LSU will hold a 60-to-70 play scrimmage to wrap up preseason camp on Saturday. We’ll hear from Coach Brian Kelly afterwards, and it will be interesting to hear his thoughts about the scrimmage and how his team is shaping as we move closer to game week.
The other big news we’ll get is about cornerback Denver Harris. He’s been away this week handling “personal matters,” but because of his history, there’s a concern he may not return.
Coming into camp, the cornerback position was one of the biggest concerns if not the biggest concern as they are rebuilding the depth at that position.
LSU has already lost one cornerback indefinitely as Coach Brian Kelly told the Advocate, Ohio State transfer JK Johnson is out with a fractured left leg.
LSU is not interested in losing another cornerback, but they knew Harris was a bit of a risk. At Texas A&M last season, he missed the season opener after missing curfew. But got on the field the next week and played well for the first half of the season until he and a few other players were suspended indefinitely in the middle of the year.
If Harris does not come back, LSU is okay, but can’t afford anymore significant injuries at the position.
Syracuse transfer Duce Chestnut and Southeastern Louisiana transfer Zy Alexander are your starters. Back-ups are former Acadiana star Laterrance Welch and true freshman Ashton Stamps, who has been one of the pleasant surprises in camp.
After that it gets thin.
Now Greg Brooks Junior can play nickelback and Kelly has raved about Sage Ryan’s ability to play both safety and corner, but they really can’t afford anymore injuries or departures at cornerback.
Tiger Transfers
Which transfer will have the biggest impact on the upcoming season? There’s a lot of talk about what Alabama transfer Aaron Anderson and the potential he brings to the return game and as a slot receiver.
Notre Dame transfer Logan Diggs is expected to be one of the top running backs. Texas transfer Ovie Oghoufa could lead the team in sacks. Syracuse transfer Duce Chestnut is expected to be LSU’s top corner.
But what about Oregon State transfer linebacker Omar Speights? He was a first team All-Pac 12 selection last season. And racked up over 300 tackles, 25 tackles for a loss and five sacks during his four seasons with the Beavers.
Kelly says Speights is a unique linebacker because he’s a run stuffer, who can also play space in the passing game.