Brian Kelly hoping for different outcome than first year at Notre Dame

When Brian Kelly took over at Notre Dame in 2010, the Fighting Irish got off to a slow start before finishing 8-5. Now at LSU, he’s hoping to avoid a similar season in his first season with the Tigers.

The quarterback situation was an interesting part of that season in South Bend. Dayne Crist had the most experience coming back, but newcomer Tommy Rees was the new starter and the offensive line had fresh faces, as well. Kelly could be in for a similar situation at LSU as he rebuilds the offensive line and decides who the quarterback will be in his new system.

But at SEC Media Days on Monday, Kelly declared the situation at LSU is better than the one he had as he got rolling at Notre Dame.

“The spring really was for us to lay down our offense,” Kelly said. “We weren’t really going to gear it towards any particular skill set. I feel much better about the depth in the quarterback situation. Dayne [Crist] was really the only quarterback that had any experience [in 2010]. We [were] young and inexperienced at that position.

“I think the depth at the quarterback position is much different. Jayden and certainly Myles bring us obviously starting experience. Garrett, obviously, for me, is an exciting quarterback. Walker is a true freshman, but there’s great depth there. The offensive line is clearly an area that we need to keep our eye on. But I think we’ve added some really good transfers, and we think we’ve got some young men that have developed.

“I would say that right now, I stand in front of you that those similar situations, I like the depth and the opportunity to be much better than 2010.”

Brian Kelly updates what he’s looking for in LSU quarterback competition

The biggest question new LSU head coach Brian Kelly has left to answer is who will start at QB for the Tigers this fall? Jayden Daniels, Garrett Nussmeier and Myles Brennan will all be fighting for the top spot down in Baton Rouge.

When asked at SEC Media Days about what he’s looking for in the competition at LSU, Kelly gave out three qualities he’s keeping his eyes on.

“The price of admission to being a quarterback at LSU is you’ve got to have leadership capabilities or we’re not even going to take you. That’s first and foremost,” Kelly said. “When you step on the field you’ve got to take care of the football. You can’t just be cavalier with the football. You are the guy that touches it every time. You’ve got to take care of it.”