LSU Spring Scrimmage Notebook
04/13/2025
(Photo by Michael Bacigalupi)
By Matt Moscona
LSU held an open practice Saturday in Tiger Stadium that included individual periods and situational scrimmage sessions. Running back Caden Durham was held out and was seen in a walking boot. Transfer receiver Destyn Hill also was not participating.
One consistent storyline all spring has been the offensive line shuffle, which continued Saturday. We did get a look at Braelin Moore and center and Josh Thompson at left guard. That is the most likely lineup when LSU takes the field against Clemson Labor Day weekend.
The LSU defensive end group dominated the day with Gabe Reliford, Jack Pyburn and Jimari Butler all taking turns creating havoc for the LSU offense.
Full Scrimmage:
The first offense started at their own 35-yard line in a full tackle period.
1st and 10 – Kaleb Jackson rush for 9 yards
2nd and 1 – Jackson rush 6 yards
1st and 10 from midfield – Incomplete middle under pressure
2nd and 10 – Jackson 2 yard run (Trey’Dez Green got rolled up and limped off field)
3rd and 8 – Z. Thomas 6 yard reception left side
4th and 2 – False Start on Z. Thomas after Chester did not snap the ball
4th and 7 – Z. Thomas reception left side short of line to gain. Nussmeier argued with the officials on the spot.
The second unit saw Harlem Berry rip off a 23-yard run and Michael Van Buren overthrow Nic Anderson deep who had beaten DJ Pickett.
Second Series:
1 – Middle screen to Jackson for 15 yards
1st and 10 – Incomplete deep middle to Chris Hilton who appeared to make a leaping catch but couldn’t hold it through the ground
2nd and 10 – Incomplete deep left
3rd and 10 – (Time Out) Jack Pyburn SACK
Two-minute offense:
First OL: Tyree Adams, Paul Mubenga, DJ Chester, Coen Echols, Weston Davis
1 – Slant complete to Aaron Anderson
2 – Run stuff by Ahmad Breaux
3 – Screen complete to Kaleb Jackson
4 – Deep left overthrow intended for Zavion Thomas
5 – Draw to Kaleb Jackson
6 – Incomplete pass intended for Bauer Sharp
7 – Screen complete to Aaron Anderson
8 – Incomplete in end zone for A. Anderson
Second OL: Carius Curne, Ory Williams, Braelin Moore, Bo Bordelon, Josh Thompson
Punt Team:
Peyton Todd took first reps followed by Grant Chadwick. Neither of Todd’s punts crossed 40 yards. Chadwick boomed a 54 yarder and then shanked his second attempt.
Later, Chadwick boomed a 60-yard punt when lined up at the back of the end zone.
A. Anderson, Z. Thomas and Barion Brown rotated as the punt returner.
Goal Line:
Joe Sloan was in his bag as the Tigers scored on five of the six attempts with very different looks.
One notable change on the OL was Moore at center and Thompson at left guard.
1 – Three TE set, Nussmeier QB draw for TD which drew a sarcastic cheer from the crowd in attendance
2 – Kaleb Jackson dive for TD
3 – Nussmeier roll right, throws underneath to Jackson for TD
4 – Ju’Juan Johnson read option TD with Nussmeier flexed out
5 – Incomplete for Chris Hilton back right corner
6 – Four TE set including Bo Bordelon, roll right TD pass to Bauer Sharp
Field Goal:
Damian Ramos had one attempt blocked and his second hit the upright from 45 yards away. He connected from 47 and 55 yards.
Aeron Burrell showed off his massive leg but accuracy was an issue. He missed a PAT and hooked one from 48 yards. He connected from 55 yards and missed wide right from 60 yards that had plenty of leg.
7-on-7 Highlights
PJ Woodland made a diving interception on the sideline drawing a big reaction from the crowd.
Nussmeier rolled right to buy time before throwing a TD to Barion Brown as he toe-tapped the sideline.
Michael Van Buren threw a handful of beautiful passes, including a 30-yard completion to Brown and a dart to Kyle Parker for a touchdown, splitting two defenders in the end zone.
Red Zone Offense
Braelin Moore began and center with Thompson at left guard. After the first four reps, Chester replaced Moore at center. The defense dominated this period with both the 1s and 2s.
1 – Pressure forced Nussmeier to throw a middle screen at A. Anderson’s feet
2 – Z. Thomas sweep left for a touchdown
3 – Barion Brown reverse for loss of 1 on a nice play by Ashton Stamps
4 – Jackson handoff left for short gain
5 – Nussmeier sacked by Jimari Butler
6 – Jackson short gain
Second series
1 – Z. Thomas and A. Anderson lined up next to Nussmeier. Thomas took the handoff for eight yards
2 – Nussmeier and Jackson collided in the backfield and the play was blown dead
3 – Mansoor Delane PBU against Nic Anderson at the goal line
4 – West Weeks TFL on Kaleb Jackson