New LSU head coach Brian Kelly hasn't been shy about pointing to the positions that still have a way to go as the Tigers embark on a new head coaching era.
That's a big part of the reason why his glowing review of a freshman tight end stands out.
"We hit a home run with Mason Taylor," Kelly said during the first edition of the Brian Kelly Show, now held on Thursday evenings at TJ Ribs in Baton Rouge.
"It’s one of those things. I’d like to say that we out-recruited everybody in the country on him. We liked him. But he’s been better than anything that we could’ve hoped for," Kelly said. "He’s going to come in and he’s going to play a lot of football for us in the SEC. ... I couldn't be more excited about him."
It's high praise for the 3-star recruit out of Florida, who already has the ideal build for a tight end at 6-5, 242 pounds. And his pedigree could be a reason why he's such an early standout at Tigers camp. Mason is the son of NFL Hall-of-Famer and former Miami Dolphins star Jason Taylor, and he is the nephew of former standout NFL linebacker Zach Thomas.
He'll join a group that also features returning players in Kole Taylor -- no relation -- Nick Storz and Jack Mashburn.
And Kelly knows a thing or two about identifying tight end talent. Five of his former Notre Dame tight ends are currently on NFL rosters in Cole Kmet (Bears), Kyle Rudolph (Bucs), Tommy Tremble (Panthers), Alize Mack (Packers) and Durham Smythe (Dolphins).
So keep that in mind when you hear this:
“Taylor is as good as any freshman tight end that I’ve had,” Kelly says.
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MORE FROM THE BRIAN KELLY SHOW
LATEST ON THE QB DECISION
Kelly had said previously that the team was nearing its decision in the quarterback competition between Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels and redshirt freshman Garrett Nussmeier, but we'll probably be waiting until the weekend for any final determination.
He also wouldn't rule out a scenario where both QBs play in the opener against Florida State on Sept. 4. But here's what he had to say on Thursday:
“The battle is between Jayden and Garrett. They’re getting really 50 percent of the reps and Walker gets a little bit of work. It is a great battle and they’re making themselves better because they’re challenging each other every day in practice.”
Does a QB battle affect team chemistry?
“I think in this instance it’s fine because we’re still a work in progress with the offensive line and developing the offensive line, so it doesn’t affect us from that perspective.”
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WHAT'S THE STATE OF THE OL?
To be determined. The only two positions that seem set in stone are true freshman Will Campbell at LT and Garrett Dellinger at center. From there it will likely be some combination of Miles Frazier, Tre'mond Shorts and Anthony Bradford working at guard, while also getting time at tackle. If Bradford is getting reps inside that means Cam Wire will likely be in line for the starting RT job.
“We’re a work in progress. But ... the most important principle is physicality at the point of attack. And then we want to get the ball out, and so we’ve got to be able to blend those two things. First and foremost is find the guys that allow us to be physical up front, and I think that’s kind of where we’re going. This might not be the most athletic offensive line that I’ve coached, but it can be physical. I think we can be a physical offensive line. Rushing for 116 yards per game is not good enough, and that’s what we did last year. And that’s not gonna win an SEC championship.”
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THE ULTIMATE RB COMMITTEE?
The competition for reps at running back is intense, but it's not a question of naming a starter, Kelly says, because he expects all four of John Emery, Noah Cain, Josh Williams and Armoni Goodwin to have a role.
Emery is currently facing a two-game suspension, but the biggest question will be who stands out in protection and is the most trusted on passing downs.
“They’re all vying for opportunities. … It’s going to be a competitive situation. They’re all going to be fresh and they’re all physically difficult to bring down. So we hope that through attrition that we’re going to just keep pounding it and keep playing physical football. And with four backs, they’re going to take their toll on defense.”
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THOUGHTS ON FRESHMAN LB HAROLD PERKINS
“He’s a young player. He’s gonna make some mistakes. You’ve just got to live with some of the things. But he’s athletic. He can run. He’s fast. Those that know the Florida State quarterback situation, they’ve got an outstanding quarterback that you’re going to need to spy him. Harold’s a guy that can track him down.”
…
“When he obviously settles into what we’re doing, he’s got all the tools. He could probably play running back. He’s that good. It’s going to take a little time. We can’t put him in the college football hall of fame this week. Let’s give him a little time, but he is a talented football player and he’s going to impact the game because of his speed and physicality.”
KICKING AND RETURN GAMES
There are a few positions still up for grabs, but here's how it'll likely break down:
- Punter: Jay Bramblett
- Kicker: Damian Ramos or Trey Finison
- Punt returns: Malik Nabers or Sage Ryan
- Kick returns: Armoni Goodwin
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WHAT STANDS OUT ABOUT BATON ROUGE?
“I don’t think it’s been as hot as people have advertised. I mean, you guys talk about it like we were coming into an oven, like ‘oh it’s going to be 100 degrees every day, you’re going to melt.’ Is it always this cool? I had to throw a jacket on today. … I think the weather’s been bearable.”
LSU TRADITION YOU'RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
“I just don’t want to trip and fall when I run out of the tunnel and embarrass myself in front of 100,000 people. So I’m just excited about being in Tiger Stadium and bringing a football team in there that plays quality football and wins football games. So just excited for that and in particular, I think the night game atmosphere, I’m looking forward to that, too.”
HOW WILL A TRADITIONAL GAME WEEK SCHEDULE BREAK DOWN?
- Mental Monday: Gameplanning
- Intense Tuesday: Get after it, full pads
- Grit Wednesday: Hump day, gotta be gritty
- Detail Thursday: We want to play fast
- Focus Friday: Walthroughs
- Successful Saturday
The opener will have a slight adjustment, with LSU and Florida State facing off an a Sunday at the Caesars Superdome to start the season. That means everything will shift back a day, with Mental Monday taking place on Tuesday, and so on.