The LSU Football Practice Report: Notes from Day 9 of Spring Camp for the Tigers
BATON ROUGE, LA — The LSU Tigers wrapped up another intense session of their spring football camp on Day 9, with a flurry of standout performances, new developments on the injury front, and tactical adjustments that could define the team’s identity come fall. Head coach Brian Kelly continues to oversee the development of the roster, and while the Tigers are still far from full strength, Day 9 presented some intriguing takeaways.
Here’s a breakdown of all the key happenings from the practice field.
Offense: Quarterbacks Showing Growth
One of the biggest questions entering this spring was the quarterback position, and through Day 9, it’s clear that the battle for the starting role is still up for grabs. Senior Jayden Daniels continues to look sharp, with his playmaking ability and deep ball accuracy on full display.
Jayden Daniels’ Progression
Daniels has been solid throughout camp, and Day 9 was no exception. The Arizona State transfer made some impressive throws, including a deep ball to Malik Nabers that hit the receiver in stride down the sideline. Daniels’ ability to make reads under pressure continues to improve, but it’s clear that he’s still developing a rapport with some of the newer faces in the receiving corps.
On the ground, Daniels showed his mobility, escaping the pocket on multiple occasions to keep plays alive. His quickness and vision in open space are still major assets, and he’s demonstrated the ability to change the pace of a game with his legs.
Garrett Nussmeier Continues to Push
While Daniels has been steady, Garrett Nussmeier has shown growth as well. The sophomore’s arm talent is undeniable, and his ability to zip the ball through tight windows has been one of the highlights of the camp. Nussmeier had a particularly impressive series during a two-minute drill, where he connected with Kyren Lacy and Jack Bech on back-to-back quick passes.
Though still a bit raw, Nussmeier is proving that he can step up under pressure, making the competition between him and Daniels an exciting storyline to follow.
Walker Howard Getting More Reps
One of the more promising developments of the day came with Walker Howard. The freshman from Lafayette got extended reps, showcasing his accuracy and poise for a player so early in his collegiate career. Howard made several strong throws, including a back-shoulder throw to Brian Thomas Jr. that showed excellent timing and precision. While he’s not in the race for the starting job yet, Howard is earning the trust of the coaching staff and could play a significant role in the future.
Receivers: Rising Stars and New Faces
With a deep group of talented receivers, it’s becoming clear that the Tigers have a lot of weapons to work with. From the established stars to the newcomers, Day 9 was a reminder of LSU’s rich history at the position.
Malik Nabers’ Dominance
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Day 9 was the continued dominance of Malik Nabers. The sophomore receiver had another standout performance, routinely beating defensive backs with his route running and physicality. Nabers caught several passes during the team’s 7-on-7 drills and also made a key catch in a 1-on-1 matchup against cornerback Kendrick Law. His speed and separation on deep routes were particularly noticeable, and he looks like a major weapon for LSU’s offense in 2025.
Brian Thomas Jr. Shining
Brian Thomas Jr. continues to build on his impressive freshman season. On Day 9, Thomas had multiple highlight-reel catches, including a toe-tapping sideline catch that left the crowd in awe. His height (6-4) and leaping ability make him a tough matchup for any cornerback, and it’s clear that he’ll be a go-to target this fall.
Kyren Lacy and Jack Bech Stepping Up
Newcomers like Kyren Lacy, a transfer from Louisiana-Lafayette, and Jack Bech, who played both tight end and receiver last year, are starting to make their mark. Lacy displayed excellent separation from defenders and a strong burst after the catch, while Bech demonstrated his versatility in the slot. Both players should see significant playing time in 2025, with Lacy’s downfield speed complementing Bech’s reliability in the short and intermediate game.
Freshmen to Watch: Aaron Anderson
A name to keep an eye on as the spring progresses is Aaron Anderson, a freshman wide receiver who had his best day of camp on Day 9. Anderson flashed his ability to make defenders miss with his quickness, and he also demonstrated great hands on a few contested catches. If he can continue to improve, Anderson could find himself in the mix for playing time in a crowded receiving room.
Running Backs: A Balanced Group
The Tigers’ running back room remains deep, with several players vying for prominent roles. On Day 9, there was an emphasis on both power running and catching passes out of the backfield, and LSU’s stable of backs did not disappoint.
John Emery Jr. Looking Strong
John Emery Jr., the senior running back, has been one of the most consistent players throughout the spring. On Day 9, Emery showed great vision and burst on outside zone runs. He’s proven that he can hit the hole quickly and use his speed to break away from defenders, especially on the perimeter.
Noah Cain and Armoni Goodwin Still in the Mix
Transfers Noah Cain and Armoni Goodwin continue to impress in camp as well. Cain, a physical back with great lower-body strength, is becoming a reliable power option, while Goodwin’s shiftiness and speed are assets on outside runs and swing passes. Both running backs were heavily involved in the passing game during practice, catching a variety of screens and swing passes.
Freshman RB Logan Diggs
Logan Diggs, a highly regarded freshman out of Louisiana, also got some run with the first team on Day 9. While still adjusting to the speed of college football, Diggs’ patience and ability to follow blockers stood out. It’s clear he has the potential to contribute as he gets more comfortable in the offense.
Offensive Line: Developing Cohesion
The offensive line has undergone some changes, and coach Brad Davis has been rotating players in different positions to find the best five. Day 9 showed positive signs of improvement, particularly in pass protection.
Will Campbell and Maason Smith Stepping Up
Sophomore tackle Will Campbell continues to look like one of the Tigers’ top linemen. He had a solid day in pass protection and was particularly effective against defensive end Omarion Miller, using his length and strength to control the edge. Freshman Maason Smith, another young player who has gained a lot of attention, had several good reps, showing the ability to step in and potentially start in 2025.
Position Battles in the Interior
The interior of the line remains a question mark, with several players vying for starting roles. Charles Turner and Garrett Dellinger were rotating at center, with Cardell Thomas and Tight End Jack Bech getting reps on the guard spots. There’s still work to be done in building chemistry, but this group is improving each day.
Defense: A High Energy Group
On the defensive side of the ball, defensive coordinator Matt House is working to build a unit that can generate pressure and stop the run while being opportunistic in coverage. Day 9 showed some bright spots, particularly in the secondary.
Harold Perkins: The Defensive Playmaker
The clear standout on Day 9 was Harold Perkins, the sophomore linebacker. Perkins is all over the field, showing why he was one of the most highly-touted players in the country. His ability to rush the passer, cover ground in pass coverage, and create turnovers has been evident all spring, and Day 9 was no different. Perkins had a sack, forced a fumble, and nearly intercepted a pass during 7-on-7 drills.
Cornerback Depth: A Strong Group
At cornerback, Jay Ward, Derrick Davis, and Kendrick Law have continued to show strong form in coverage. Ward was particularly effective in one-on-one drills, winning several contested battles with the receivers. Sage Ryan, a key contributor in the secondary, had a couple of pass breakups, while Law flashed his physicality against the receivers.
The Defensive Line: Consistent Pressure
Up front, Mekhi Wingo and Jaquelin Roy continue to provide consistent pressure, and their presence at the line of scrimmage will be critical in stopping the run and getting after the quarterback. Defensive end Omarion Miller also had several good reps, showing his ability to get around the edge and disrupt the backfield.
Special Teams: Kicking Competition Heating Up
The kicking game has been a focal point this spring, and on Day 9, we saw an intense competition between placekicker Damian Ramos and Avery Atkins. Both kickers had solid performances, with Ramos hitting a 47-yard field goal with ease, while Atkins showcased his consistency on shorter attempts.
The Tigers also worked on punt coverage, with Mason Taylor getting some reps as a gunner, using his athleticism to get downfield quickly and challenge the returner.
Conclusion: Progress in Key Areas
As the LSU Tigers move deeper into spring camp, the competition across the roster remains fierce. While questions about the starting quarterback and the offensive line persist, the performances from Day 9 provide plenty of optimism. With strong individual efforts across the board, from Daniels and Nussmeier to Perkins and the running backs, LSU is continuing to develop the depth and chemistry necessary for a successful 2025 season.
Coach Brian Kelly’s system is slowly taking shape, and by the time fall rolls around, the Tigers should be primed to make a run in the SEC. Day 9 marked another important step forward, and as the camp progresses, it will be exciting to see which players continue to step up and claim starting roles.
