LSU’s first week of preseason practices under new head coach Lane Kiffin offered a narrow window for the press, granting just ten to twelve minutes of observation each day and no full scrimmages.
During a Thursday pursuit drill, the first‑team defense featured veterans such as Jordan Ross, Whit Weeks and sophomore DJ Pickett, while freshmen Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson earned starting spots at defensive tackle, catching the eye of coaches and onlookers.
The reshuffling was underscored by the movement of redshirt freshman Jaiden Braker, who was shifted to edge rusher, a position where LSU appears unsettled after limited snaps a year ago.
Quarterback Health and Early Impressions
Quarterback Sam Leavitt, the presumed starter, appeared fully healthy, delivering accurate throws to his receivers, though the session stopped short of any live offensive drills.
The absence of projected right tackle Weston Davis from Saturday’s practice, after attending the first two days, and the continued sidelining of Damien Shanklin due to injury added to the list of question marks for the offensive line.
Depth at linebacker remains a strength, with players like Davhon Keys, Tylen Singleton and Keylan Moses rotating in, while Dylan Carpenter stands as the only returning edge rusher with more than twenty snaps last season.
Adding to the defensive line’s intrigue, LSU welcomed two transfers — Clemson’s Stephylan Green and Auburn’s Malik Blocton — who are expected to bolster the interior.
Coaches have praised the early chemistry of the new pieces, but the limited exposure leaves many questions about how the unit will translate once full pads and extended sessions arrive.