The first preseason practice of the Lane Kiffin era is complete, and the biggest takeaway for LSU may have been the health of starting quarterback Sam Leavitt.
Kiffin said Leavitt, who is returning from a significant foot injury, looked as good as he has since arriving in Baton Rouge.
"He looked really good," Kiffin said. "Sam has been moving around really well. If you just went today and saw him, I don't think you'd think there was an injury."
Leavitt suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury to his right foot while at Arizona State last season, requiring surgery. He was limited during LSU's spring practices and underwent a follow-up procedure, but Kiffin said there were no restrictions during Wednesday's opening workout.
In fact, Kiffin believes the quarterback is right where he needs to be with just a month until LSU opens the season against Clemson on Sept. 5.
"That was exciting to see, and it looks like he's getting more comfortable with the receivers," Kiffin said. "I think his progression has been really good, and he's right on pace."
Leavitt's recovery remains one of the biggest storylines entering the season. Another is how quickly the Tigers can develop chemistry after adding more than 60 new players to the roster.
Kiffin, now in his sixth head coaching job, said building a new team is nothing new.
"I think we've just done it for a long time now," Kiffin said.
He also credited LSU's recruiting efforts, saying the program has emphasized bringing in high-character players who have embraced the team's culture from the start.
Wednesday's practice was intentionally shorter than usual as Kiffin looks to reduce the risk of the soft-tissue injuries that often occur early in preseason camp.
“We have a lot of work to do, to get them to play as a team together,” Kiffin said. “We have to control what we can control.”
The first-team offensive line remained unchanged from the end of spring practice, with Jordan Seaton at left tackle, Bo Bordelon at left guard, Braelin Moore at center, Alou Bah at right guard and Weston Davis at right tackle.
The second unit featured Sean Thompson Jr. at left tackle, Devin Harper at left guard, William Satterwhite at center, Ja'Quan Sprinkle at right guard and Darrin Strey at right tackle.
Another notable development involved sophomore cornerback D.J. Pickett, who switched from No. 3 to No. 5.
Kiffin said Pickett was promised the number during his recruitment by the previous coaching staff and wanted to honor that commitment.
"The kid's promised something. He should wear it," Kiffin said. "It should be honored what he was told."
Pickett becomes the first LSU player to wear No. 5 since Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels.
