LSU held its final scrimmage of fall camp Saturday in Tiger Stadium. Media was not permitted to attend, but the alumni scrimmage drew a large crowd of former players, family members, boosters and NFL scouts. An estimated 500 people were in attendance.
With fall camp effectively over, LSU will now turn its attention toward Clemson.
Here’s what we heard from the Tigers’ final scrimmage.
DEFENSE STARTS FAST
It was another strong start for Blake Baker’s defense.
The first-team offense went three-and-out on each of its first two possessions against the first-team defense. On the third possession, the offense finally generated some explosive plays but stalled in the red zone and settled for a short Scott Starzyk field goal.
Sam Leavitt connected with Jackson Harris, Winnie Watkins and Trey’Dez Green for chunk plays on the drive. Leavitt also escaped pressure and scrambled into the red zone.
LSU’s defense played aggressively, pressing receivers and bringing pressure. That will naturally raise questions about whether LSU’s secondary is simply that good or if the receivers need to do a better job winning one-on-one matchups.
LEAVITT SHINES
Despite the slow start offensively, Leavitt apparently had another impressive day.
One source described some of his throws as “unbelievable.” More importantly, Leavitt again showed no hesitation running the football and appears to be 100 percent physically after missing spring practice while recovering from his foot injury.
The biggest passing play of the scrimmage came when Leavitt connected with Winnie Watkins for a long touchdown. Watkins celebrated by dunking on the basketball goal on the sideline.
It’s another encouraging data point for Leavitt with Clemson now two weeks away.
DURHAM EXPLODES
Caden Durham might have delivered the biggest surprise of the day.
Durham ripped off two runs of more than 70 yards while also receiving work with the first-team offense. Dilin Jones handled the first couple of series before being shut down for the remainder of the scrimmage.
Jones and Harlem Berry still appear to be LSU’s top two running backs, but Durham needed a day like this. Stacy Gage has pushed him for the No. 3 spot throughout camp, and two explosive runs could help Durham reestablish himself in the rotation.
Durham was a Freshman All-SEC selection in 2024. Maybe he’s simply one of those players who looks different when the lights come on.
RECEIVER ROTATION
LSU’s top receiver rotation is beginning to take shape.
Jackson Harris, Tre’ Wilson and Winnie Watkins worked as the first three receivers with Jayce Brown rotating in. That appears to be the top four entering Clemson preparation.
Malik Elzy worked primarily with the second team and had a strong scrimmage. He could potentially push his way into some first-team reps. Phillip Wright and freshman Corey Barber also worked with the second group.
Trey’Dez Green had a couple of drops. That’s noteworthy because drops have been an issue at times during fall camp.
OFFENSIVE LINE TAKES SHAPE
There were no surprises with LSU’s starting offensive line.
Jordan Seaton, Bo Bordelon, Braelin Moore, Aliou Bah and Weston Davis remain the first five.
The more interesting development is behind them. True freshmen Ryan Miret and Brysten Martinez have apparently earned second-team roles at center and left tackle, respectively.
William Satterwhite continues to move around the line and worked at left guard with the second team. His versatility could ultimately make him LSU’s swing offensive lineman.
With position battles ending and Clemson preparation beginning, the rotation LSU used Saturday should provide a pretty strong indication of how the Tigers intend to structure their two-deep for the opener.
SAFETY BATTLE
One defensive position battle appears to have a winner.
Jhase Thomas has established himself as the likely starting safety opposite Ty Benefield. Tamarcus Cooley still rotated with the first team and entered when LSU went to its dime package. Both will play, but Thomas appears positioned to take the first snap against Clemson.
That’s a significant development for the redshirt freshman as LSU begins game preparation.
PUNT RETURN
Tre’ Wilson got the first opportunity at punt return Saturday.
Wilson might be LSU’s most explosive option for the job, but ball security remains the concern. He has had issues catching punts cleanly dating back to spring practices and continuing into fall camp which makes the competition worth watching as LSU transitions into Clemson preparation.
Still, getting the first rep in the final scrimmage is notable.
STARZYK’S MASSIVE LEG
Scott Starzyk had one of the best days of anyone on the field.
Starzyk connected on a short field goal after the first-team offense stalled in the red zone, but the fireworks came later.
He drilled a 58-yarder and made two more kicks from beyond 50 yards. In all, Starzyk reportedly made three field goals of 50-plus yards during the scrimmage.
We knew Starzyk had a big leg coming out of high school. Saturday provided another reminder.
Fall camp is over. LSU gets Sunday off before classes begin Monday, and the focus now shifts entirely to Clemson.
