BATON ROUGE — LSU officially opened fall camp on Friday as head coach Les Miles welcomed 105 players, including 24 members of this year’s signing class, to campus.
The second-ranked Tigers will practice for the first time on Saturday morning when the veterans hit the field at 9 o’clock followed by an afternoon session for the rookies and selected veterans.
Friday’s schedule had the squad going through a series physical exams, getting fitted for equipment as well as participatingin a team meeting.
“Camp is finally here and we’re excited to get started,” Miles said during a 30-minute interview session with the media on Friday afternoon. “We welcome back to campus a pretty talented team. These guys are ambitious and know there is a great season ahead of us. It all starts today and we look forward to it.”
Miles said that it appears the Tigers reported back to campus physically fit after having a very productive summer in the weight room.
“By all reports, our guys had a strong summer,” Miles said. “They threw two or three times a week. They have been in the weight room and are in great shape.”
Also on Friday, Miles and the Tigers learned that they are ranked No. 2 in the nation in the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll. It’s the highest preseason ranking for the Tigers since the inception of the coaches poll in 1982.
“Having high expectations puts everybody on the same page,” Miles said. “Everybody in our program understands that if they do their role and perform that this team can accomplish great things.”
Miles also praised quarterback Matt Flynn for the work he put in during the summer, both in the weight room and during the teams’ voluntary workouts.
”Matt is a tremendous leader for our football team,” Miles said. “What he has done off the field, the work he put in during the summer, how he approaches the seven-on-seven drills and how he works with the young guys, he has been terrific. I know he is looking forward to a great senior season.”
Opening statement…
“Camp is fixing to start and we are excited about it. We welcome a pretty talented team. These guys are ambitious and know there is a great season ahead of us. It all starts today and we look forward to it.”
On how the team is handling the high expectations…
“I think our team is looking forward to the season. You don’t get much done during the summer without games and our guys are ready to practice and improve.”
“By all reports, our guys had a strong summer. They threw two or three times a week. They have been in the weight room and are in great shape. Having high expectations puts everybody on the same page. Everybody in our program understands that if they do their role and perform that this team can accomplish great things.”
On the team’s response to being ranked No. 2 in the USA Today Coaches poll…
“There really wasn’t a response. I just had someone tell me that 30 minutes ago. I don’t think there is a response necessary. It is nice because if you take care of your season you will play in the championship game. However, it makes no difference to anyone in our program where we are ranked.”
On the status of Chad Jones…
“There are no guarantees but from what I have been told is that we shouldn’t be too worried and he plans on participating.”
On Matt Flynn‘s development since last season…
“Matt is a tremendous leader for our football team. What he has done off the field, the work he put in during the summer, how he approaches the seven-on-seven drills and how he works with the young guys has been terrific. I know he is looking forward to a great senior season.”
On what other guys he looks at for leadership…
“I think Will Arnold will show leadership. Tyson Jackson is another guy. Our unity council will probably be 12-15 guys.”
On what he is most anxious to see in the first few practices…
“I look forward to our guys improving in several areas. Certainly our offensive line needs some work. On special teams, there are some spots I am looking forward to seeing at practice. There are some guys I want to see improve on defense. There are a number of things I look forward to seeing.”
On who will fill the No. 2 and No. 3 receiver spots on the depth chart…
“Brandon LaFell will start out at the No. 2 spot. Terrence Toliver and the two Mitchells (Chris and Jared) will be competing for the No. 3 spot.”
On Glenn Dorsey…
“He plays with great intensity. He is technically proficient. He has natural strength and speed. Those are the characteristics you have to have to be a great defensive lineman. He is a tough block and I certainly wouldn’t want that task on a Saturday afternoon.”