BATON ROUGE — Four practices into spring football drills and LSU coach Les Miles is already impressed with the attitude and approach the Tigers have taken to the field each day.
Miles has been equally as pleased with what has appeared to be a seamless transition on the offensive side of the football with the addition of three new coaches, including offensive coordinator Gary Crowton.
LSU wrapped up the first week of spring football practice on Saturday with a two-hour workout in full pads. The Tigers are scheduled to practice four times next week, which will include 30-minutes of live action on Tuesday followed by the first full scrimmage next Saturday.
“We had a lot of fun out there today,” Miles said of Saturday’s workout. “The weather was great and the players responded by working hard. I think the young guys are getting better. It was very enthusiastic and it was what we needed. Richard Murphy had a couple nice runs, Matt Flynn threw a couple nice passes and Ryan Perrilloux is enjoying the new offense. On defense, we are having a difficult time handling Tyson Jackson, but it was a very good day.”
“I like what we are doing on both sides of the ball. I like the attitude the players have taken to the field each day and it shows with the production we are getting out of practice.”
A week under Crowton’s tutelage, Miles said the Tigers are already adapting and responding to the first-year offensive coordinator.
“It’s been fun (working with Gary),” Miles said. “I sure have enjoyed how the offense has looked in a very short amount of time. We have been throwing and catching the ball very well as well as doing a good job running the football.
“I think there will be differences. There is a lot of fun being youthful in an offense that is being implemented for the first time and trying to have a position for you. The quarterbacks are thrilled with it, the running backs are thrilled and right now it is going really well.”
Miles said both Flynn and Perrilloux have both done a nice job of throwing the football during the first week of the spring. Miles also singled out the play of the wide receivers, in particular Early Doucet and Brandon LaFell.
The Tigers return three starters on the offensive line in center Brett Helms, guard Herman Johnson and tackle Ciron Black. Miles said he’s been pleased with the progress of guard Lyle Hitt and tackle Carnell Stewart so far, both of which are former defensive linemen.
“Carnell is improving,” Miles said. “You root for a guy like Carnell to have success. Spring is so important for him. Every spring there are players who realize that this is their chance to play and Carnell is in that position this year.”