LSU Spring Football Review: Competition on offense, solid front on defense among highlights

The spring game is not necessarily a microcosm of the whole picture. What transpires between the white stripes is for all eyes to see. Coaches don’t want to get anyone injured in the final practice either.

Having said that, some players made strides since the 2017 campaign concluded, while others advanced in smaller increments

The quarterback spot remains under the microscope. Anyway you want to slice it, the job is Myles Brennan’s to lose.

The true sophomore will stand in the pocket, facing the pressure to deliver the ball. the other options at the position, Justin McMillian and Lowell Narcisse, will roll the pocket against pressure. Although Brennan can fire a bullet, he will on occasion lock onto a receiver.

Brennan displays nice touch on his offerings and squeezes it in tight windows when needed. The more that I observe him, the more he reminds me of former LSU starter Alan Risher (1980-’82) in mannerisms and delivery. If you don’t readily recall Risher, he was one of the elite signal callers in LSU history who finished his days as a three-year starter and the most accurate passer in school history. I’m not sure if Brennan will live up to that, but he just resembles him in some ways.

McMillian displays good ball fakes on play action and has the ability to extend a play. In the spring game, the junior was able to drop a throw over the shoulder of Drake Davis in stride, but the latter misplayed it.

Redshirt freshman Lowell Narcisse can hit his targets and shows good arm strength, with a 63-yard completion to Derrick Dillon in the spring game as a standout moment.

Wide receiver this spring had their issues but Justin Jefferson stood out with good routes and ability to create separation. On one play, he demonstrated sticky fingers leading to a 94 yard scoring catch. The younger brother of Jordan and Rickey is better against press coverage and comfortable in the offense. He also will engage with defenders in running plays as a blocker.

Texas Tech transfer Jonathan Giles is as good as advertised. A smooth receiver, he seems to glide into routes. He will draw added attention from the defense, allowing teammates to more single coverage. Giles shows a quick burst to gain separation.

Early arrival Terrace Marshall may not have jumped out to observers during spring drills, but he has spent time digesting offense and adjusting to the speed of the game. The 2018 signee is knocking off rust from his senior injury at Parkway High. He’s not quite a finished product, butmuch is expected of Marshall down the line.

Edna Karr product Racey McMath will stretch out and go get ball. He has improved his route running and blocking with his big 6-foot-3 frame. Speaking of a big receiver, 6-6 Dee Anderson is a big target yet he seemed to struggle with separation. Derrick Dillon has playmaking skills, especially run after catch.

Senior tight end Foster Moreau enter his final season with 26 grabs for 293 yards and four touchdowns. I fully expect those numbers to be exceeded in 2018. You may recall that he agreed to sign with LSU out of Jesuit at the 11th hour in the 2015 signing class when a spot opened late. He is a primary candidate to wear prized jersey No. 18 this fall.

The offensive line looks to be a work in progress with talented enough options to form a quality unit. Left tackle Saahdiq Charles and right tackle Austin Deculus are a solid SEC duo at their respective spots. JUCO arrival Badara Traore (6-6, 310) has struggled at times though. He can seal the edge on running plays, but Traore has challenges pass blocking the edge.

Left guard Damien Lewis (6-3, 326), another JUCO addition, comes out of his stance with good pad level. Improved throughout spring, he drives his legs during blocks. Lewis will be difficult to keep off of field. Right guard Ed Ingram (6-4, 314) has the look of an All-SEC type, showing the same effort each play. Senior guard Garrett Brumfield maintains his blocks and has experience. Junior Adrian Magee has his moments, but seems to play a bit high and sometimes lunges. Lloyd Cushenberry looks like the best option at center.

There is no signature running back in the group, and you would have to travel back to 2000 for the last time that LSU’s leading rusher (LaBrandon Toefield) had less than 700 yards on the season. But it appears that LSU will employ “satellite” backs to get into space to do their damage.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire plays with good balance, steps out of tackles and has good hands as a receiver. The change of direction runner is decisive in his cuts. Hopefully, freshman Chris Curry brings physicality to the position when he arrives this summer. Fullback Tory Carter looks to be an even better blocker who is also a reliable target.

With Dave Aranda orchestrating the defense, LSU has a chance in most games.

Rashard Lawrence and Breiden Fehoko could be two of the better linemen in the SEC. Lawrence, the voice of the defense, is strong enough to hold his ground against double team blocks. Fehoko, a very active and powerful, doesn’t stay blocked.

With nose tackle Ed Alexander missing time with injury, sophomore Glen Logan (6-4, 315) has seized the opportunity. He controls the center, gets hands up and swats balls in passing lanes.

A 2018 signee, Davin Cotton, got a late spring start following injury at Evangel. He plays with leverage and shoots hands quickly. Tyler Shelvin is still battling the bulge at 378 pounds, noticeably slow as play develops but powerful enough to rag doll blockers when he makes up his mind. Neil Farrell helped his case this spring with high effort and quickness at the snap.

K’Lavon Chaisson is the alpha of the defense along with Devin White. The rangy edge has gained strength and is quicker. He plays sideline to sideline, and his first step off the edge is explosive. With bend off the corner, Chaisson brings constant pressure. He also shows enough athleticism to cover flat when needed. He recorded a couple of sacks in spring game and came close to a couple more.

White is a renowned tackler, but the interior linebacker also gets good depth is pass coverage and closes on ball in a hurry. He appears to be a step faster to fill gaps compared to last season. Fellow inside ‘backers Jacob Phillips, Patrick Queen and Micah Baskerville all looked solid rotating in practices and the spring game. All three show good reactions. Queen gets into passing lanes and recognizes as play develops. Baskerville is a good blitzer.

Outisde linebacker Andre Anthony (6-5, 242) is a sophomore finally getting his chance and making the most of it. He crashes down on running plays and drops well enough in coverage. He flies off the edge.

Coming off a Freshman All American campaign at cornerback, Greedy Williams is primed for another super year after recording 34 tackles, five interceptions and 10 pass defelctions.

Eric Monroe at free safety is a sure tackler. A couple of pleasant surprises at the spotion include sophomore Jontre Kirklin, who can climb the ladder on high throws. He closes on the ball well but sometimes allows too much separation. Kirklin seems more suited to press coverage. Converted receiver Manny Netherly (6-3, 184) has handled himself well in the defensive backfield. He competed well against bigger receivers Drake Davis and Stephen Sullivan, but struggled at times locating the ball. That will come in time. It will be interesting to see how grad transfer Terrence Alexander fits here when he arrives.

This part of the 2018 dress rehearsals is in the books. Summer workouts and preseason camp will be invaluable for a Tiger squad facing a rugged schedule this fall.