Notebook | Receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Terrace Marshall meeting lofty expectations in first fall camp

Six months ago LSU coach Ed Orgeron likened adding blue chip wideout Ja’Marr Chase to a recruiting class that already included Terrace Marshall to National Signing Day 2011.

For those in need of a history refresher: that’s the day LSU signed Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.

That’s lofty praise. Needless to say, Orgeron expected the pair of five-star receivers to make immediate contributions as LSU shifts into a more wide-open offense under Steve Ensminger.

Up to this point, the rookies haven’t disappointed.

“There were high expectations coming in, and usually with high expectations come a little disappointment,” Orgeron said at his post-practice presser Wednesday. “They have not disappointed at all.”

Chase and Marshall have consistently been among the names Orgeron has mentioned as standing out through the first two weeks of fall camp. Chase caught three passes for 52 yards in LSU’s first scrimmage Saturday while Marshall hauled in “a long one” over the top, per the coach.

Both have been near the front of the line during individual drills, for whatever that’s worth. Chase has seemingly hit the ground running since arriving on campus this summer and Chase has been a full participant in practice after being limited in the spring by a knee injury sustained in high school.

“Ja’Marr is strong, strong handed, short-area quickness,” Orgeron said. “Terrace has long speed and long arms.”

CENTER OF ATTENTION

Garrett Brumfield missed practice Wednesday due to a “slight injury,” Orgeron said, but once he returns, the plan remains for the starting guard to get some live reps at center.

To this point in camp Brumfield has snapped some during individual drills — a practice that dates back to his freshman year — and taken part in some walk-throughs at center, but it’s clear LSU considers him the No. 2 option at the position behind Lloyd Cushenberry.

“He was out today with a slight injury, so he couldn’t do it,” Orgeron said. “But he’s going to have to take some reps there in case something happens.”

Brumfield wasn’t the only offensive lineman missing from practice Wednesday. Tackles Badara Traore and Cam Wire were also absent, as was guard Chasen Hines.

Orgeron clarified that Hines may return early next week but is following a protocol. Traore has “regular camp injuries” and has been spotted at practice this week. Of course LSU is still without suspended guard Ed Ingram as well.

“(Depth is) always a concern, but I think we’re a lot stronger than we were last year,” Orgeron said.

PERSONNEL NUGGETS

— The battle at cornerback to start alongside Greedy Williams remains an ongoing on, but Orgeron said Kary Vincent Jr. would get the first opportunity if the season started today.

— WR Justin Jefferson could return to practice by the end of the week, Orgeron said. He’s been absent from the media viewing portion of practice the past few days.

— At this time LSU is no longer experimenting with Stephen Sullivan at tight end. “He’s rather play wide receiver,” Orgeron said. “He’s more fit to play wide receiver.”