TAMPA, Fla. — After a spring of watching, Sam Leaviit is leading.
The new Tiger quarterback is on the phone with Trey’Dez Green daily. They throw on the field four times per week. The first edition of Lane Kiffin’s LSU offense is being molded in the sweltering South Louisiana heat.
“Sam’s done great,” Kiffin said. “Elite competitor. We knew that coming in, but to see it firsthand how he attacked is rehab coming back from his injury, learning the playbook, gaining respect from his players, he’s done a great job and really led our players a lot in player-led practices.”
Leavitt looked on as LSU went through spring workouts. He had the screw removed from his surgically repaired foot during the first week of practice. As backups Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark took rep after rep with Leavitt’s teammates, the injured signal caller just observed.
Kiffin’s offense can be complicated. Leavitt looked on and learned. How involved was he?
“Heavily involved,” Green said. “The game is just as mental as it is physical. We’re in the room constantly getting reps in, watching film, looking at different defensive looks.”
As Green, Whit Weeks and TJ Dottery boarded a flight to Tampa for SEC Media Days, Leavitt remained with his team in Baton Rouge to continue the work. They practiced Thursday morning.
“Coming in, we knew Sam was a competitor, but it’s just great to see it in person,” Green said. “His leadership and the way he goes about his work, his day-to-day schedule is just amazing, and it’s just what you want from a quarterback.”
Much of LSU’s success is going to revolve around Leavitt’s health and play. He accounted for 749 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground at Arizona State. Kiffin’s quarterbacks are often asked to extend plays and use athleticism as a weapon.
That fits Leavitt’s game perfectly should he be fully healthy this fall.
“I have great confidence in his health,” Kiffin said. “Now, they have to play together and grow together as an offensive staff with him and all the pieces around him that are all basically new for the most part. But I have great confidence in his health.”
