2021 LSU Football By Position: Quarterbacks

For LSU’s football fortunes in 2021, it will be a “Back to the Future” type of approach on both sides of the ball.

The defense is stealing a page from Dave Aranda’s background during his stay in Tigertown and the offense is reverting somewhat back to the style seen from the Joe Brady/Steve Ensminger coaching combo.

Football school commenced a couple of weeks ago and spring drills are not too far off so this is a good time to take look at each position on the roster.

The addition of offensive coordinator Jake Peetz and passing game coordinator D.J. Mangas plus the return of offensive analyst Jorge Munoz, who was instrumental in the development of Joe Burrow, is huge.

The light beams brightest on the quarterback spot, as it should. A bit uncertainty looms but not due to a lack of talented options. It will be a different look from the Linehan/Ensminger attack of ’20 and more of what you witnessed the year prior, no matter who takes the snaps.

THE QUARTERBACKS

Myles Brennan (6-4 3/4, 218) played in only three games last season but threw for 1,112 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. He bided his time behind Danny Etling and Joe Burrow to become the starter, and it will be his job to lose regardless of what you may think.

Brennan spends a great deal of time in the film room. One area he has excelled in is pre-snap reads, knowing what the defense will do and where the soft spots are. Just look at what Alabama’s Mac Jones did in 2020, his first full season as a starter. That’s the kind of success Brennan can replicate for the Tigers with the talent around him.

Max Johnson (6-5, 220) was impressive late in the 2020 campaign, completing 58% of this tosses for 1,069 yards and eight touchdowns with just one interception. He also ran for 119 yards and two scores. Some think he should remain the starter.

The dual threat southpaw made strides as a true freshman. Against Ole Miss in the season finale, he threw for 435 yards and three touchdowns in a 53-48 win. One week before against Florida, his 239 yards and three touchdowns helped produce the 37-34 upset victory.

Johnson flashed mobility and moves the pocket that have many excited about how good he can become.

T.J. Finley (6-6, 242) played well as a true freshman at times as well. He completed 57% of his throws for 941 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions plus 34 yards and a score rushing.

In his first start versus South Carolina, the Ponchatoula product was 17 of 21 for 265 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in a nearly flawless debut. He ran for a touchdown as well. Against Arkansas, Finley had 271 yards and two scores including a game-winner in the fourth quarter of a 27-24 LSU victory.

Garrett Nussmeier (6-2, 182)

A pro style talent, the 2021 signee moves well in the pocket and keeps his eyes downfield under duress. He’s an accurate passer who makes good decisions. In three years at Flower Mound, Texas, the son of a former New Orleans Saints quarterback threw for 8,160 yards and 83 touchdowns.

Overall, the QB spot has never been deeper in Baton Rouge. Competition for snaps will be fierce.

Stay tuned for more analysis of the LSU offense by position.

—

Click here for LSU roster analysis by position for 2021.