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LSU’s first preseason practice for 2018 lasted about three hours Saturday.
With no split-squad practices on the schedule, coach Ed Orgeron had the Tigers on the field for a lengthy period of time in order for all of the players to get some reps. Orgeron indicated that long practices are going to be the norm during camp.
“We don’t have enough scholarship offensive linemen to have split squad practices,” Orgeron said. “If we had split practices, that would really take a toll on the offensive linemen later. So, we are going to have longer practices to get as many reps as possible for the 3s and 4s.”
Orgeron acknowledged that the quarterbacks could benefit from split practices because they could get more reps. Orgeron praised offensive coordinator for the way he managed the quarterbacks in the first practice.
“Justin McMillan went first in the reps (Saturday),” Orgeron said. “Myles Brennan was second, Lowell Narcisse was third and Joe Burrow was fourth. We had two spots in the 7-on-7 drills, so the quarterbacks got more throws. Steve will switch the rotation around (Sunday).
“All of the quarterbacks did some good things. Justin played with his feet. Myles had his best day since the competition began. Lowell threw the ball better. Joe is cool, clam and smart. He made some good decisions. Joe was with the fourth team (Saturday). His reps with the first and second teams will come.”
There were three surprises as regards the top of the depth chart – Michael Divinity at outside linebacker, Kary Vincent at cornerback and Racey McMath at wide receiver.
“Michael Divinity had a good day,” Orgeron said. “He was really husting. He was excellent with his pass rush. Kary Vincent has speed. He played some good coverage and had some nice breaks on the ball. He had a solid day. Racey McMath looked good. There was nothing outstanding.”
Here are other comments by Orgeron about different positions.
WIDE RECEIVER
“Ja’Marr Chase’s name keeps coming up. He caught a long pass for a touchdown in the team period. Ja’Marr has big hands. He is strong and fast and has a natural knack for catching the football. Kenan Jones is very athletic. (Offensive assistant coach) Jerry (Sullivan) is fired up about all the wide receivers.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
“Damien Lewis was dominant out there at right guard. It is tough with the situation (Ed Ingram’s suspension). Nobody is happy with how Damien moved up to first string. They are sad for their teammate. This is not how Damien wanted to end up being the right guard. We have to see how Lloyd Cushenberry holds up at center. We have Adrian Magee and Austin Deculus at right tackle. We can move Deculus down to guard and move Garrett Brumfield to center. (Tackle) Cameron Wire was not supposed to practice today, but he said that he was ready to go. We’ll see how he will be when we get into full pads. The offensive line needs to get better on pass protection. They gave up some pass rushes (Saturday).
RUNNING BACK
“Nick Brossette was very impressive with zone runs. Chris Curry had some long runs.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
“Breiden Fehoko looked to be in better shape. I had a talk with him in spring about his conditioning. Tyler Shelvin looks to be in better shape. He is healthy. Tyler can be a dominant force. Dominic Livingston is 380 pounds and he made plays up and down the line of scrimmage.”
LINEBACKER
“Four linebackers stood out – K’Lavon Chaisson, Devin White, Jacob Phillips and Damone Clark. K’Lavon really took off. He was hard to block off the edge.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
“Cole Tracy was 5-of-5 on field goals. His longest was 42 yards. (Special teams coordinator) Greg McMahon said that Tracy did not miss a field goal all practice. Avery Atkins, a walk-on from Alabama, looked good on kickoffs.”
