Fall camp is in the rearview.
LSU will now set its sights on Clemson for the season opener on Sept. 5 that’s now less than two weeks away. It’s been a demanding fall camp for Lane Kiffin’s Tigers, and more than 50 new faces are battling for playing time.
Many of the positions are settled at this point, but there are a few relatively undecided.
RUNNING BACK
Dilin Jones took the reins of the position in the spring, but the two incumbents have made moves in fall camp. Harlem Berry had a big scrimmage last week, and Caden Durham broke out Saturday with a pair of long runs.
Running backs coach Kevin Smith is going to rotate backs throughout games, but having a primary back is always a nice fall back.
The battle for carries is probably closer that I would have projected three weeks ago. Jones and Berry are likely the top two, and the hot hand will be ridden. Durham, who has led LSU in rushing the last two years, is the third back which shows the serviceable depth LSU features at the position. Stacy Gage is probably fourth on the depth chart and figures to see time along the way.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
On of the two spots is spoken for. Deuce Geralds will start against Clemson. It’s very possible that Richard Anderson is right next to him. Dominick McKinley ran first team at Saturday’s scrimmage. Malik Blocton and Stephiylan Green will play. Both were solid SEC/ACC starting options a season ago, and it wouldn’t be stunning to see either on the field for the season’s first snap.
The question likely becomes, is LSU playing two freshmen at tackle (Geralds and Anderson) because they’re budding stars or because the veterans underwhelmed?
Rotations are inevitable on the defensive front, but don’t be stunned if Geralds and Anderson play the most snaps.
SAFETY
Matt Moscona reported Saturday that Jhase Thomas may have won the safety spot opposite Ty Benefield. Tamarcus Cooley manned that spot for LSU last year and played the third most snaps on the defense.
Thomas is the son of former Saints cornerback Fred Thomas who played 12 NFL seasons. Last year, Thomas only played in five games. His highlight was blocking a punt against Texas A&M.
Cooley will play as LSU rotates defensive backs, but Thomas appears to have pushed his way to the field for DBU.
