OC Joe Sloan evaluates LSU's skill positions in spring practices

LSU continues spring practices as we approach the end of March and the Tigers’ offense has been a significant talking point across the board. From the return of Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback to a reconstructed offensive line, there are plenty of storylines, but when offensive coordinator Joe Sloan was asked about the skill position units in his Tuesday press conference, he dove into each and every one.

Sloan talked about LSU’s explosive potential on offense, what he’s seen from the groups and more as he’s now halfway through spring practices.

“It’s not just the guys we brought in, but the guys we brought back as well,” Sloan said. “We have a ton of talent when it comes to the receivers, tight ends, running backs, and the skill position players. 

“We’re going to need everybody to accomplish what we want to accomplish. That’s our mindset. We have to push each other and have competition and we have to create depth and an environment that we’re going to step up when our number is called and that’s what those guys are doing.”

Here’s a breakdown of what he said.

Wide receiver

With the transfer portal additions of Barion Brown, Nic Anderson, and exceptional returners, there’s an expectation that the Tigers are significantly more explosive on the perimeter. The early stages of LSU’s spring practices have been about building the chemistry between the receivers and quarterbacks, but also learning the strengths of the new weapons.

“From the kind of football that Chris Hilton is playing to what Aaron is doing,” Sloan said. “At this time last year, no one knew Aaron Anderson was going to be one of our leading receivers. The way he’s attacked this offseason, I couldn’t be more fired up. Then to Zavion [Thomas and the way he’s playing and Kyle Parker who, even though he can’t go full speed is out there attacking it.

“Then you get to the additions in terms of the different guys that have been added from [Destyn Hill] to Barion [Brown[ to Nic [Anderson]. The different guys that are moving through with some of our young guys, I don’t think it’s just about one guy, it’s about the core of receivers and that’s the thing that makes it exciting. It’s a long football season and we’re going to need every guy to play at his best level. Cortez has done an excellent job with those guys from a retention, recruiting, and development standpoint.”

Tight end

Trey’Dez Green obviously headlines this unit as a five-star prospect who showed flashes in year one at LSU, but now with a pair of transfer additions in the room and a new tight ends coach in Alex Atkins, the ability to replace Mason Taylor’s production doesn’t seem as challenging as it did after the season.

“Adding in Bauer [Sharp] and Donovan [Green], but Trey’Dez [Green] being back and the growth that he’s had and the practice he’s had this spring as a complete player, he’s pretty electric,” Sloan said. “The way Bauer has come in, his mentality has been excellent for us. Donovan has been experienced for us and he has a cool head that can bring a calm demeanor. There are a lot of pieces to that group and then Giovanni [Peterson], he’s been the bowl game warrior the past two years and that speaks to the development in this program. Then we have another young guy we’re going to get back in JD [LaFleur].”

Running back

Frank Wilson has revitalized the LSU running back room with a pair of top-10 freshman backs, but it’s the return of Caden Durham and Kaleb Jackson that has Sloan excited as the two have capitalized on their opportunities in spring ball. 

“From the running back standpoint, last year in the spring we really only had Kaleb [Jackson] and Josh was kind of hobbled and now this year to have Caden, Harlem, and a couple other guys, that group has been pushing each other and creating competition,” Sloan said. “Kaleb has had some of his best practices as a Tiger. Caden has been great and working into his second year. Harlem is starting to get comfortable and starting to show flashes. I love what I’m seeing from the different pieces of the group.