NCAA rules Kristian Fulton eligible immediately

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LSU coach Ed Orgeron received great news as he was walking off the practice field Thursday evening.

Cornerback Kristian Fulton was ruled immediately eligible by the NCAA. Fulton, who received a two-year suspension for tampering with a drug-testing sample, tried to have the penalty reduced earlier this month. Fulton lost his appeal to the NCAA two weeks ago. So, he was headed for a second year of suspension.

"I do not know any of the details," said Orgeron at his post-practice press conference. "I found out as I was walking off the practice field. I know that (Director of Athletics) Joe Alleva and the compliance staff have kept working on this matter."

Fulton had been taking reps with both the first and second-unit defenses before his appeal had been heard. Since the appeal was denied, Fulton was still practicing with the team. Orgeron said that he was not sure where Fulton would fit in on the depth chart right now.

At this time, the No. 1 cornerbacks are Greedy Williams and Kelvin Joseph. Terrence Alexander is the first-string nickel back. The next two cornerbacks on the depth chart are Kary Vincent and Jontre Kirklin. It would be a surprise if Fulton does not get into the rotation in the secondary.

Orgeron said that he may have a decision about the starting quarterback Sunday. He indicated there is not much difference between Joe Burrow and Myles Brennan.

"The quarterbacks are very close," Orgeron said. "(Offensive coordinator) Steve (Ensminger) and I will talk about it Sunday. If we name a starter Sunday, he will take all the first-team reps next week.

"Possibly two guys will play. If the starter is having a good game, we will keep him in. If the starter is not doing the things he should do, we can put the other guy in."

Obviously, Brennan has made great progress since the end of spring practice. Following the spring game, Brennan appeared to be behind Justin McMillan on the depth chart. McMillan left the program last week.

"Myles is ten times better than what he was in the spring," Orgeron said. "He is better at understanding the offense and sitting in the pocket. He was under a lot of pressure in the spring. Our offensive line is a lot better now. Myles throws the ball very well. He has a cannon for an arm. He will be a very good quarterback."

In another personnel issue, Orgeron indicated that Badara Traore will be the starter at right tackle.

"Badara is very mature," Orgeron said. "He is a hard-working guy. Badara has never blinked. In our fourth quarter (conditioning program), he never got tired. It looks like he will be the starter (at right tackle)."

Orgeron also identified Jonathan Giles and Justin Jefferson as the top two punt returners. In addition, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the No. 1 kickoff returner. According to Orergon, every (offensive and defensive) starter will be on at least one special-teams unit.

Finally, Orgeron said the team will be "close to full speed" health wise for the Miami game. He said that he will know more about the injury situation Sunday.