Well, just got back from the scrimmage. It was a short one, and some thunder and lightning showed up a couple miles away and they called it when that happened. Here are my observations: Offense: 1) Russell Shepard is good. I mean he's really good, doesn't matter that he's moved up to the college level. His throwing wasn't the prettiest, but he seemed confident and knew where it was safe to throw. When he ran, even if they knew he was running, they couldn't catch him. He's simply one of those that makes the game look easy. Also he worked @ WR, but we didn't see much of that. 2) Lafell, Toliver, and Randle are going to be a force to be reckoned with. (Duh, right?).. Toliver was in green, so he didn't get tackled or hit much. Lafell and Randle both looked really sharp. 3) Jordan Jefferson and Jarett Lee both looked good and comfortable. They both made some really good passes and moved the chains, Jefferson looked good running the ball. Chris Garrett by FAR has the best arm on the team and it's my hope that they do redshirt him. His passes were perfectly thrown, and got to the target very quickly. Very similar to Jamarcus Russell with regards to the arm. Not sure how he can run or not. 4) Running backs looked good. Scott was in shape, and it looks as if KW is making more effort to run north/south rather than from sideline to sideline. KW was also in great physical shape from what I could tell. 5) The O-line looked pretty solid to me, though when they lined up against the 1st team defense, it was a give take thing. I didn't pay as much attention to the linemen when they were running plays but the young guys look pretty good and solid. Defense: 1) The D was what we like to see as Tiger fans. They were fast, aggressive, and went after the ball. They hurried the QB's a couple times and got one or 2 sacks (QB's were in green, so a touch was a tackle). 2) Chad Jones will not disappoint this year. He looks very comfortable @ FS. 3) Linebackers looked pretty good. Coleman seems happy there, Sheppard looked really good. Mingo was impressive in the warmups, but he seriously needs to gain some weight. Once he does, he's going to be something special. Couple of the LB's were 'knicked' up and didn't dress. 4) Peterson is, as I think Clair put it, a maniac. He will also be fun to watch this season and I look for him to have a really good year. Shutdown corner for sure. Special Teams: 1) Trindon Holiday wasn't bothered too bad by his hamstring. He was in white and looked good returning. Fast as ever. Randle was back returning punts as well, however he did fumble one. Jones was also back there at times. 2) Our kicking game is the biggest weakness I could see on the team. We don't look very spectacular there, but it wasn't terrible. Some of the punts and kicks were nice, others.. not so much. Inconsistent I think is the best word. FG kicking I didn't get to see a bunch of, but the couple I watched them kick looked pretty good (35-45 yards). 3) We did block a punt, that was good to see. I'm sure I missed a bunch, that's just what stuck out to me. All in all, I'd say we're in pretty good shape this season. Especially if the young talent is able to gel with the team. Ciron told my boss the other day that he thinks this team has more talent on it than he's seen in his time at LSU. Our offense certainly looked good enough to win games and score points, and the defense should be more along the lines of what we're used to. 3 weeks can't pass soon enough.. It'll be a much better year than last. :tigereye:
