The LSU Football Practice Report: Highlights of the Tigers’ Third Day of Spring Camp

by

The LSU Football Practice Report: Highlights of the Tigers’ Third Day of Spring Camp

Quarterback Play: Garrett Nussmeier Leading the Charge

With Jayden Daniels heading to the NFL, all eyes are on Garrett Nussmeier, who is stepping into the starting role this spring. On Day 3, Nussmeier showcased his impressive arm strength and quick decision-making in both individual and team drills. His deep ball accuracy was a highlight, as he connected with multiple receivers downfield.

  • Key Plays:
    • Chris Hilton Jr. made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch on a perfectly placed deep ball.
    • Kylan Billiot, a rising talent, beat Ashton Stamps in coverage to haul in a tough pass.
    • Barion Brown, a new transfer, displayed his elite speed, adjusting to an underthrown ball for a huge gain.

Behind Nussmeier, freshman Rickie Collins and transfer quarterback Colin Hurley also saw reps, though Nussmeier’s experience was evident. While Collins showed flashes of potential, his timing and pocket presence are still developing.

Running Back Room: Depth & Explosiveness

LSU’s running back group is stacked with young talent. Caden Durham and Kaleb Jackson stood out during inside run drills, both showing explosiveness and quick cuts.

  • Durham, known for his track-star speed, broke away for multiple big runs.
  • Jackson, a powerful downhill runner, bulldozed through defenders in short-yardage situations.

Coach Kelly emphasized the importance of versatility in the backfield, noting that LSU will utilize a running back rotation to keep fresh legs on the field.

Wide Receivers: Playmakers Emerging

Without Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., who are both heading to the NFL, LSU is looking for new go-to targets. Chris Hilton Jr. is making an early case as the Tigers’ next WR1.

  • Hilton’s ability to separate from defenders was on full display, as he reeled in multiple deep passes.
  • Kylan Billiot, an athletic freshman, made tough contested catches, proving he can contribute right away.
  • Barion Brown, the transfer from Kentucky, continues to impress with his route-running and agility.

Receivers coach Cortez Hankton stressed route discipline and footwork during individual drills, ensuring that LSU’s wideouts refine the small details that separate great players from elite ones.

Offensive Line: Solidifying the Trenches

LSU’s offensive line, which was one of the strengths last season, continues to build chemistry. Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. anchored the edges at left and right tackle, respectively, providing a strong foundation for the unit.

  • The interior line had some issues with blitz pickups, leading to defensive stops during team drills.
  • Mason Lunsford and Bo Bordelon rotated in at center, with no clear leader emerging yet.

Coach Kelly and offensive line coach Brad Davis emphasized pad level and leverage, particularly in run-blocking drills.

Defensive Line: Depth & Disruption

The Tigers’ defensive front is shaping up to be a dominant unit, with Maason Smith and Jacobian Guillory setting the tone.

  • Smith’s explosiveness off the snap caused multiple tackles for loss during live drills.
  • Guillory showed improved hand technique, winning several one-on-one reps.

Freshman Dominick McKinley, a five-star recruit, also flashed his raw power, breaking through for a would-be sack on Rickie Collins.

Linebackers: Competition Heating Up

With Harold Perkins Jr. shifting into a more hybrid role, the linebacker group is seeing intense competition.

  • Davhon Keys, a young linebacker, focused on block-shedding techniques and showed improvement in his sideline-to-sideline range.
  • Greg Penn III continues to be the most consistent tackler in the unit.

Defensive coordinator Blake Baker praised the aggressiveness and communication among the group, but noted that tackling angles needed to be cleaned up.

Secondary: Looking for Playmakers

LSU’s defensive backfield struggled last season, and improving the secondary is a top priority this spring.

  • Sage Ryan had an impressive day at free safety, making multiple pass breakups.
  • Ja’Keem Jackson, a former Florida commit, struggled against Hilton but rebounded with a solid red-zone stand.
  • Zy Alexander showed good instincts, jumping a route for an almost interception.

The biggest emphasis for the defensive backs was press coverage technique and limiting separation downfield.

Special Teams: Return Game & Kicking Battle

LSU is evaluating options for kick and punt returners, with Barion Brown getting the most reps.

  • Damian Ramos remains the starting kicker but faces competition from a walk-on kicker who nailed a 50-yard field goal in practice.
  • The Tigers also worked on onside kick recovery drills, which proved to be a weakness last season.

Coach Kelly’s Thoughts

At the end of practice, Brian Kelly reiterated the importance of internal competition and self-improvement during spring camp.

“Spring football is about getting better every single day. We’re not focused on opponents right now. It’s about us—our execution, our fundamentals, and our growth as a team.”

Leave a Comment