Offense

LSU returned a majority of its offensive production heading into this season, and as this program continues its work during Fall Camp, the confidence is on full display.

The Tigers have a sense of familiarity when it comes to offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s scheme and the first few days have shown how comfortable this group is.

It starts with the big guys up front, and with Brad Davis returning his starting rotation from a season ago, the offensive line has looked sharp. It’s been Will Campbell (LT), Garrett Dellinger (LG), Charles Turner (Center), Miles Frazier (RG) and Emery Jones (RT) as the starting group with Marlon Martinez battling for starting duties at center.

When it comes to skill position players like wide receivers and running backs, again, there’s no shortage of talent in this area.

LSU returns WR1 Malik Nabers, a pair of wideouts ready to breakout this season in Brian Thomas Jr. and Kyren Lacy, and reel in Alabama transfer Aaron Anderson. With playmakers all over, the Tigers are in good hands.

A season ago, it was a struggle to find depth at both running back and tight end, but fast forward to Fall Camp this time around and there’s more bodies than this coaching staff could as for. With eight scholarships running backs and a trio of freshmen at tight end alongside Mason Taylor, the depth of the offense is eye-opening.

Secondary Struggles

If there is one area that’s been the talk of the town, it’s with the defensive backs. How will this unit gel come Sept. 3 against Florida State? Who will be the starters? Can defensive coordinator Matt House make it work?

LSU is a work in progress with its secondary and it’s been evident through the first few days of practices. By no means is it time to press the panic button, but there is significant room for improvement among the cornerbacks and safeties.

A bright spot for the Tigers so far have been transfers Zy Alexander and Duce Chestnut. The two corners have taken a majority of first team reps and have thrived when given opportunity. Along with the pair of transfers, newcomer Andre Sam has been sneaky good.

Sam came up with a huge interception on Garrett Nussmeier on Day 4 of practice and has looked the part thus far. Some questioned whether the well-traveled safety could hang in the SEC, and to this point, he’s looked more than capable.

This unit will be a work in progress through camp, but as they continue gaining familiarity with one another, it’s only a matter of time until they hit their stride.

Maason Smith Shining

Harold Perkins receives high praise on a routine basis, as he should, but if there is another player who deserves his flowers through the first week and a half of camp its defensive lineman Maason Smith.

Smith returns to the field at full strength after suffering a torn ACL in the season opener against Florida State in 2022 and hasn’t skipped a beat. The third-year Tiger looks the part with noticeable size being added during his rehab process.

He’s testing other players, showing his leadership and putting it all out there during both individual and team drills. On Monday, Smith and offensive lineman Charles Turner had to be separated after jawing at each other. It’s showing the fiery, tenacious personality of Smith as he dials in for what many expect to be a big-time year.

Smith is a player who can change the game on one snap, and after working during rehab to get back to this point, he’s shined during fall camp through the first four practices.