LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier: 'This is my home'
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier could have gone to another big-time program and earned the starting job heading into the 2023 season, but there was only one place he wanted to be.
Nussmeier has remained loyal to Brian Kelly and the LSU program despite losing the quarterback battle a season ago.
Now, with Jayden Daniels returning for another season in Baton Rouge, Nussmeier will serve as the backup signal-caller for another season.
The third-year Tiger remains patient, but understands when his number is called that he will be ready no matter what.
Nussmeier opened up on his decision to return to LSU:
Representing Louisiana
Nussmeier was born in Lake Charles, La. and it means something to him to be able to represent his home state. A guy who's moved all over as a youngster, he felt a form of consistency in Louisiana.
The opportunity to represent the state and wear LSU on his helmet means something to Nussmeier, and if he has to wait, he'll be ready when his number is called.
“It matters to me to wear this state on my jersey. I think it means something to a lot of guys on our team. I was born in Lake Charles. My family is in Lake Charles. Being a kid who moved around so much —Louisiana was only constant in my life and every time I would cross over the border into this state, it felt like home,” Nussmeier said on Tuesday.
Finish What He Started
It's no secret Nussmeier could have gone just about anywhere and earned the starting quarterback job. He's as talented as they come in college football and continues evolving at a rapid rate.
The third-year Tiger remained loyal to what Brian Kelly is building in Baton Rouge and is a man of his word. He wanted to finish what he started in the purple and gold.
“I think anyone in my situation there are opportunities and you have to look and listen to things, but I never entered the portal so I wasn’t talking to people,” Nussmeier said. “I wasn’t thinking about that. I wanted to focus on the situation that I am in here. I felt wanted, felt like this is where I should be and to finish what I started."
QB Coach Joe Sloan's Impact
Joe Sloan is an elite assistant coach both on and off the field. He's a top notch developer of quarterbacks and is just as talented as a recruiter.
He's had to do both for Nussmeier. From helping evolve his game to keeping him in Baton Rouge, Sloan has been a match made in heaven for Nussmeier.
The redshirt sophomore signal-caller detailed his relationship with Sloan and how important it's been to have a coach who has the same tendencies as he does.
“One of the first conversations coach Sloan and I had, he said he was the best coach in the country to coach me and that could be true because we’re very similar," Nussmeier said. "We’re both emotional guys. He’s quick to get onto me, but I love it and I’m used to it and that’s how I want to be coached. I want to be coached to be the best that I can be.”
