Hello Tiger fans! It’s been a few weeks since the start of Spring practice and I’m already thrilled. So, this week and next week I want to analyze what we’ve learned. Today we’ll cover offense and next we’ll dissect the defense. Off we go…

New Faces & Old Faces

After losing a host of leaders and standouts to the NFL, LSU will look to replace a lot of that talent with a load of freshman and sophomores from the past two years’ worth of signees. As I’ve said before, we definitely replenished our necessities (save cornerbacks) in this year’s class and we won’t be worrying about depth or lack of talent. In a new era of LSU football, what’s experience? Well, a whole lot actually. With so many unexperienced freshman and sophomores roaming the field, we need to see leaders (juniors and seniors) step up and take charge this spring. There is certainly enough leadership to carry this team.

Three-way QB Battle

Quarterback is up for grabs as Orgeron has made very clear. However, Myles Brennan has a certain suave, polish, and whip to his throw that the others don’t. If it all comes down to talent, consistency, and technique, I see Myles Brennan coming away with the job. To be sure, Lowell Narcisse seems to be catching up. Coach O has raved about his work ethic, progress, and knowledge of the playbook. Of course, left-handed quarterback Justin McMillan—who has been around for three years with no serious playing time—is making some “special” plays according to Coach Orgeron. His extra two years at LSU and his ability to extend plays with his feet is something unique that he brings to the table. All in all, they are three very different quarterbacks and Steve Ensminger will choose the best one for the system. Considering that the “system” is a three or four wide receiver spread, I see the “pure passer” (as Orgeron once said), Myles Brennan, getting the job.

No Feature Back? No Problem.

This is the first year in a while that LSU isn’t coming into the spring with a big-time running back to lead the team through the season. With the new system Ensminger is installing, we don’t need one. All we want is some versatility in the back-field that can catch passes in the flat and get some yards in open space. Clyde-Edwards Helaire is the perfect scat-back to do just that. Nick Brossete is at the top of the list right now but Orgeron talks with a certain excitement about this slippery sophomore.

The Receivers

Yes, Steve Ensminger has called this group the teams biggest strength and so have I. In fact, I have yet to meet someone that would argue that point. I’ve heard all the buzz about the expected standout and the new No. 7-wearer, Jonathan Giles, and I’ve payed close attention to the chatter surrounding dark horses, Racey McMath and Justin Jefferson. I’ve already heard quite enough to assume that this core will be superior to every other class inside of the century (save the Landry-Beckham duo). Although, believe it or not, there is more to come. Terrace Marshall is yet to reach his potential and signees Jaray Jenkins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Kenan Jones won’t show up until August.

Brutal Trenches

We may have lost quite a few big men to the NFL and elsewhere but refilled depth and talent even more than before. With players from last year such as Brumfield, Ingram, and Campbell leading the way, I’m sure Badara Traore and Damien Lewis, whom Coach O has been obsessed with lately, will make some immediate impact too. Orgeron mentioned some struggle with pass protection in the last scrimmage but I’m sure that by the time September rolls around, LSU will have some of the deadliest trenches in the nation.

Ears can be pretty unreliable and I have yet to see these things for myself (besides on short, crummy, videos of practices). Until the Spring Game!

GEAUX TIGERS!