The quarterback competition has reached its logical conclusion, but two other starting spots remain up for grabs as LSU begins its game-week preparations for the season opener against Miami.
Right tackle and left cornerback will be “game-time decisions,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron announced at his press luncheon Monday. Starters at both positions will be decided in practice this week.
The right tackle competition has been cut down to Badara Traore and Adrian Magee. Traore, a JUCO transfer, has come on strong in recent weeks. Magee, a junior, began fall camp as the projected starter after serving as the swing tackle last season.
“Badara is a big, physical tackle. Very tough,” Orgeron said. “Adrian has a little bit more experience in our system. He’s a little bit more fluid with his movements. I would say that Badara is a little more consistent right now. Adrian needs to be more consistent.
“We’re going to put them through the test this week. This is going to be a game-time decision.”
The starting cornerback spot opposite Greedy Williams seems to remain a wide-open race, albeit with a trio of strong options: Kristian Fulton, Kary Vincent and Kelvin Joseph.
Fulton re-entered the mix last week when the NCAA unexpectedly reinstated him effective immediately. The former five-star recruit has been fully cleared to play, Orgeron said.
“We’re going to put him in some situations,” Orgeron said. “He’s ready to play and perhaps start.”
Joseph is a true freshman who put together a strong camp. Vincent began camp atop the projected depth chart and is also in the mix to start at nickel back, where he’s presently competing with Terrence Alexander.
“They’re going to fight for that spot this week, and we’ll see who the starter is,” Orgeron said.
SPLIT DUTIES?
Offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger will call plays from the coaches box on game day, Orgeron said, and apparently he’ll have some help.
The coach said that both Ensminger and senior offensive assistant Jerry Sullivan will share play-calling duties from the booth.
“Steve is going to be in the press box, and he’s going to calling the plays along with Jerry,” Orgeron said. “Jerry will be in the press box and we’re going to distribute the headsets among the full-time coaches. There will be several student assistants on the sidelines with headsets.”
DEPTH CHART OBSERVATIONS
– Nick Brossette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are listed as co-starters at running back. Chris Curry is third, but Orgeron said that both Curry and Lanard Fournette have a chance to contribute as a third running back.
– Michael Divinity and Ray Thornton are listed as co-starters at the Field outside linebacker position. Both are expected to play a lot.
– Freshmen Terrace Marshall and Ja’Marr Chase are listed as co-starters at a wide receiver spot. Jonathan Giles and Justin Jefferson are the other two starters at receiver.
– Edwards-Helaire will do kickoff returns and Giles will handle punt returns, according to the depth chart.
Here’s the full week one depth chart as published by LSU:
JUST IN: Week 1 #LSU Depth Chart
Sept. 2 vs. Miami (Fla.) in Arlington, Texas
6:30 p.m. CT | ABChttps://t.co/dFwFUPocMy pic.twitter.com/ARdMwpICCC— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) August 27, 2018
Be the first to comment