Thursday Practice Videos

Watch the Tigers in action - QBs to WRs and the DBs

First-year LSU signal caller Zach Mettenberger cocks to throw to junior wide-out Rueben Randle while offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe looks on (photo by Jay Potter).

By BEN LOVE
Tiger Rag Editor

Staying in full pads for the second practice this week, LSU got back to work Thursday afternoon outside at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility.

First, on the injury front, defensive linemen Josh Downs and Lavar Edwards were still missing in action and, as reported yesterday, both players are said to be dealing with ankle injuries.

Joining them in the absent category was fellow defensive lineman Chancey Aghayere. In their steads, KeKe Mingo and Ken Adams continued to rep with the ones at defensive end.

Linebacker Stefoin Francois was also still out (for the second straight practice), as was true freshman running back Kenny Hilliard. No information has been released yet on either player.

Finally, rounding out the growing MASH list was tight end Chase Clement, who recently suffered a broken collarbone and may not return before the end of spring drills (the Spring Game is next Saturday, April 9).

Getting back to the players on the field, senior linebacker Karnell Hatcher was still in a green no-contact jersey. Just about everyone else seemed to be at full speed, including senior safety Brandon Taylor, who is starting to look more comfortable running on that foot (though he is still wearing a green jersey).

During the customary Big Cat drill to lead practice off, there were a couple of players who stood out. Linebacker Kevin Minter’s win was the most decisive. The short but stout ‘backer got lower than running back Spencer Ware and quickly pushed Ware back before ultimately driving him straight into the ground. Great leverage followed by sheer power (and really showcased what Minter would be like in game situations against the run). Tight end Nic Jacobs was also a beast, and the battle of the day, in my opinion, was between wide receiver Rueben Randle and safety Craig Loston. The two seemingly battled to a draw, with each man driving hard, before Randle started to use his grip and seized control late.

Onto the quarterbacks, who I spent a lot of time watching (SEE FLIP VIDEOS BELOW): I thought today was one of Zach Mettenberger’s better days throwing it. No. 8 looked comfortable and his incredible zip on the ball was evident. Most of the routes thrown today were shorter. As opposed to other days when they seem to be working on corners and fades, today was more concentrated on shorter timing routes — 5-yard quick outs, 7-10 yard buttonhooks, 7-10 yard dig routes. Jarrett Lee looked as consistent as they come, and Jordan Jefferson had a nice day as well, though he did throw behind a receiver or two. Be sure to watch all three below as they’re forced to get the ball out of their hands quickly (mostly from the shotgun position). And, in a repeat performance from one of our Tuesday videos, Russell Shepard again makes a ridiculous stab — this time a one-hander reaching over his head near the sideline in the “Quick Outs” video.

1. QBs to WRs, Quick Outs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVF0nAkWyiI

2. QBs to WRs, Comeback Route: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-mQo9pMDmc

3. QBs to WRs, Dig Route: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKVEi5VXdc8

4. DBs backpedal then catch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvDZMqnuU6k

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Editor Ben Love is Tiger Rag’s lead reporter on LSU spring football. Reach him at ben@tigerrag.com.