Spring Scrimmage Report: April 11

By Matt Moscona and Hunt Palmer

Lane Kiffin’s team took the field in Tiger Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The new head coach mentioned this week that the defense had been in control of early spring workouts, and that continued throughout the day. The Tiger defenders intercepted Landen Clark (3) and Huson Longstreet (2) a total of five times.

There were 19 possessions, nine by the first team, seven by the twos and three for the threes. The first team only scored one touchdown.

Aiden Anding had a pair of the interceptions off Longstreet. The first came on a goal line jump ball that he came down with over Corey Barber. The second was on a flat route he jumped. On the return, he went to the ground and stayed there. The medical team had to assist him off the field. After a significant amount of time on the medial table, Anding was fitted for a boot on his left foot/ankle.

PJ Woodland had a great day at cornerback. He broke up a couple of passes and intercepted Clark.

The transfer quarterback from Elon sailed a pair of passes that were picked, one by Tamarcus Cooley and one by Ty Benefield.

It was a slog for the offense that had trouble that had trouble keeping the pocket clean and separating from LSU’s sticky defensive backs.

There were some highlights.

Roman Mothershed, the Troy transfer, made a great catch on a go route for a touchdown. It was thrown by Emile Picarella. Mothershed also made a great adjustment on a back shoulder throw on the sideline in the red area.

Tight end Malachi Thomas had a long catch and run for a score of over 70 yards from Clark, and Winnie Watkins did the same on a seam route that he ran between the safeties. Faheem Delane and Jhase Thomas were in coverage. It was a nice throw from Longstreet.

One notable trend with the offense was the incorporation of Trey’Dez Green in the passing game. For good reason, he’s targeted a lot out there. Green is perhaps the most dynamic playmaker on the team. He won’t be short on targets.

LAGNIAPPE

• Sam Leavitt was in attendance. He had his jersey on, a helmet with him and was wearing tennis shoes. No shoulder pads.
• Richard Anderson spent the afternoon doing agility work off to the side in full pads. I do not believe he participated in the scrimmage.
• Sean Thompkins, the Baylor transfer, worked as the second left tackle. Brysten Martinez had occupied that spot for the first three weeks.
• The punt returners were Jayce Brown, Winnie Watkins, Tre Wilson, Jabari Mack and Nar’jour Granger
• Hayden Craig punts left footed. Grant Chadwick punts right footed. Craig had a better day and punted first, but both had their struggles
• Silas Hall snapped for field goals. Mack Mulhern, the Florida transfer, snapped for punts.
• Kicker Scott Starzyk missed from 56 (wide left) and on two other occasions. He hit a pair of 33 yarders.
• Lane Kiffin was on the field, and the offensive staff led by Charlie Weis Jr. were upstairs in the booth.