It’s that time of year again.
Spring practice is done, summer workouts are through, we’ve done the whole media day thing and now it’s time to get ready for football.
LSU opened fall camp on Thursday. The season-opener against Florida State is less than a month away and the Brian Kelly era will begin in earnest.
Kelly met with the media after practice on Thursday. He said he didn’t want to do too much with the group on their first day as they try to avoid things like soft tissue injuries.
“It really was set up just to get guys back into the structure of practice,” Kelly said.
He said he was pleased with the effort on the first day. Here are some other noteworthy things Kelly said at his press conference.
Quarterbacks
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Spoiler alert: LSU has not decided on a quarterback.
This has been one of the more mysterious QB battles in the country, and it looks like it’ll remain that way for a bit.
Kelly said the mental preparation among the passers has been better lately now that they understand the playbook. The first practice was about the basics, but Kelly said the group is ready to get going with more complex stuff.
Kayshon Boutte
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“He’s an explosive player,” Kelly said when asked about his star wide receiver.
Boutte was out most of the spring and summer with an injury. This was the first real opportunity Kelly got to see Boutte on the practice field.
A few months ago, Kelly had to call Boutte out. It’s not exactly clear what the issue was, but Kelly wanted to see more of a commitment from the guy who is supposed to carry the offense.
Boutte responded and even ended up with the No. 7 jersey.
On Thursday, Kelly said there were a couple times where he had to remind Boutte how to practice, but added that he’s “so committed.”
Whatever issues were there appear to be in the past, and Boutte seems healthy and ready to go. I think Tiger fans can ease any concerns they might have had.
Injuries
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LSU is mostly healthy right now. Kelly didn’t have much to report when it came to guys that aren’t available.
He said WR Jack Bech is working his way back from shin splints and LB DeMario Tolan is coming back from a discectomy.
Neither of those situations is serious, and both players are where LSU wants them to be.
Running backs
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LSU running back room is filled with talent. John Emery Jr., Armoni Goodwin and Noah Cain were all blue-chip recruits coming out of high school, but they’re all still looking for their opportunity to break out.
Kelly said they all bring something a little different to the table and is okay with doing things by committee. He said all will contribute in some fashion.
Offensive line
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Kelly said LSU has continued to cross-train at the offensive line.
Garrett Dellinger has worked at guard and center. Miles Frazier and Anthony Bradford have both worked at multiple spots as well.
Kelly said he wants to keep flexibility before they build the starting five by solidifying the tackles and center position.
Other Notes
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- Kelly spoke highly of the other receivers behind Boutte but mentioned much of that group is young and wants to see consistency.
- Kelly said he wants LSU to gain some continuity at the corner position, considering all the transfers and turnover at that spot. He said Jarrick Bernard-Converse looked good in his first practice.
- Kelly had some nice things to say about a few freshmen. LB Harold Perkins really stood out as did OL Emery Jones and Bo Bordelon.
- RB Tre Bradford is no longer on the roster. Kelly said he’s been “separated” from the university but couldn’t get into much more than that.
