BATON ROUGE — The LSU freshman joined the varsity on the practice field for the first time on Saturday as the Tigers worked out for just over two hours here at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility.
The Tigers spent the first three days of practice going in shifts with the varsity working out in the morning or early afternoon followed by a freshman session later in the day.
“I thought we had a good work day today,” LSU coach Nick Saban said. “I really liked the attitude and chemistry of the team. This is our first day with everybody together and I think some of the freshmen had a little more anxiety. Today, it seemed like things were a little bit faster for them, but I think that is all a part of the maturity process they have to go through in terms of making adjustments.”
Saban said the Tigers added another player on Saturday as Brian West joined the squad. West, who originally signed with Texas A&M out of West Monroe High School, comes to LSU after spending the last four seasons as a member of the Chicago White Sox organization. West, a pitcher, was a first round pick (35th overall) in the 1999 Amateur Baseball Draft. West is listed as 6-foot-3 and 244 pounds and will likely play linebacker for the Tigers.
Saban also noted that defensive back Ryan Gilbert did not practice with the team on Saturday and is pondering his future with the squad.
“Ryan is pondering what his future should be relative to what he can play, where he can play and what would be the best thing for him,” Saban said. “He has been a very good guy in the program. We have had no complaints, and we are sad to see him go. We also want him to be happy and hopefully, he will do well in whatever he decides to do.”
The Tigers will work out again on Sunday starting at 3 p.m. in Tiger Stadium as part of LSU Football Fan Day. Fans are reminded that the gates to Tiger Stadium open at 2 p.m. with the practice to follow from 3-5 p.m. Fans will be able to get autographs, take pictures and meet the Tigers from 5-6 p.m. in the stadium.
The LSU ticket office will also be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday as single-game tickets, season tickets and LSU’s newly-offered 3-ticket package will be on sale at that time.