Following a closed Friday morning practice, LSU held a press conference in which reporters were allowed to hear from Joe Sloan on the LSU offense to this point. The second-year offensive coordinator spoke about the progress of different offensive units, as well as his growth as a coach. The pressure is on the young play caller to overcome a new offensive line to lead the Tigers to offensive dominance. But he spoke with an understated, calm confidence while offering his thoughts on the new offense.
Sloan Talks Offense
Developing the Run Game
“I think we’ve looked at some scheme things. We’ve looked at some personnel things; it’s a combination. I think having Caden Durham as a second-year player, obviously, he’s an electric player and a really good football player. But he’s still a true freshman who came in in June. So, having him as a second-year player, he’s a lot better football player today than he was at this time last year.”
It’s no secret that LSU struggled to establish balance within the offense in 2024. Whether it was the inability to run or the unwillingness to run, the offense suffered for it. Sloan expects Durham to be even better in his sophomore season, and he’s probably right.
Durham did not enroll early and even played through a toe injury last year. Despite the circumstances, he exceeded expectations while commandeering the starting running back spot. We could and will make the argument that Durham’s coming-out party at South Carolina was pivotal in saving the game for LSU.
There’s more good news, as true freshman Harlem Berry has performed well in practices. Berry is getting more time with first-team offense lately. When it comes to the scheme, it’s been encouraging to see LSU be more creative in the run game with Ju’Juan Johnson and Zavion Thomas in the backfield. The bad news is that freshman JT Lindsey was arrested Friday, leaving his status unclear.
Offensive Line Progress Report
“I think our tackles, you know the two guys coming into spring. Those guys are gonna be first-year starters and I think definitely when you watch those guys have been excellent. Excellent in their growth…I think the guards, there’s been a lot of competition, which has been good to see…I like the individual growth, and I like the collective growth from the offensive line. But just like the entire offense, we’re gonna need every day to get fully prepared for what we need to do this fall.”
Tyree Adams has predictably been solid at left tackle while redshirt freshman Weston Davis has held his own at right tackle. While the tackles haven’t been dominant, the most concerning part of LSU’s offensive line has been the interior linemen.
We’ll just come out and say it, Sloan stated that the guard competition has been “good to see” because there’s no easy way to say they’re getting daily whippings. We think the Tigers will be markedly improved at defensive tackle. But not to the point where the LSU guards shouldn’t get their share of wins.
Neither DJ Chester nor transfer Josh Thompson is firmly entrenched in a starting spot. Keep an eye on redshirt freshman Coen Echols to make a move at the left guard spot. Even true freshman Carius Curne has been seeing more time at guard lately. He was taking reps as the backup left tackle earlier in camp. Curne is 6’-5”, 320 pounds, and is uncommonly strong as a freshman according to his teammates.
Wide Receiver Nic Anderson Returns to Health
“I think he’s had a really good camp. I couldn’t be more excited about the way he’s prepared and the consistency at which he’s played every day…He’s extremely talented. He can help us in a lot of ways, and I just want to continue to see him stack those days over and over. But he definitely is a lot more comfortable within the action than he was in the spring.”
LSU’s offensive additions have been well documented, but Anderson’s status shouldn’t be glossed over. Coming off a quad injury that kept him off the field in 2024, his presence brings a different element to the receiver room. The Tigers have deep speed and shifty receivers who thrive in space. Anderson is a 6’-4” big target with run-after-catch ability. If healthy, he’s unlike any other weapon on the roster.
Sloan also confirmed the return of Aaron Anderson, who’s been out since the first day of practice. Anderson had a minor procedure on his knee and returned to practice on Friday.
Main Image: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
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