To start off this blog I just want to thank Michael Bonnette for providing me with Credentials for the 2018 LSU Spring game. To have the opportunity to photograph a LSU football game was literally a dream come true and I will keep that as a memory for the rest of my life. This fall I'll be working multiple games and I can't wait to get back to Tiger Stadium.
Here are my 7 takeaways from the game:
1. Justin McMillian
- Coach O has said multiple times this spring that the QB competition is close but wide open. Brennan, Narcisse and McMillian have been neck and neck all spring but after the stout performance from the redshirt junior QB McMillian it's fair to say that the job is his right now. He finished 14-29 for 216 passing yard and 1 touchdown.
2. Jacob Phillips
- The inside linebacker job is wide open and last season Tyler Taylor and Jacob Phillips split reps as true freshman. During the spring game Phillips finished with a team high 6.5 tackles and had a nose for the ball and was flying around the field next to All-American Devin White. Phillips is a former 5 star recruit and has showed flashes of being a elite linebacker. Expect these two roommates (Taylor and Phillips) to compete until game day.
3. Justin Jefferson
- Jefferson had the best day and even made the best play for any spring game. Justin is a wide receiver and his two older brothers (Jordan and Rickey Jefferson) also played football for LSU. He's a former 3 star recruit and he signed late to the 2017 LSU signing class. He finished with 5 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown. He had a one handed 94 yard touchdown that caught many by surprise. Expect him to start week 1 vs Miami.
4. Jontre Kirklin
- There's two cornerback positions wide open on the opposite of SEC Leader in Interceptions Greedy Williams. After watching Kirklin closely I believe that he is ready to start as a true sophomore. He has top notch speed and a knack for the football. He was one-on-one with 6 '6 WR Stephon Sullivan and he made a great pass break up that surprised the fans. He is pretty good in coverage and man but has a few things to work on. Don't be surprised if he starts on the opposing side to Greedy week 1.
5. Breiden Fehoko
- Rashard Lawrence has a new counterpart with Fehoko who transferred from Texas Tech and was once a top 50 recruit from Hawaii. He is strong, physical and will be stout in the SEC. The LSU d-line is always known for creating havoc but with this d-line they have coming back and the 7 newcomers they will soon have. Be on the look out for that defense and Fehoko. He will be a key leader for the team and he will bring a different passion and fight to each game.
6. Terrace Marshall
- After a crushing ankle injury for Marshall as a senior in HS it was great to him running around and playing in the spring game. He is a former 5 star recruit and the top player in the state of Louisiana. He was targeted 3 times and he had 1 catch for 21 yards. Following his first few plays I noticed him limping on the sideline and they tapped his ankle pretty good. Expect him to 100% by fall camp and explosive. You can tell that he was just a tad bit hesitant.
7. K'Lavon Chaisson
- With the lost of Arden Key, Chaisson is the expected starter at OLB. Last season he started a few games that Key missed and got quality reps as a true freshman. He showed his fast twitch and quick hands in the spring game and had two QB hurries. I will not be surprised if he leads the SEC in sacks this year.
