As LSU enters its last week of Spring Camp, a roster stocked with new arrivals continues to take shape. The latest LSU scrimmage showed somewhat surprising indications of how a few key position battles are playing out.
Entrenched starters won’t mean quite as much in some positions, like defensive tackle, due to the number of guys who will play. Conversely, rotation is a sign of instability at positions like quarterback or left guard. We took a deep dive into some critical depth chart developments before the Tigers conclude Spring practice on Thursday.
LSU Scrimmage Notes
Longstreet Makes His Case
All eyes are locked on the backup quarterback competition while projected starter Sam Leavitt recovers from a 2025 injury. Although Elon transfer Landen Clark has taken most of the first-team snaps throughout the Spring, USC transfer Husan Longstreet has been charging lately. Longstreet took advantage of receiving the lion’s share of starter reps on Saturday.
Both quarterbacks rebounded from poor performances in the last LSU scrimmage a week ago, which included five interceptions. But it was Longstreet who accounted for five touchdowns in the latest scrimmage. He’s improved his accuracy, layered throws when necessary, and extended plays with his elusiveness.
Clark also had an impressive day, even though he didn’t have quite as much first-team success as Longstreet. Either way, the play of the two quarterbacks was encouraging. However, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Both came into the Spring with no experience with this offensive line or wide receiver group. Inconsistencies should be expected while timing and chemistry grow from one practice to the next.
Not So Lonely at the Top
Harlem Berry and Caden Durham entered Spring camp as the unofficial favorites to settle in at the top of the depth chart at the running back position. Make no mistake; that still could be the case. But Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones has made it clear that he will have a role in the offense.
Jones has been trending up for weeks now, and he continued that by getting his fair share of first-team reps in the latest scrimmage. The quarterbacks always get the most attention, whether it’s a playoff game or a practice in the Spring. But the offense as a whole performed better on Saturday, and Jones was an integral part of the success.
Jones is a much different back than the speedy, elusive duo of Berry and Durham. He plays a more physical brand of football and seeks more contact with his 211-pound frame. Frankly, his yardage wasn’t impressive in the scrimmage. But his usage, which included a direct snap in his nine carries, indicates that he’ll be a key cog in the offense this fall.
Lagniappe
Here, we’ll round up the rest of the key takeaways from a roster and impact standpoint. Returning senior and seldom-used offensive lineman Bo Bordelon looks to have overtaken Ole Miss transfer Devin Harper at left guard. Bordelon has been on the first-team offense for over a week now.
Cornerback Michael Turner had an impressive day, which is encouraging after Aidan Anding’s season-ending injury. Turner has the inside track to be the fourth cornerback after DJ Pickett, PJ Woodland, and Ja’keem Jackson. Havon Finney is also in the mix, but incoming freshman Dez Ellis will add competition this summer.
Ole Miss transfer Winston Watkins has been the most consistent receiver. Winston is an explosive player who knows the offense and provides matchup issues from the slot. Hawaii transfer Jackson Harris perhaps had an even bigger day than Winston on Saturday with multiple touchdown catches.
Leavitt, Tamarcus Cooley, Whit Weeks, and Trey’Dez Green did not scrimmage. Cooley’s issue is unclear, but it does not appear to be major, judging by his decision to wear his pads on the day. Lane Kiffin has spoken about limiting Green’s action, as he has nothing to prove and will be used heavily this Fall.
Main Image: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
