Sophomore inside linebacker Jacob Phillips will be back in the starting lineup when LSU takes on Georgia in a top-15 matchup at Tiger Stadium on Saturday, LSU coach Ed Orgeron said Wednesday.
Phillips dressed out but was not able to play in LSU’s 27-19 loss to Florida last week. He was a full participant as LSU practiced in pads on Tuesday afternoon, and Orgeron affirmed he’ll be back in action against the Bulldogs.
“He’s going to help us,” Orgeron said on the SEC Coaches Teleconference. “I thought Micah (Baskerville) played well, but he had five missed tackles and he had some missed fits. I think Jacob is experienced, and that’s going to help us there. I plan him to be full speed on Saturday afternoon.”
Phillips is tied for second on the team in tackles (37) behind only Devin White (53) despite not playing in one game.
“EXPLOSIVE”
Speedy cornerback Jontre Kirklin has been working with the wide receivers during the media viewing portions of practice the past two days.
LSU has used Kirklin sporadically as a punt returner in recent weeks, but Orgeron confirmed the staff is looking for new ways to get the ball in his hands.
“Jontre is electreic,” Orgeron said. “Jontre was really good at Lutcher High School. He played quarterback. We’ve been trying to get him to move to offense all season. He finally wanted to do it, so there’s a couple of things we think he can do for us.”
MORE OF MOORE?
JUCO transfer Travez Moore gave LSU some production pass rush snaps on third downs and other obvious passing situations against the Gators.
Orgeron has been high on Moore’s ceiling, and the coach on Wednesday intimated that his role could grow beyond that of a situational rusher as he becomes more comfortable with the defense.
“Right now pass rush, but he has the talent,” Orgeron said. “He has the skills to be a three-down player and one of our best guys. I think it’s a matter of learning how to be in the right place at the right time, but as soon as he gets that, he can be one of our best players at defense.”
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