BATON ROUGE — Despite having a day off from the practice field, Sunday was still busy for the LSU football team as the Tigers spent a good portion of the day taking part in both Media Day and Fan Day activities.
Audio:
Holliday | Shepard | Randle | Dickson | Black | Jefferson | Scott
Video:
Miles | Crowton | Chavis
Photos:
Media Day | Fan Day | Buy Photos | Share Yours on Facebook
Over 100 members of the media converged on the LSU campus in the early afternoon to hear Tiger head coach Les Miles and his team talk about the 2009 season. Miles, along with coordinators in John Chavis and Gary Crowton, had formal interview sessions with the media before the reporters spent an hour with the players in an informal setting.
Some of the highlights from media day included running backs Stevan Ridley and Keiland Williams serving as correspondents for LSUsports.net as they roamed the indoor facility conducting interviews with their teammates; cornerback Jai Eugene singing and dancing for a local television station; and freshman quarterback Russell Shepard being surrounded by the media for the entire interview session.
At the conclusion of Media Day, the Tigers boarded four buses and headed downtown to the RiverCenter where a crowd of 6,000 fans waited to take pictures with and get autographs from members of the LSU football team.
The Tigers are scheduled to return to the practice field on Monday morning in what will be the final day of split-squad workouts for the team. The veterans will practice on Monday morning followed by an afternoon session with the rookies and select veterans. Both practices on Monday will be in shorts and shoulder pads.
Tuesday marks the first day in full pads for the Tigers as LSU will practice as a full unit for the first time. The Tigers are scheduled for one practiced on Tuesday followed by a pair of workouts on Wednesday.
LSU’s first scrimmage of fall camp is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15.
TRANSCRIPT OF LSU COACHES MEDIA DAY PRESS CONFERENCE
LSU HEAD COACH LES MILES
Opening statement…
“I just want you to know that this is my fifth time in front of you, and I certainly enjoy the responsibility of representing LSU. I enjoy this time of year. There’s new enthusiasm and a new team. I like it. There’s great enthusiasm and excitement building upon this year. I like some issues and some of the experiences from last year. I think our quarterback play certainly got better. We got quarterbacks in position to execute. Certainly, eight victories and a bowl championship is not enough, and our team understands that. As we start the season, I think you’ll find greater resolve. I think you’ll see it in how we performed this summer. I think our team is truly in good shape. We’ve upped the running in our practice. We’re going to work harder, and I think our team is ready for that. I thought that they really paid a tremendous price in the summer time to come in really good shape.
“I like the leadership on this team. So many times the mark of a quality team is the leadership, and it’s not necessarily the guy who’s the star. Many times it’s the guy that hangs in the back and insists that his contribution is like everyone’s and that everyone plays like he does. (OT) Ciron Black, (LB) Jacob Cutrera and a number of men guide this team. We’re three practices in, and I have a distinct impression that this is a pretty talented team. Offensively, our quarterbacks are throwing, and our receivers are making nice catches. We have some depth at running back. I like our veteran offensive line. It appears to be a productive offense.
“Defensively, the enthusiasm with which the new coaches have taken hold and how it’s been met with an equal commitment with our players, it just seems like a lot of fun, a lot of hard work, a lot of good play and a continued resolve to hard work. I think (Defensive Coordinator) John Chavis has done a great job in introducing his system and how it’s called. I think that (Defensive Line Coach) Brick Haley is going to make a difference in our defensive line. I think they’ll come off the ball better. (Secondary) Coach Ron Cooper is experienced in the secondary and also a nice added ingredient. I think the new staff on the defensive side is having impact. Chad Jones, at safety, is certainly at his natural position. I think Harry Coleman either at safety or linebacker is something that will benefit us. We are into cross-training. We are cross-training several members of the secondary to play several spots, so the experience in that secondary will eventually be a strength for us.
“On special teams, (punter) Derek Helton has had a really good summer. He’s punting the ball really well. (Placekicker) Josh Jasper, who appears to be the one who will take over the extra point and field goal duties, has been very good up to this point except there will be some competition at that spot. (Placekicker) Drew Alleman has also had a great summer and hit the ball really well and is going to provide the ability to have a guy that is also ready. He may provide more competition in the kickoff position. I look forward to the team’s return (game). I think Trindon Holliday is again in a position to have a very strong fall as a return man, and I think Ron Brooks and Chad Jones will still be guys that you’ll be familiar with back there returning the ball. I like the three phases. I like where we’re going. We’re so much further along, it appears to me, in our schemes and how we’re teaching it and the understanding of our team and what our players know. We’re taking strides. I think we’ll be better on special teams than we’ve been.
“I like the young guys. This is a very talented young class. I think (WR) Reuben Randle looks like a very soon-to-be quality receiver. I think (QB) Russell Shepard, again is a tremendous athlete and a guy who can certainly play quarterback but will play and may get plays at other spots. That’s kind of a work in progress. We’re just a few practices into the fall, and with just 15 spring practices, we’re still kind of getting a handle on exactly what we want to do with him. On the offensive side, I think there is plenty from the young group. On the defensive side, it’s nice to see (DL) Sam Montgomery and Josh Downs. Josh Downs from Bastrop just has such a high motor; he works so hard. We’ve enjoyed this young defensive line class. We think there’s some real potential there.
“There were some lessons learned from a year ago. We’re more ambitious and prepared. I think our team will continue to develop. I think we’ll have a strong camp. We’ll play in the first game, and I think that team will get better and better and better. I look forward to it. Again, this is a very special group of men, and I’m very fortunate to coach them.”
On the new additions to the coaching staff bringing a new attitude…
“I think there was an existing culture of dominant defense played here. Our guys know that price and look forward to it. They wanted it, and it’s who they are. That’s matched with the experience that John Chavis, Brick Haley and Ron Cooper have. I think it’s a great match.”
On freshman Morris Claiborne…
“Morris is, first of all, a fine young man. I enjoy him and how he works and how he smiles. The one thing about football is that if they didn’t play games, no one would want to play it. It’s just not one of those fun sports, but Morris comes out on a hot day, works hard, performs and competes. We took him the first two days and put him on offense, and he did very well. He’s been on the defensive side one time, and the next practice we have will be his second day on defense. We’re not really certain where he will end up but in my opinion, a very talented guy.”
On if LSU did not put last year’s 8-5 record on the motivational chain in the Lawton Room…
“I think every year is on that chain. You don’t excuse one. It’s interesting. I want you to know that eight wins and a bowl victory is not enough, but it was 11 and a bowl victory and really only became enough with 12 and a bowl victory. Achievement is certainly marked on that chain, but that chain means more to this team, in my opinion, than just the number of victories in a year.”
On the young talent on the defensive line…
“I think there are a number of guys there that we are going to look at. I like (DT) Chris Davenport. I like (DL) Michael Brockers. There are a number of guys that we look at like those two I mentioned (Montgomery and Downs). It’ll be a nice class.”
On the receiving corps…
“Terrance Toliver, at 6’4” and bigger than he’s been, should have the opportunity to make some really strong plays. I like Chris Mitchell and R.J. Jackson and obviously, without mentioning Brandon LaFell. There should be a number of guys there that give our opponents a difficult time covering. It’s imperative that that group has a strong year. We’re counting on them to have a strong year. It’s one of the strengths of our team.”
On the senior leadership of Brandon LaFell and Charles Scott…
“I think both of those guys think that they have a responsible position as veterans and leaders. I think Charles Scott has a want to have a very strong senior campaign and to represent his career in a way that is very noble. Brandon LaFell wants to have the same. Those two guys want to have their finest year in their last.”
On the offensive line…
“Our offensive line is more mobile than it’s been. I think (OGs) Lyle Hitt and Josh Dworaczyk are both guards that can really get up and run. (OT) Joe Barksdale has had one of the strongest summers I’ve been around. (OT) Ciron Black has been a starter there for three years and is going on his fourth, so I think our offensive line is potentially going to be as good as there is. There’s a great battle going on at our center spot with P.J. Lonergan and T-Bob Hebert. I think it’s a good group. We need to develop some depth behind those tackles and develop some depth behind those guards, but it appears we’ll have two quality centers and a very strong offensive line group.”
On if the more mobile style of quarterback play has forced the coaches to add a new dimension to the offensive line…
“We’ve always looked for mobile guys. I don’t think it’s evolved in any way. I think that no matter who our quarterback is, the starting five will be the same.”
On cross-training in the secondary…
“With two practices, there are just so many more reps, so what happens is that you may take a Ryan St. Julien and see him some at safety or at corner. You may take some of those corner prospects and take them back there so that they can understand what’s going on at safety. I think that overall knowledge creates a very strong understanding of their responsibility.”
On Harry Coleman‘s role…
“He is a starter for us. We’re certainly going to get him on the field.”
On where DL Chris Davenport fits into the rotation…
“He has a tremendous opportunity, in my opinion, to get an opportunity to play. He’s a big and powerful man who doesn’t understand how powerful he can be yet. Brick Haley is making that point daily and I think if he gets that, if he can pick up in a fast way what we’re asking him to do. He’s very capable.”
On if he expects Davenport to learn quickly…
“Well, that’s three practices in; it’s mind reading at this point. I think he’s a bright young man. Here’s the thing that happens ? I’m youthful, and I want to be youthful and you can’t have a young man who never articulates that. It takes some time to mature. Some guys come in and they’re just chomping at the bit to get over, and they’re aggressively running, and you just never know who that guy is. Only time will tell.”
On DL Akiem Hicks…
“Akiem Hicks, one thing about him is that he looks just like our guys. He comes in and he’s tall, 300 lbs., pretty mobile, and has long arms, great strike and competitive. Three days in, the early reviews are very strong. It appears to me he’ll provide playing time right along.”
On the impact LB Perry Riley and DL Rahim Alem will have on the defense…
“Perry Riley and Rahim Alem are athletic and will play a great role in this defense. When you play teams that challenge the perimeter and you play teams that spread the field, you have to have athletic men. Both of those men should have a great year and a great impact this fall. But, it has to be within the scheme and we’re going to try to grab that wild side a little bit.”
On incoming freshman RB Michael Ford…
“He’s had a good freshman camp. He has great speed and a natural cut; he hits it up in there. He’s a very talented young man and we look forward to him as he progresses through this camp and we can see exactly where we might use him.”
On QB Russell Shepard‘s place in the offense…
“I think that Russell Shepard is a guy that will develop at quarterback and will be given an opportunity to do some other things. Early on in that development, with only 15 practices in the spring and only three up to this point, that’s certainly a work in progress and a piece that needs to be developed.”
On if he is concerned about the play of the defensive line…
“I don’t know if I have that concern with the defensive line, to be honest. I just like the way things are going and the way they’re coming off the football. We have guys like Drake Nevis and Al Woods, Rahim Alem and Pep Livingston, and I think our defensive line will have enough to play extremely well.”
On how he prefers to handle incoming freshmen…
“In a perfect world, it would be the evaluative tool of the coach to know exactly when that young men was ready to perform in a game, and know his skills and his skill set. In fact, you would know maturity and comfort and the experience that would not put in outside his realm of comfort. I believe that in today’s society, young people are better prepared to come in and play early. At some point, they understand competition at its very highest level and know how to make big plays at big times. Those guys, they’re not young. They’re trained and that coach has an easier evaluation tool. We want to identify those guys early in practice and get them on the field. We’re not, in a perfect world, necessarily going to redshirt everybody. We ask that the guys that come in these classes, these very talented men, come in ready to compete and ready to play. We like to establish that as an open door. But qualification and ability, met with maturity and the understanding of how to do so is what allows the coach to put them in the field.”
On using different offensive formations…
“I think we have the personnel for a number of formations, with the unusual one being the quarterback carry formation. We have the ability to have that going. That’s one of the things we’re looking into. I think personnel-wise, we have two quarterbacks that can do it and probably a tailback or two as well.”
On the qualities of new Defensive Coordinator John Chavis…
“Attention to detail, and he really is a team man. It’s who he is as a person. I think he’s tough, and I think our defense will be tough.”
On how the running game might take pressure off of the quarterback position …
“I think anytime you can count on the running game and count on being able to hand the ball off and get yards, and put yourself in a down and distance that favors both the run and pass, it helps any offense. Hopefully that running attack will be a very efficient one and lead us to third-and-shorts.”
On the play of FB Stevan Ridley and RB Richard Murphy so far…
“Stevan Ridley is so far ahead of projections. His early practices have been very good. His quickness and cuts and the ability to run hard will certainly develop through camp and will be an ongoing story. I think the depth there at that position is certainly very good. Richard Murphy is probably bigger and stronger than he’s ever been. He’s more ready to see the field and have opportunities than he’s been in the past, so we’re happy with that.”
On the improvement at the cornerback position…
“I like Chris Hawkins, I think as a veteran he’s been in big games and played in big games and Coach Cooper is adding yet another component to him, and I think that will be very helpful. Patrick Peterson is one of those young men that can really play. He’s big, strong, physical, and fast and has a natural instinct for that spot. I think there are a number of guys that we can get in and give some opportunities to play, such as Ryan St. Julien and Brandon Taylor and a number of other guys. Jai Eugene has had a summer camp that might require him to play. He’s played better corner this summer camp than he has in the entire time that he’s been here before, so I like our corner spot.”
On how last season has shaped QB Jarrett Lee…
“I don’t know that he feels any added pressure. He’s a guy that was thrown into the heat, and he’s certainly a very talented young player. He had some development issues and certainly had to endure some bad turns and play, but I think he’s more confident than he has been. I think he wants to compete, and to start. He wants to have the kind of camp that will allow him the confidence of play that will advantage this team. I hate to say that last year was a necessary growing pain, but it’s something that he’s advantaged by. He’s been on the field and he knows what that means.”
On the leaders of the defense this year…
“I like Jacob Cutrera. There’s something about a guy that fights like heck to play. Now is his year and I think he’s had the kind of summer and early camp that would give you the impression that he’s looking forward to it. I like Al Woods, and I’m going to tell you another guy that’s had a good camp ? Charles Alexander lost some weight and is more athletic than he has been. I told him just the other day that some of the things he’s doing now, in my time with him, he’s much improved. I think there are a number of leaders there. Chris Hawkins puts pressure on himself to be that kind of guy, and Danny McCray is always a leader. I don’t know how we’ll use him at this point, but he’s always a leader in the defensive secondary.”
On what RB Keiland Williams needs to improve…
“What I ask Keiland to do is this ? when he’s carrying the ball, to see where great backs are and go there. He has all the ability, he’s agile, and he’s fast. There are runs where he can get to a place that maybe other running backs can’t, and I ask him to see that. I think he’s playing tough. Toughness has never been an issue with Keiland. It’s his vision, and making that quick plant and getting north and south. It’s also about making a seven-yard gain instead of a three-yard gain, and then getting beyond that seven-yard gain. I’ve told him to take it north and south more and in early camp, I see it.”
On RB Trindon Holliday‘s durability…
“I think Trindon is a great running back. I just wish him all the durability that the world could give a man that isn’t very big. But I’ll tell you one thing, if there’s open space there, our opponents are in trouble.”
LSU DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR JOHN CHAVIS
Opening Statement …
“I’d like to start by saying that this is an exciting time for me personally. I know for LSU football anytime you get started there’s a lot of excitement. I’ve enjoyed my experience here and look forward to a really fun season. One thing I found back in spring practice that I really like about the culture of our players is the ability to work and the willingness to go out and prepare and certainly when they’re willing to work it gives you the opportunity to improve your football team. I have to really give Coach (Tommy) Moffitt a big round (of applause). He did a great job in the offseason conditioning and you can see that in the first three days of practice. They look great; they look fit and they look great in practice and certainly that’s what you want to see as a coach. As you know, football is a year-round sport and if you don’t prepare all year long you’re going to be behind. Our guys did a great job in the offseason.
“I think there’s a lot of carryover from the spring. We put about 70 percent of our scheme in during the spring and through the first three practices we’ve gotten back to that point and are starting to add some new things. The one thing I’m most excited about is when you start looking at every position you see there’s not one position on our defensive football team where there’s not competition. Competition is a driving force to being great. If you have competition that means you have to keep working hard or someone else is going to take your spot. When you look at our depth chart there is competition at every position. Certain players have stood out and will continue to stand out. We’re looking for guys to come to the front.
“We need to come out of two-a-days of fall camp with at least five defensive tackles that are ready to go and play and be successful and win in the SEC. We’ve got some work to do there; there’s no question about that. We’ll need five or six defensive ends, and when you look at the roster from last year we lost five guys that played a tremendous amount of football for us. We need to have six or seven linebackers that are SEC-ready. We need to have eight to nine, maybe even 10 defensive backs that are ready to play. If we can get more guys ready to play, obviously that’s a plus. In the SEC, particularly up front, it’s a demanding league. There’s going to be nicks and bruises from time to time and you better have that depth, especially in the heat. We’ve got some competition that’s going to get people ready to play in a hurry. I think Ron Cooper has done a terrific job in the secondary. He brought a wealth of knowledge in here and I think our secondary has really picked up the scheme very well. It’s exciting to see those guys play back there. It’s a very talented group. I think Brick Haley has done an outstanding job with the front. There’s a lot of youth there and a lot of guys that are very talented, but they haven’t played SEC football yet. We’ve got to get them SEC-ready. We’re well on our way of making that happen.”
On the defensive ends …
“When you look at our defensive end position, Pep (Levingston), Rahim (Alem), and Lavar Edwards have really come on. (Chancey) Aghayere is another guy that has really made strides. Then you’ve got Chase Clement. Those five guys alone give you depth, but then you’ve got some young guys that we’ll have an opportunity to evaluate and work with. I think Pep and Rahim have been pace setters for us. They’ve gone out and performed well and they’ve played in ball games. Rahim is ready to be a full-time starter and he’s ready to take on that leadership role.”
On his transition from Tennessee to LSU …
“Obviously it’s been a different experience with new coaches. Not only was I in a spot for a long time, but I was with the same coaching staff for a long time. So here we had to sit down and go through philosophy to make sure we’re on the same page. Another thing you have to adjust to is new players and let me tell you it didn’t take long. It didn’t take long because we’ve got a wonderful group of young men. When we got started in the spring, after the second or third day it felt like home. It felt like my players. It felt like my school and I’m a part of LSU and I can’t be any happier about that. The welcome we got coming in was outstanding and also the response we got from the players was outstanding. The neat thing is they’re buying into our system and the way that we do things and the way that we want to practice.”
On instilling discipline on defense …
“We’re going to reinforce the fact that we want to be a disciplined football team. When we have penalties there will be consequences. If you’re a disciplined football team those things are going to be at a minimum. We’re going to make mistakes; there are going to be penalties; there are going to be times when a young man does something before he thinks. We’re all human. I’ve made mistakes and I’m going to make more. Young people make mistakes. I don’t think it’s a sign of being undisciplined when you make a mistake; just don’t make that same mistake again.”
On freshman defensive lineman Chris Davenport …
“He is a big athlete that is light on his feet. He has tremendous, tremendous potential. Potential means he hasn’t reached that level yet, but certainly through hard work and coaching he’s going to be able to accomplish that. Drill after drill, he’s going to have the opportunity to improve individually and those individual drills will translate to the group drills and then into the overall team work. That’s how you grow as a football player. You start out as individuals then you put those techniques in and you work on those techniques. We’re going to try to get Chris (Davenport) ready and try to get him in the spot as much as we can. Right now when you look at that depth chart he’s probably the third or fourth guy and when you look at it, he has the chance to go out there and compete. We’re going to give him the opportunity to compete. It’s going to be up to him to take advantage of that opportunity. We want him to think he has the opportunity; otherwise he’s not going to work as hard. I know Chris has got the attitude to work hard. I know he will.”
On his philosophy …
“One of the things I have assured Coach Miles of is this: we will not ask our guys to do things they are not capable of doing. I don’t think there is going to be a problem with having the ability to do the things we want to do. We’ve got the talent and the brains and the guys that are working hard to get that accomplished. When you get into the game you’ve got to make sure you’re asking them to do the things they know how to do. That way they can play more aggressively and cut it loose. We want to make sure when we put a guy out there that he’s able to line up and function full speed. When you’ve got 11 guys that understand their job and their responsibility it makes a great defense. Every defense has a stress point; there’s a weakness somewhere. We have to teach our athletes to protect that weakness, as well as play to the strength of that defense. Once they understand that and are able to execute their technique, then they can play at full speed.”
On his expectations …
“There’s no doubt in my mind that we have the talent to be a very good defense and we’re going to expect to be a very good defense. I’m not standing up here making any predictions, but we walk out on that field and we expect to be a championship defense. Everything we do every day is pushing us to the point of being a championship defense. One of the things I take a lot of pride in is that every defense I have ever coached got better and better and better. With the schedule we got we have got to be good pretty early. We’ve got talent; we’ve got to do the right thing with that talent and get them in the right position where they can play with great effort. If we do that then I think we’ll be extremely satisfied with what happens on the defensive side.”
On having the nickname “Chief” …
“My mother was full-blooded Cherokee and my dad was Lumbee and it’s a name that stuck early in life. I’ve always been fond of it. For me it’s an honor for someone to call me that. My players have called me that for the last 28 years I’ve been a coach. It has to do with a heritage I’m very proud of and I’m glad it stuck.”
On the linebackers …
“Perry Riley will be able to play Mike or Will. Kelvin Sheppard will be able to play Sam or Mike and so will Jake (Cutrera). Jake will be able to play Mike or Will. If we get an injury we want to be able to reach down and put our next best player on the field. If we have to move somebody to make that happen then we will. We will cross-train those guys. Once the older guys have that comfort level we’re going to move them around a little bit.”
On coming to LSU …
“LSU has always been a place, and I can’t explain the reason why, but it’s always been a place that I said if I had the opportunity to coach there, then I would. There’s always been something that has intrigued me about LSU and Baton Rouge. Certainly I have not been disappointed … You have opportunities to win championships at LSU. If you’re going to be in this business you want to be in that kind of program. Along with that comes high expectations and that’s what I think you want to be a part of. It’s great to be part of a program that expects to win, but also to be a part of a program that knows it has the opportunity to win if you go out and perform at those levels.”
On linebacker/safety Harry Coleman..
“He is certainly an outstanding individual and an outstanding football player. Harry is the kind of young man that if you had a daughter you would feel very comfortable with Harry with your daughter. On the field, he is a fantastic football player. Harry will be able to play linebacker for us and there’s a possibility he will also play some safety for us. He gives us flexibility in our scheme to do a lot of things. He’s willing to do whatever he needs to do to make this team as good as it can be.”
OFFENSIVE COORDNATOR GARY CROWTON
Opening statement…
“I’m excited to be here during this media opportunity and looking forward to this season. I think the team has worked very hard, and the coaches have prepared well. We worked hard in recruiting and it’s nice to have this class that’s come in. It’s nice to have a lot of guys coming back on offense and gives us a chance to use their experience. Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee will both play. Our receivers are back. Terrance Toliver will try our ?X’ position to our ?W’ position. Chris Mitchell will also play. I feel like we have more experience. The running backs are all the same. I’m really looking forward to a good year.”
On vision for Russell Shepard…
“Russell Shepard is one of the new recruits here now. Well I guess he’s a new tiger because he’s already started school. He’s a very athletic young man and had a lot of success on the high school level. He did some good things in the spring. We’re going to let him continue to develop and compete, and as we get into game weeks we will make decisions on how and when we will use him. Right now, he’s competing very well.
“He’s very athletic. It’s hard to put him in a spot, like quarterback, where we already have two guys. We’re going to use his athleticism to help the team immediately to become successful. He could play a lot of positions and be extremely good at those positions. At the same time he has some very good ball skills even today as a freshman.”
On the difficulty coaching against Coach John Chavis
“I coached against him while I was at Boston College in the 90s. He did a great job then. I remember he was sound, and the kids were always tough and aggressive. In the (SEC) championship game against Tennessee, his defense fought hard. I like the way he coaches, and I like the way the whole defensive staff uses their talent and pushes the players. It’s nice to have him aboard, and I think good things will happen.”
On progression of quarterback Chris Garrett …
“Chris Garrett has done very well so far. He’s very strong and a very physical player. I’m very pleased with how he’s doing, and he’s competing along with Russell Shepard. They are young players trying to learn, and anytime you have young players trying to learn, they’re swimming a little bit in the sense that everything that they are used to has changed. They are competing well, and I think the future is very bright for both of those guys.”
On Morris Claiborne‘s athletic ability…
“He’s doing a very good job with this camp. He’s everything we thought he would be and maybe even a little bit more. We’re looking to see where we’re going to play him. He can play on both sides of the ball. Where we feel like we can use him, we will. At the same time, he will make some older players better or push them out of their spot.”
On Brandon LaFell and Charles Scott coming back as offensive leaders…
“Brandon LaFell had a very good year last year. Now that he’s a senior and veteran player, he’s a big receiver that knows what he’s doing. He’s a very intelligent player that had a lot of good plays last year. I’m sure he will have a lot of catches this year. It’s really nice to have him as a veteran receiver. He’s also a hard worker in practice. With Charles Scott coming back, he’s a very punishing runner. He has also made a lot of big plays. There’s a lot of confidence in those two players. These players bring confidence to their units.”
On necessity of tight end Richard Dickson to the offense…
“I think it’s great. You’re looking for those kind of guys that can do everything. He’s an excellent player and one of the best in the league in his position. I’m happy with the guys behind him like Mitch Joseph. He’s a bigger guy, but not as athletic. He really compliments Richard. Deangelo Peterson is a really athletic guy who is really strong. Tyler Edwards is the next guy who is growing and learning and completes that group. I think it’s very solid group.”
On dual threat athletes like Trindon Holliday…
“What we’re trying to do is find a hole for our skilled players. We want to train the guys where they are dual threats in a lot of areas, like we are trying to do with Trindon Holliday. We’ve got a lot of good players here. They won’t all be in the game all the time. We’re going to need a lot of players to get through this league to the end of the season. We will play healthy teams and confident teams, so that’s what we’ll need to win along the stretch.”
On Jarrett Lee‘s improvement…
“The best thing about Jarrett Lee is that he’s not a freshman anymore. When you have freshman starting quarterbacks who haven’t played, playing in some of those big games is a new thing. There is so much adrenaline going. They’re making errors. They’re not used to being booed. They aren’t used to having all that success when they are good either. They learn to be even-keeled. I think his preparation is a lot better. He’s not sitting there absorbing information that we’re trying to teach him about the opponents. Right now he is extracting that information. It’s almost like he’s asking the question before I can tell him what’s going on because he knows what’s going to happen. There’s a maturity that happens that helps him to grow, so when he’s given the opportunity he can learn from the mistakes of last year and turn them into a positive. At the same time with the positives from last year, we want him to expand upon those. It’s exciting to watch him grow.”
LSU Media Day
August 9, 2009
LSU OFFENSIVE PLAYER QUOTES
On how the offense has performed since practice began …
“The first couple of days the defense has been a little bit ahead of the offense, but it’s always like that and the offense is going to come around. After the first day it was tough. Not a lot of us have done something like that in a while. We’ve done great so far, though, and no one has been injured thankfully. Everyone is playing good ball.”
On keeping up the momentum built at the end of the 2008 season …
“I tell Jordan (Jefferson) and all the quarterbacks, ?Just keep riding that wave.’ I mean, the way we finished our season last year with the bowl win and the spring was great.”
On if the team has a different outlook this season …
“Last year, we were coming off the national championship and we were thinking we could get back in it with all the guys we were returning. This year we know how hard we have to stay focused and not take our eyes off the prize.”
On how the quarterbacks are playing …
“As a group those guys are playing ball really well. Everyone has their specialty, but as a group those guys are making the right calls, the right checks and keeping the ball moving.”
On what he sees his role being …
“Right now, I’m in the learning process of this offense. I’m starting to get better at receiver and learn from Brandon (LaFell) and Terrance (Toliver). I’m coming in and am just trying to make the best impact I can.”
On what he does to try to improve his game and who he looks up to as a receiver …
“I try to take a little bit from everyone, be the best I can be and do the best I can at receiver. I try to do what comes natural. I just love playing football. I don’t really look up to one person in particular because everyone brings something different to the table. I try to put that together to do the best I can.”
On making the switch from receiver to running back …
“Coach asked me during the offseason if I’d be able to make the move from receiver to running back. I told him that I think that would be positive for me because it’s something I’m used to from high school.”
On expanding the offense …
“I think I can handle the role. Coach said it would make an impact on the team and the things we were able to do as an offense and that should help expand the role.”
On the strength of LSU’s schedule…
“We have a big schedule this year with a lot of away games so we have to have a positive mindset, come out each week, work hard and try to accomplish our goals.”
On breaking records as a tight end …
“There have been great guys I played with such as Keith Zinger who is playing for the Atlanta Falcons right now. Breaking the records would be incredible just to know that you are up there with guys like him and others on the list.”
On how he began playing his position …
“I really don’t know. I’ve played defense my whole life and the first time I played tight end was when I’d go with my high school team on seven-on-seven games. They needed an extra wide receiver so I’d just go out and play. Coming to LSU in October of my senior year just felt right. It was close, I could get here in two hours and the team was playing well. It worked out perfectly for me.”
QB RUSSELL SHEPARD
On if he can get on the field earlier by playing a position other than quarterback …
“We will definitely do different types of things from slot receiver to running back. We have talked about all these different things, but the goal and focus is to be a quarterback at LSU. We have such an amazing team. Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee have been amazing teachers to me, but I will play wherever I am needed.”
On if it has sunk in how much preparation is needed to be a quarterback at LSU …
“I never knew. Coming from Texas I thought I had seen the biggest of the biggest, but being a quarterback at this level, especially in the SEC, is a lot of work and it takes a lot. It took Jordan until the last three or four games of the season last year to be the starting quarterback of this team, and it’s a lot you have to do.”
On what he will be good at when he is lined up at receiver or running back …
“Just get the ball in my hands. Coach Miles and the rest of the coaching staff have seen what I can do with the ball in my hands, so regardless of the position I play it is going to be fun to make plays.”
QB JORDAN JEFFERSON
On having a lot of great players back on offense …
“Those guys are great leaders and good contributors to the offense. We will depend on them to do a lot for the offense.”
On Brandon LaFell and what he brings to the team …
“He is a great guy and great player. He is one of our seniors we are counting on to do great things this year, and we have a lot of confidence in him.”
On what he needs to work on from now until the season starts …
“Being more of a leader and gathering everything as quickly as I can before the first game. It will be my first time to play the whole season since high school, so I will prepare myself to be the quarterback for the season.”
On if the team has a chip on its shoulders to do better than last year …
“We didn’t have a great season last year, and we are trying to make sure that doesn’t happen again. LSU losing five games is something that does not happen often. 8-5 isn’t good enough for us, so we are trying to make sure that does not happen again.”
RB CHARLES SCOTT
On how the running game will stack up this year …
“We have too many guys to just concentrate on me. I do OK when I carry the ball, but Keiland Williams carries the ball well and Richard Murphy does too. When you throw Trindon Holliday into plays he is awesome, so you can’t just look at one guy doing well. You have to look at everybody.”
On what he can do to improve his draft stock …
“Catching the ball out of the backfield and pass blocking. I need to show people I can pass block because Keiland is the best pass blocker we have, so I am trying to improve by watching him to improve myself overall.”
On what he thinks about his name being mentioned as a Heisman candidate …
“It has crossed my mind. People mention it from time to time. It is in the back of my head. I do not concentrate on trying to win the Heisman. I concentrate on just going out and playing my game. If they have my name on the list I am happy. If they don’t I am happy too. As long as my team is happy, I am happy too.”
OT CIRON BLACK
On what made him come back for his senior season …
“Honestly, it wasn’t a hard decision for me. I had the opportunity to make some money in the draft or be a decent pick, but I know I have a lot more to work on. I am not the player that I need to be yet in order to play at the next level. I talked to my parents and we did a lot of praying and weighing options with pros and cons as far as going to the next level, and we came up with the fact that I needed to come back to increased my stock.”
On his personal and team goals this season …
“For myself I just want to be a leader for the team as a senior this year that way it can branch over to the team because it is always about the team. Coach Miles stresses it is always about the team, and me being a leader would help our team to achieve our ultimate goals of winning the SEC and hopefully the national championship. That is always our No. 1 goal.”
On how he tries to lead on a daily basis …
“Whatever I can do. Whether it is really getting on somebody or somebody getting on me. In order to be a good leader you have to be able to take somebody getting on you. If we are on the field I try to be an example and finish through the drill first and try to run through the sprints when we are tired. I try to uplift the younger guys because it is really hard on them. They just got out of high school, so I am always trying to help them on plays. We can go to my apartment and hang out or talk about football or life because I know what it is like to be a freshman. It is really hard and is a lot of stress, so whatever I can do to help the team I will because they are my boys.”
LSU Media Day Defensive Quotes
August 9, 2009
LSU SAFETY CHAD JONES
On how Coach John Chavis has made the defense different …
“We are putting in new blitz packages every day, so we are going to be a much more aggressive defense this year. We are going to make the quarterback get the ball out quickly and make them make mistakes. We are going to bring a lot of aggression and a lot of intensity to the defense. ”
On how he is progressing under Coach John Chavis‘ defensive scheme …
“I think I have been progressing really well. This defense is not too hard to learn, but it is an effective defense. I am catching on quickly. I am always around the ball now, back in my natural position at free safety. I feel better back there roaming around, having a little free time and being able to see everything that is going on.”
On how Coach John Chavis‘ attitude and intensity is affecting the defense …
“Coach Chavis brings a lot of intensity. The attitude is different. LSU’s defense has always had the attitude of us playing dominant, but he just brings a little more edge and a little more experience.”
LSU DEFENSIVE END RAHIM ALEM
On what new defensive line Coach Brick Haley has done differently …
“I would say the philosophy is different. Coach Haley believes in a more downhill approach. Last year our scheme didn’t really allow for that kind of play. This year we are allowed to play more downhill and more free to make plays.”
LSU LINEBACKER PERRY RILEY
On how he can build off of last season …
“In the offseason just working on all of my weaknesses. Breaking down film and seeing what I didn’t do quite so well, working hard, and just try and start off where I left off at.”
On how the linebackers and the defense can improve …
“Cutting down on the mental mistakes. Last year we had a lot of mental mistakes. We had a lot of blown coverages and a lot of people in the wrong gaps. If you cut that down it will definitely cut down on some of the big plays we had last year. So that’s our main focus to cut down on the mistakes and getting our fire and hungriness back. I think last year we weren’t as hungry as we should have been. I think the 8-5 season was a reality check and the team is a lot more hungry this year.”
On how he feels about Coach John Chavis specializing in linebackers …
“It makes me feel good. With him having as much experience as he has I know that he knows what he is talking about. I just try and listen and take in as much information as he tries to give out. It gives me a little boost to know that he knows what he is talking about. He has been here before so I will definitely try and follow in his footsteps.”
LSU CORNERBACK PATRICK PETERSON
On how the attitude of the team has changed from last season …
“It’s a dramatic change. I think the new defensive coaches that came in this year have brought a whole new attitude and demeanor to the team. I think this year we will be more confident.”
On the difference between last year’s camp and this year’s camp …
“A lot more energy from everybody. I see the energy in the offensive staff, the defensive staff, and special teams. Everybody is just ready to play.”
On if this team has what it takes to win a National Championship …
“I believe so. The guys just have to stay focused and keep the right attitude like we are having right now in fall camp.”