Coach O Show: Badara Traore “coming along” as JUCO transfer playing himself into the mix at right tackle

The first 2018 edition of the Ed Orgeron Radio Show came and went without much in the way of breaking news, but the coach shared some insight on a handful of contested positions and updated the status of LSU’s injuries as a whole.

Most notably, Orgeron sung the praises of JUCO transfer Badara Traore, who seems to be playing himself into the mix to start at right tackle after struggling a bit this spring.

Traore worked with the first-team offensive line at right tackle during practice on Wednesday. Adrian Magee saw the bulk of the time there during fall camp with Austin Deculus behind him. Magee worked behind Traore on Wednesday with Deculus working at guard on the second unit.

“Badara Traore is coming along,” Orgeron told the masses. “He might spell in for (left tackle) Saahdiq (Charles). He and Adrian Magee are vying for playing time along with Austin Deculus.”

Orgeron also continued to sing the praises of another JUCO transfer up front, Damien Lewis. Lewis has stepped in as the starting right guard since Ed Ingram was suspended indefinitely, and Orgeron said on the show that Lewis was “probably the best offensive lineman on the team.”

As one should expect, Orgeron did not name a starting quarterback when asked about the position by a caller. He did say that LSU would review the full bodies of work from Joe Burrow and Myles Brennan after Saturday’s scrimmage and discuss the competition as a staff before coming to some decision.

“We have not decided on a starting quarterback yet,” Orgeron said. “We’re going to make a decision soon. Let the best man win. I have no problem playing Joe Burrow or Myles Brennan.”

Here’s some other tidbits and notes from Orgeron’s hour-long radio show:

• Kelvin Joseph is “going to be another outstanding corner at LSU,” Orgeron said. The true freshman is battling to start with Kary Vincent and Orgeron mentioned that both will play a lot this season.
• O on injures: “We have regular camp injuries. This was a very physical camp … Come Monday, we expect to have most of the team back … We’re almost going to be full-go, ready to roll Monday.”
• Nick Brossette has been LSU’s “most steady” running back, but Orgeron still expects to feature a committee including Brossette, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chris Curry and possibly others.
• Justin Jefferson has been LSU’s “most consistent” receiver in camp, Orgeron said. Jonathan Giles will play a lot in the slot.
• Despite Devin White’s public lobbying for carries, Orgeron said LSU won’t use him in a wildcat package or at running back this season.