By Hunt Palmer
Lane Kiffin’s team will take to the practice field for the first time on Tuesday.
The Tigers will practice for about a month under a new offensive staff and with a host of new players from the top transfer class in the country and a high-profile high school class. Quarterback Sam Leavitt will be reduced to a limited role while his foot recovers from surgery. Beyond that, it’s a reasonably healthy group.
We asked the staff at 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge for one storyline to watch in spring camp.
Jacob Hester, Co-Host, Off the Bench — What makes LSU’s spring practice so intriguing is the potential of the running back duo of Harlem Berry and Caden Durham within the new offensive system under Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr.. This offense is built on tempo, spacing, and explosive plays, and both backs bring complementary skill sets that fit it perfectly. Berry is the home run hitter, an elite, twitchy playmaker who thrives in space and can turn routine touches into explosive gains, making him ideal for outside zone and RPO concepts. Durham, on the other hand, is the tone setter, a physical, downhill runner who can control the interior and keep the offense on schedule while still having enough burst to break big runs. Together, they give LSU a true 1A and 1B combination that keeps defenses off balance, especially in a tempo driven system where fresh legs and versatility are key. If both players emerge this spring, the run game will not just complement the offense, it will be the engine that opens up everything else, from play action shots to easy quarterback reads, giving LSU a chance to become one of the most dangerous and unpredictable offenses in the country.
Matt Flynn, Co-Host, Off the Bench — I never put much stock into anything I see or hear during spring training. However, this year will be exciting to follow just because of the Lane Train. Lane doesn’t care about stars, so don’t count out Landen Clark this spring as we watch the backup quarterback get underway.
Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench — Everyone is going to say quarterback, but I’ll go wide receiver. It’s quite literally all new faces with only Phillip Wright returning from last season. The talent Lane Kiffin brought in should be applauded, but who will emerge as the leaders in that group? My money is on Jayce Brown and Jackson Harris. Both produced at a high level a year ago and should get an early chance to show what they can do.
Jordan Kitchens, Audio Producer, The Hunt Palmer Show — Everybody would probably say the wide receiver group, but it’s the entire defensive line group. How well do these five-star freshmen come in and mix with your vet starters: Is Dominick McKinley ready to emerge? Can Gabriel Reliford finally break out? The new guys like Princewill Umanmielen, Jordan Ross, and Jaylen Brown are intriguing.
Hunt Palmer, Host, The Hunt Palmer Show — I want to see who plays where in the secondary. DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland are the corner. Beyond that, I think there are options. Dashawn Spears in back and can play safety or STAR. Ty Benefield from Boise State fits that mold, too. Faheem Delane could be a starter. Tamarcus Cooley and Ja’Keem Jackson are also back. There are plenty of veterans. I’m curious how they come together.
Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review — Offensive line was the worst position group on a bad team last season. This staff prioritized retaining center Braelin Moore (and did) and made a late push to add elite left tackle Jordan Seaton from the transfer portal. Those spots are set. The other three are up for grabs and that competition begins this week. If LSU is going to reach its lofty goals, this offensive line will have to protect quarterback Sam Leavitt and lead the way for a productive running game.
Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review — There is not a wrong answer when it comes to position or player to watch in spring given the turnover on this roster. Intrigue is everywhere. Offensive line and quarterback have to top the list though. The Tigers are looking for three new starters up front. All eyes will be on Jordan Seaton, but that’s just one spot. Who else stakes an early claim? Under center, how does Sam Leavitt look in his limited action, and how much can Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark develop in their extra reps? Finally, I’m interested in the overall structure and organization of Lane Kiffin’s spring. How might it differ from past regimes? It is our first time seeing it after all.
Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review — This is probably the most obvious answer but it was the biggest reason for change. I’m most excited to see the revamp of the offense. Everything from new starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, the overhaul along the offensive line, a reloaded receiver room and Lane Kiffin leading the charge. How quickly can all these factors come together? Will it be an instant connection or will it take time for all these new pieces to gel together?
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