By Hunt Palmer
Garrett Nussmeier watched a Heisman winner from the sideline in 2023.
While observing Jayden Daniels certainly helped in Nussmeier’s development, this offseason watching his own first season as a starter has been even more impactful.
“Night and day difference,” Nussmeier said at the Manning Passing Academy. “Being able to go back and watch a full season of tape and to watch myself and work on things that I need to improve on and be able to have substance there to identify those mistakes and find those corrections, it’s been really huge for me.”
Nussmeier excelled in his first season as the starter.
He threw for 4,052 yards, second highest in school history, and 29 touchdowns. He ranked third in the country in completions and eighth in total offense.
Asked what mistakes and corrections he found most pronounced in his film review, it wasn’t the 12 interceptions.
“It’s no question that I didn’t use my legs enough last year and wasn’t mobile enough,” Nussmeier said. “So, I definitely made that a point of emphasis for me this year and this offseason just as far as weight training. Making myself more twitchy and things like that. It’s definitely been a good offseason. (Strength) Coach (Jake) Flint has done a really good job.”
Nussmeier only took off running 19 times in 13 games a season ago. His longest rush was just 14 yards.
Operating behind an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the SEC and had four members drafted in April, Nussmeier was content to stay in the pocket as long as possible.
It’s likely that the LSU offensive line is completely made over for LSU’s season opener against Clemson.
“(Offensive Line) Coach (Brad) Davis is going to find a way to put five guys out there that are going to play football at a very high level,” Nussmeier said. “I think we have a lot of guys who are ready for that challenge, young guys who are going to step up and guys who have been here that are getting their opportunities that are going to step up.”
With a revamped offensive line and a newfound emphasis on running when the opportunity arises, Nussmeier’s last bit of development will come in the turnover department. Half of Nussmeier’s 12 interceptions came in LSU’s four losses. He also fumbled against Alabama and Florida. Both resulted in turnovers.
Nussmeier has studied all the mistakes and has now experienced environments like Kyle Field, The Swamp and Williams-Brice Stadium.
“It’s a totally different ballgame to have a full season to be able to watch and correct…I’ve seen a lot,” Nussmeier said. “Saw a lot of different defenses last year. Defenses had to try a lot of different things to try to stop us. Being able to see all those things, all those different pressures, all those different coverages is something that’s going to help me a lot.”
This will be the final collegiate season for Nussmeier who has spent all five season at LSU, a rarity in this day and age.
Nussmeier has preached about the level of expectation on his shoulders as well as the team as a whole.
He’s got one more chance to make a run at the College Football Playoff, and many have tabbed LSU as a real threat to do so. That’s a goal he’s made public.
“My time at LSU has been something I’ll never forget. I’m forever grateful to the state of Louisiana, forever grateful to LSU and the teammates that I’ve had throughout these five years. Obviously, I’m forever grateful to the state, and hopefully I can go out and represent LSU the right way.”
More LSU Sports
