Brian Kelly press conference notes, March 23

Here’s a synopsis of what LSU head coach Brian Kelly said on Saturday afternoon, part paraphrased and part directly quoted.

*** Kelly says he’s impressed with his team’s controlled competitiveness. “They showed really good emotional control and maturity and we got a lot of work done. We’ll have really good film to evaluate and that allows us to look at where we have to strengthen ourselves and developmental areas we need to improve on.” Says the identity is beginning to show itself and the sum is going to be much greater than the parts. “We’re going to need everybody.”

*** The Star position gives you a lot more versatility within your defensive structure. A guy that can do everything on defense. Kelly says he has to be rugged enough to handle himself at the line of scrimmage and says Major fits the role. “Sage has moved all over and we’ve tried finding a spot for him. He provides the experience that was lacking at that position.”

*** Kelly on Chris Hilton “When guys move on, it thrusts you into that position of need and leadership. He now knows the mantle has been passed to him and its his time. He’s had a really good spring. I would evaluate him as someone who has been consistent. At times he lacked consistency before, but we haven’t seen any of that.”

*** Says Dashawn Womack is back fully healthy after last year working through injuries early last year. Says the weight room was big for him. “He has the ability to be an elite pass rusher. We believe both of those guys [Womack and Swinson] can be top pass rushers in the SEC.” Saivion Jones is a B Gap player and that gives them great flexibility.

*** Says they’ve put a lot more pressure on Campbell and Jones within this offense to be relied on. They’ve pulled them in run schemes and had more outside zones to feature both of those guys in particular.

*** Defensive backfield: “The guys that played for us last year are improving. Toviano, Stamps they’re improving at the level necessary for us. There’s a lot of good young talent and they’re being coached. The safeties are very active. Jardin Gilbert gives us a veteran player back there. There’s a nice balance of veteran and young players. The sum is going to be much more about what this team is than it is about one individual. I think there will be two or three corners at each spot and two or three safeties and that’s a good thing.”

*** On 12 personnel: “Our emphasis early has been on the run game than it has been formationaly. We wanted to lay down the tracks for the run game, because last year our run game was Jayden Daniels. so I wanted to make sure we spent the appropriate amount of time on the run game we need to have heading into the fall. It’s been more about the play selection and I’m pleased by what I saw today. We’ll get into more 12 personnel formations as the offseason unfolds.”

*** Kelly says developing Tyree Adams and Bo Bordelon is a huge piece of this offseason and that’s why you’ll see them getting first team reps since they already know what Will and Emery are. Mentions the development of the backup QB position as well as being key. “I’m really pleased with the wide receiver group. There are seven guys there that make up for the loss of the two stars.”

*** Talks about Garrett Nussmeier having the ear of the offense and how people respect him. Says he was a leader last year, even though he wasn’t the starter.

*** On Brad Davis: “When I was hired, he was the one I wanted to retain. He’s able to relate and I love the way he can communicate. He’s demanding, but builds relationships on both sides of the ball. He’s doing a fabulous job.”

*** On Kyren Lacy: “Kyren had times where he could get distracted, but now a single-minded focus on doing his job every single day — the elite players have that in practice and I’ve seen a big change in the way he approaches practice. Last year, he was the third man and now he’s not that, he’s the guy now.”