Practice Report: Observations From LSU's Bowl Practice
LSU football hit the practice fields on Tuesday as this program continues gearing up for a matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Here are a few observations from the 45-minute media viewing:
The Quarterbacks
Garrett Nussmeier... The redshirt sophomore is the go-to guy with Jayden Daniels off to the NFL Draft and he looked the part on Tuesday. The torch has been passed and Nussmeier looked both prepared to be a leader and effective signal-caller for the Tigers. As for his performance, Nuss delivered a handful of impressive balls during one-on-one drills with an eye-opening connection with Shelton Sampson Jr. Quick observations, but Nussmeier looked the part.
Rickie Collins... There remains work to be done with the true freshman and it was on display on Tuesday. Collins continues working closely with Joe Sloan, with the two chatting it up on numerous occasions during practice, but consistency will remain of the utmost importance. Collins had a few pretty passes, but struggled during 11v11 work.
It's a thin quarterback room at the moment with Daniels gone and Vanderbilt transfer AJ Swann not on campus yet, but reinforcements are on the way.
The Running Backs
Logan Diggs... The first-year Tiger will suit up in LSU's bowl game against Wisconsin next month with the chance to boost his NFL Draft stock, if he so chooses that path. On Tuesday, he looked quick and twitchy for the Bayou Bengals with his ability to catch out of the backfield standing out. Again, quick observations.
Trey Holly and Kaleb Jackson... The freshmen backs will be called upon to take on a bigger role next season and the coaching staff is already looking to give them more touches during practice. Holly took significant snaps alongside Jackson and Diggs.
Josh Williams... The seasoned veteran has an opportunity to return to Baton Rouge for yet another season in the purple and gold if he so chooses. Looks were limited on Tuesday, but the return of the "old head" would be key in the youngsters developing.
The Wide Receivers
Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr... The Tigers' WR1 and WR2 looked the part on Tuesday with Nussmeier slinging the rock. Both receivers looked twitchy during one-on-ones after beating essentially all cornerbacks in the room. It'll be interesting to see how many reps they take against Wisconsin.
Kyren Lacy and Chris Hilton... It's evident this coaching staff expects a jump from both wideouts next season. Lacy and Hilton looked extremely confident with Hilton standing out on Tuesday. Aside from Nabers, Hilton was the most impressive receiver on the day after showcasing his speed during one-on-one's.
Shelton Sampson... The true freshman had the best day of all the young wide receivers after reeling in several passes from Nussmeier. A player who could take a leap next year, Sampson's route-running and break off the line of scrimmage looked improved on Tuesday.
The Offensive Line
- Will Campbell (Left Tackle)
- Garrett Dellinger (Left Guard)
- Charles Turner (Center)
- Miles Frazier (Right Guard)
- Emery Jones (Right Tackle)
*Zalance Heard and DJ Chester worked with the second team*
The Tight Ends
Mason Taylor... Nothing to report on Taylor. He's the clearcut TE1 and played as such on Tuesday. He continues improving his game in all facets and made a few contested catches across the middle from Nussmeier.
Ka'Morreun Pimpton... The freshman didn't take many significant reps during the 2023 season, but it's clear the expectations for him moving forward. Pimpton took on more reps on Tuesday, and with Jackson McGohan out of the picture, it paves the way for both Pimpton and Mac Markway to take on a bigger role in practice. Markway also looked more polished as a pass catcher.
The Defensive Line
- Mekhi Wingo was spotted at practice on Tuesday after missing the back half of the regular season. Wingo underwent surgery on a lower-body injury this season, but has returned to the field for LSU.
- Maason Smith also contributed on Tuesday. Both Smith and Wingo remain a priority for this program as this staff looks to get them to return to Baton Rouge as opposed to the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Jordan Jefferson handled starting duties on the defensive line as Wingo looks to get back to his old ways.
The Linebackers
Nothing to report with the linebacker corps. Harold Perkins, Omar Speights, Whit Weeks and Greg Penn III took significant reps with defensive coordinator Matt House leading the charge.
The Secondary
- LSU defensive back Sage Ryan hit the practice field for the Tigers on Tuesday despite revealing he would enter the NCAA Transfer Portal four days ago. Ryan took reps with the one's and even had a one-on-one session with Brian Kelly at midfield.
- Ashton Stamps and Javien Toviano took first team reps at corner while Andre Sam and Major Burns rotated in at safety. Jordan Allen also took significant reps.
