Two weeks into preseason camp for the fifth ranked LSU Tigers and so far, it’s been quiet. No big injuries, just a lot of great competition as LSU’s new defensive secondary tries to keep up with a Tigers passing game that plans to be prolific in 2023.
So, when one of your more talented cornerbacks is not on the field for several days, it’s going to cause a stir. Texas A&M transfer Denver Harris has been away from the team and coach Brian Kelly said on Wednesday afternoon the former five-star recruit is handling personal matters and could return to the team this week.
But Harris has not been practicing with the first team defense; he’s been getting work as a back-up during drills.
Syracuse transfer two-time All-ACC player Duce Chestnut has locked down the number one cornerback position. Kelly likes his calming influence on the rest of the secondary.
Chestnut says the decision to transfer to LSU was an easy one as he’s always been a fan of the Fighting Tigers.
“Watching (last year’s) Alabama game to see that happen was crazy to watch on TV,” said Chestnut.
He’s had success playing in the ACC and now wants to see what he can do in the SEC.
“A lot of people say that the SEC is the closest thing to the NFL, of course, I wanted to be part of that. I want to make it to the NFL.”
LSU will have all new players at the cornerback position, but Kelly is fine with that because of the experience at the safety position.
During Wednesday’s session with the media, Kelly says graduate transfer Andre Sam from Marshall has been outstanding. Major Burns has had a really good camp, Sage Ryan has looked good at both the nickel and corner positions. There’s also Greg Brooks Jr who has been slowed during camp by some heat-related health issues.
We also got an update Wednesday on defensive tackle Maason Smith, who has missed several practices due to injury. Kelly says Smith has battled a sprained ankle and other nagging injuries as he attempts to come back from a serious knee injury.
Kelly says they understand Smith’s talent and they are not going to rush him.
We also got an update on special teams from Kelly. He says kickers Damian Ramos and Nathan Dibert will both be active in the kicking game.
And he says Alabama transfer Aaron Anderson is as comfortable as a returner he’s seen. They are still trying to sort out kick returner, but Anderson is a possibility there as well.
A lot of offensive and defensive starters will also participate on special teams this year. Kelly said he told the players, if you want to play in the NFL, you have to have more on your resume than being a positional player.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabors has first-round talent and Kelly says his mindset is much better this year, as he’s able to maintain his emotions. Kelly says distractions would sometimes disrupt Nabors’ ability to play at a high level.
Still hard to tell who are the primary running backs. There are eight scholarship players on the roster there’s no depth chart hanging up in the locker room. Kelly believes the situation will play itself out. He expects experience will prevail in the end.
On a lighter note, Kelly says he’s been able to experience some fishing since moving to the Sportsman’s Paradise. He says it’s fun when they just jump into your boat while fishing near Port Fourchon.