It wouldn’t be Thursday if there wasn’t at least one question mark about who’ll suit up where along the LSU offensive line.
The Tigers still haven’t settled on a starting left guard ahead of Saturday’s game at Florida, LSU coach Ed Orgeron said at his post-practice press conference. It’ll be either true freshman Chasen Hines or sophomore Donavaughn Campbell.
“Not yet,” Orgeron responded. “Donavaughn Campbell has had a good week. Chasen has had a good week. It’ll be one of those two.”
Hines played in place of the injured Garrett Brumfield during the Auburn and Louisiana Tech games, but Campbell made his first career start against Ole Miss last week. Hines also played in that game as LSU deployed multiple combinations on the left side of the line.
Whoever starts at left guard will have the benefit of LSU getting healthier along the rest of the offensive line.
Left tackle Saahdiq Charles is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing the past two games due to an undisclosed injury. Center Lloyd Cushenberry is also expected to play after making a quicker-than-anticipated recovery from an injury that had him declared “very questionable” earlier this week.
“They’re ready to go,” Orgeron said.
MOORE TO SEE
Orgeron has been critical of LSU’s lack of a consistent pass rush since K’Lavon Chaisson went down with a season-ending knee injury back in week one.
Heading into the Florida game, Orgeron has repeatedly hinted there will be a new edge rusher getting in the mix for LSU: JUCO transfer Travez Moore.
“He’s been good,” Orgeron said. “You’re going to see him play. We’re going to play him in some pass rush situations.”
Moore was ranked as the No. 1 JUCO defensive end in the 2018 class when he signed in December, but Orgeron has said that LSU considered redshirting him this season. He’s only appeared in one game to this point (Southeastern), but Moore has impressed the staff in practice this week.
“He’s big and strong with speed, and he’s got some good pass rush moves,” Orgeron said. “He always had the physical tools. It was just a matter of learning the defense and being in the right place at the right time. We feel like he’s reached that place, so we’re going to give him a shot.”
SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS
LSU signed Jonathan Giles as a transfer from Texas Tech in hopes he could be a dynamic playmaker and help lead a young group of skill position players.
Giles led Texas Tech in catches (69), receiving yards (1,158) and touchdowns (13) during the 2016 season, but he has caught just four passes for 20 yards through his first five games as a Tiger.
Asked what the speedy receiver has been struggling with, Orgeron didn’t have an exact answer — but he’s not giving up on Giles, either.
“I’m trying to find out,” Orgeron said. “Obviously all the players were very impressed with him the year he redshirted. He was dynamic on the scout team. That hasn’t happened yet, but I’m sure that whatever happened, he’s going to break through it and become a good player for us.”
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