Brian Kelly isn't ready to declare anyone the front-runner in LSU's quarterback battle, but Thursday's open practice may have offered some hints.
Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels got the first-team reps, but sophomore Garrett Nussmeier would've been in that group as well. He was held out of action for a minor ankle injury that should be fine up in the next day or so. Myles Brennan took the second-team reps. Kelly also complimented the progress of sophomore Walker Howard.
“Not yet, no," when asked if anything should be taken from first vs second-team decisions. "I think you have a very competitive situation still going on.”
Kelly has teased the competitive environment throughout the offseason, with Brennan opting to return to LSU despite no guarantee of the starting job. It's also possible that the team employs two quarterbacks to take advantage of Daniels' athleticism, but Kelly has indicated he'd rather play just one if possible.
THOUGHTS ON THE SECONDARY
Kelly said that he's "really pleased" with how the Tigers' secondary has developed thus far, highlight to McNeese State transfer Cody Dickerson as someone who could have an immediate impact, along with Jalyn Davis Robertson. He added that Sevyn Banks has been cleared for 7-on-7.
“I just feel right now that the concerns that we had there are starting to be alleviated by the production in the play, not by wishing and hoping.”
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ON WR BRIAN THOMAS' DEVELOPMENT
Sophomore WR Brian Thomas is a player Kelly said must be a "key contributor," which means a step up in consistency in Year 2.
“I think at times he still thinks he’s a freshman, and he’s not anymore. We need for him to understand that it’s time for him to go in there and think like a starter. And that’s maturation, and he’s getting there.”
IMPORTANCE OF STARTING WELL IN THE OPENER
The Tigers' opener against Florida State in the Superdome is less than a month away. Kelly is less concerned about the result as he is focused on the quality they put on the field. If the quality is there, the wins will follow.
“I always think that the opener is a little bit overstated in terms of what your team looks like going forward, but they’re all important.”
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“I think it’s how you play the game that’s most important. And that, to me, has always been the barometer for what your team will look like as you move through the season.”