8/7/2014 football Edit

Miles praises defense

Bryan Lazare

TigerBait.com Senior Writer

LSU coach Les Miles spoke very briefly to members of the media following Thursday morning's practice.

Miles needed to view tape from the just-completed session before getting prepared for the second part of the day's split-squad practices.

But, it didn't take Miles very long to get across his one main point. The Tigers defense is doing its job.

"The defense is ahead," Miles said. "They are ready for all the situations. They are ready for the challenge of a good offense. Our offense played hard and tough, but a lot is not going to happen against a good defense. We'll have enough offense. The defense looks good, so the offense has to respond."

While members of the media have been present for practice, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Cam Cameron has constantly talked mechanics to Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris. Both quarterbacks have room for improvement. Miles is not worried about Jennings and Harris.

Rivals250 WR Anderson commits to LSUClick "Harris made some of his best throws (Thursday) morning," Miles said. "It is not the quarterback. Our defense is a little ahead right now. The defensive line was pretty good today. The linebackers are fast to the ball. That's a good defense."Here to view this Link.

Three of the projected defensive starters did not participate in Thursday morning's session - tackle Quentin Thomas, strong side linebacker Lamar Louis and cornerback Rashard Robinson. The replacements were tackle Frank Herron, linebacker Duke Riley and cornerback Jalen Collins.

LSU football video in HD: Big Cat Drill!Click Herron and Maquedius Bain have shown some improvement as they try to earn a spot in the regular rotation at defensive tackle.Here to view this Link.

"Some guys made some really nice plays this morning," said Miles, referring to the defensive tackles. "Christian LaCouture has been really good. Frank Herron is a beast. He is a big, strong, fast man."

According to Miles, the offense is still in the middle of installing plays. He expects the installation to be completed sometime next week. One area of the offense has impressed Miles in the first few days of practice.

LSU football: Thursday morning practice reportClick "I like our talent at wide receiver," Miles said. "It will be interesting to see who slips in for certain plays. We'll be able to throw the football."Here to view this Link.

It appears that the top three wide receivers at this time are sophomore Travin Dural and true freshman Malachi Dupre on the outside and redshirt freshman John Diarse in the slot.

LSU will go through its first full-squad practice Friday morning. The Tigers will also be in full pads for the first time in that practice.

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