LSU’s final media-viewable practice of fall camp put the spotlight on availability, and the list leaned heavily in the Tigers’ favor. Lamar Brown returned to practice and wasn’t limited during the individual period open to reporters. Harlem Berry was back for a second straight practice and was fully involved, too, instead of being confined to the bikes.
The quarterback and receiver work offered the clearest look at the day’s action. On Thursday, Lane Kiffin praised Sam Leavitt’s development and accuracy, and that showed up in the portions of practice that were open. LSU worked routes at every level of the field - short, intermediate and deep - and every throw seen from Leavitt was completed, delivered on time and in stride.
The pass that separated itself from the rest came on a deep sideline ball to Malik Elzy. The throw was so well placed that it looked as if the ball had simply been carried downfield and handed to him. Elzy has also been stacking up plays, and he should be in line for opportunities as the season gets closer.
Husan Longstreet appears to have the No. 2 quarterback job settled for now. He looked at ease, and his passing has taken a clear step forward, especially when it comes to ball placement. At this point, he looks ready to handle a drive or even a quarter if needed.
Dom McKinley was another name that stood out. He’s beginning to turn heads in a way the defensive line room needs, especially when it comes to building confidence in the group’s depth. McKinley has improved his body language, he’s showing up more often in practice, and he’s earning more first-team reps.
Deuce Geralds also drew strong praise, with the note that he is the steal of the freshman class. The expectation is that he’ll become one of the best interior defensive linemen to come through LSU’s campus and make a major impact on the defense.
In Other News...
Jayden Daniels Finally Addressed The LSU Dispute As Week 1 Nears
Jayden Daniels got his first preseason snaps for the Washington Commanders in a loss to the Detroit Lions, offering a small but meaningful step in his ramp-up toward the regular season. For LSU fans still following every move of the former Heisman winner, the quarterback also remains tied to an off-field legal dispute with the school over name, image and likeness, centered on LSU assigning his old jersey number to another player.
As Week 1 approaches, Daniels has kept the focus on football and on getting ready for the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The legal matter is still in the background, but Daniels latest comments made clear where his attention is right now, with the preseason opener serving as the first real checkpoint in his preparation for Washingtons next chapter. [Read more 🡒]
Former LSU QB Max Johnson Adds Another Twist To His Journey
Max Johnsons college journey has taken him from LSU to Texas A&M and North Carolina, and now it has another stop. Georgia Southern has named the former LSU quarterback its starter for the upcoming season, giving him a new chance to settle in after years of moving from one opportunity to the next. His debut in the role will come against Charleston Southern, with Clemson waiting soon after as the schedule quickly raises the level of difficulty.
For LSU fans, it is another reminder of how much Johnson has already packed into six seasons of college football. He has thrown for 6,356 yards with 49 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, production built across several stops rather than one long run in the same place. The next chapter now belongs to Georgia Southern, where Johnson gets the job and the pressure that comes with it, even if the full shape of his final college season is still waiting to be written. [Read more 🡒]
LSUs Running Back Battle Just Took A Turn Fans Didnt Expect
LSUs preseason camp has started to sort out a few of the Tigers key position battles, and the running back room is suddenly one of the more interesting ones to watch. Redshirt sophomore transfer Stacy Gage has been working ahead of junior Caden Durham on the depth chart, a development that adds another layer to a backfield already trying to establish order before the season begins.
A recent full-contact scrimmage offered a fresh look at how the staff is evaluating the position, with Durham getting first-team work and breaking off some notable runs even as Dilin Jones opened the day as the No. 1 back. Jones did not return to the scrimmage, and LSU also continued sorting through other lineup tweaks, including changes along the second team and a safety spot where Jhase Thomas was working ahead of Tamarcus Cooley. [Read more 🡒]