Ed Orgeron outlines the remaining position battles at LSU

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron recently outlined the remaining position battles in Baton Rouge with the Tigers’ season set to kick off in a week against UCLA.

“So, most of the positions are solidified,” Orgeron said. “None of them are etched in sand. Our guys know that the depth chart can change at anytime. They have to perform at a high level.”

Ed Orgeron highlighted specific position battles at running back, left tackle and safety.

“You look at running back, obviously Tyrion (Davis-Price) and John (Emery) are our running backs and I want them to be our running backs,” he said. “But they haven’t remained healthy throughout camp so let’s see if they come back next week. They come back next week and play well, they’re going to be fine, but if not, we’re going to have to find out who our best running back is there.”

Behind Davis-Price and Emery on the depth chart are two freshmen in Corey Kiner and Armoni Goodwin. Both could notch a role for themselves at the position behind the expected starters.

One of LSU’s biggest position battles of the offseason was at left tackle, after losing expected starter Dare Rosenthal to the transfer portal in June.

“At the left tackle position, Cam (Wire) has done a great job for us,” Oregron said. “He’s our starter, but I think Charles Turner can go in there and play right away.”

Wire is entering his fourth season at LSU but is still technically a redshirt sophomore. Wire has played in 15 games over the last two seasons and started six games last season at left tackle and guard.

Turner is entering his third year at LSU and has appeared in eight games in his career. Listed at 6-foot-6, 284 pounds, Turner is a versatile piece for the Tigers who can play any position on the line if needed.

What about QB?

Orgeron briefly touched on quarterback, confirming Max Johnson as the starting quarterback but if something were to happen to Johnson “I have no problem putting Garrett (Nussmeier) in.”

Nussmeier is entering his true freshman season and has made waves all through fall camp.

Oregeron also touched on the secondary, where a transfer has emerged at the open safety position.

“I think at the safety position, I think Major Burns has done a tremendous job,” Ed Orgeron said. “We need to see who’s going to be our starting safety next week.”

Burns transferred to LSU after spending his freshman season at Georgia. He is entrenched in a battle with Todd Harris Jr, Jordan Toles and freshman Sage Ryan, who could see significant playing time regardless of who wins the battle.

As a freshman at Georgia, Burns saw action in six games, recording five total tackles. Ryan joined the Tigers as one of the best defensive backs in the 2021 class. Harris is the most tenured member of the secondary, entering his fifth season with the Tigers. In the past four seasons, Harris has seen action in 37 games. Last year, he recorded 30 tackles and two interceptions.

Elsewhere in the secondary, Elias Ricks and Derek Stingley Jr return, making up, what could be, the best cornerback duo in the country. Oregeron noted Cordale Flott as the starting nickel cornerback.