LSU is set to wrap up its Spring Football schedule with the National L Club Spring Game Saturday and Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron said earlier this week he’s expecting Saturday’s scrimmage to be competitive.
LSU’s roster will be split into the Purple and White teams and Orgeron said the White team will be first-team offense and second-team defense while the Purple team will feature defensive starters and the second-team offense.
Here’s five storylines to watch when the Tigers hit the field in Tiger Stadium at noon Saturday for the Spring Game.
Which QB shines?
LSU entered spring practice with four quarterbacks, Max Johnson, Myles Brennan, TJ Finley and Garrett Nusseier competing for the starting job. Johnson received the first reps in Spring practice, as somewhat of a reward for leading the Tigers to a 2-0 record in his two starts, but Orgeron has maintained that the QBs have received equal reps and that the competition won’t be decided until the Fall.
Saturday’s scrimmage, however, should give fans a glimpse of where that race stands and how the QBs stack up regardless of when they play.
Which receivers step up?
Following Terrace Marshall Jr.’s decision to opt out of LSU’s final few games last season rising sophomore Kayshon Boutte seamlessly stepped into his role as LSU’s No. 1 receiver. Behind Boutte are several players who flashed the potential to become key contributors in the Tigers’ offense.
Jaray Jenkins, Jontre Kirklin, Koy Moore and Trey Palmer lead the group of returning receivers who will compete with a crop of freshmen come fall camp.
Which newcomers shine?
Throughout Spring, several newcomers were mentioned as players that impressed LSU’s coaching staff and made a case for playing time.
Defensive lineman and early enrollee Maason Smith along with linebacker Navonteque Strong were both names continuously mentioned as potential impact players. Fan should get a chance to see why there’s a buzz around these newcomers Saturday.
Who’s improved?
Orgeron mentioned several returning players that he noticed took big strides since the season ended and offered linebacker Damone Clark as an example. With so many players returning and new coaching staff members, fans should see a roster that’s vastly improved from the 2020 season.
How LSU’s new coaches look?
LSU will hit the field with a new offensive coordinator, Jake Peets, passing game coordinator, DJ Mangas, defensive coordinator, Daronte Jones, linebackers coach, Blake Baker, and defensive line coach Andre Carter. Saturday’s scrimmage will be a chance to see how LSU’s players are responding to the new staff.
