The time has finally come when Louisiana native son Ed Orgeron can begin his first preseason camp as the head coach of the in-state school – the LSU Tigers.
LSU players reported to campus Sunday with the first practice set for Monday afternoon. Split-squad practices are a thing of the past. The entire team will be together for each preseason practice.
With new NCAA rules in place, the Tigers will have a walk-through in the morning before conducting their allowed one practice per day in the afternoon. There must be four practice days before the players can wear full pads.
“I’m excited to see (defensive coordinator) Dave Aranda in his second season,” said Orgeron, at his 15-minute press conference Sunday afternoon. “I am excited to see (defensive line coach) Pete Jenkins, the linebackers. I’m ready to see who’s going to take the place of all the defensive guys we lost.
“I’m excited to see Danny (Etling). I haven’t seen him throw yet. I imagine he’ll be full speed and ready to go. I’m excited to see Myles Brennan. I haven’t seen him yet. Summer conditioning prepares you for camp. Camp prepares you for the season. We are building our foundation.”
According to Orgeron, two signees did not report Sunday. Offensive tackle Seth Stewart left the team during summer workouts. Orgeron said that Stewart may give up football. Nose tackle Tyler Shelvin has not been academically certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse. He will miss at least one week of practice.
Outside linebacker Arden Key, who was away from the team last spring due to personal matters, reported as expected Sunday. Orgeron said that Key weighs about 260 – five pounds higher than his desired playing weight. Key will not participate in preseason practice when it begins Monday.
One could tell there are two areas of concern for Orgeron – the offensive line and wide receiver. The offensive line issues pertain to a lack of depth. Orgeron seems to have little confidence in the receivers other than DJ Chark and Russell Gage.
“I’m not concerned about the quality of the offensive line, but the depth,” Orgeron said. “Austin Deculus needs to step up as do (Adrian) Magee and (Donavaughn) Campbell. Magee is in camp, but his status for the season is yet to be determined.
“We do so many shifts and motions that all of the receivers have to play. Drake Davis has got to be more consistent and more mature. Dee Anderson has to mature and Derrick Dillon has to come along for us. Stephen Sullivan had a great spring and I am excited about Racey McMath.”
It seems like there will be an intense competition for the nickel base position. At the end of spring drills, Donte Jackson had moved from cornerback to that spot with Greedy Williams playing outside. Orgeron said that Xavier Lewis, Kristian Fulton and Kary Vincent will get a look-see at slot corner.
Orgeron also announced that preseason practice will be made open to members of the media Aug. 21. By that time, the new installations on offense under coordinator Matt Canada will have been made. The media will then have the same access as they had last year after Orgeron became interim head coach.
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