Miles comments on first spring practice 
March, 2, 2012
3/02/12
9:53
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
BATON ROUGE, La. -- The start of spring football means something big for LSU coach Les Miles: his team can finally begin to move past January's crushing BCS Championship defeat to rival Alabama.
It's been nearly two months since the Tigers were shut out by the Crimson Tide to end what had been a sterling 2011 season. Despite how much time has passed, the loss still hangs in the air around LSU like the humidity that has crept back with the arrival of spring.
Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the first spring practice, Miles said the new season gives himself and his players a chance to move on.
It's been nearly two months since the Tigers were shut out by the Crimson Tide to end what had been a sterling 2011 season. Despite how much time has passed, the loss still hangs in the air around LSU like the humidity that has crept back with the arrival of spring.
Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the first spring practice, Miles said the new season gives himself and his players a chance to move on.
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When ESPNU 150 Watch List defensive end Christian Lacouture (College Station, Texas/A&M Consolidated) committed to Texas A&M in late January 2011, he did so because of the coaching staff.
Kevin Sumlin, however, was not the head coach at the time. Mike Sherman was. Lacouture has yet to really get to know the new A&M staff, and he felt his commitment was something of a disservice to A&M and other schools interested until he had a chance to further bond with that acquaintanceship.
Lacouture decommitted from A&M on Friday but said the Aggies still are high on his list. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive end also said that Michigan, LSU and Missouri -- three schools who have offered -- are in the hunt, as well.
Kevin Sumlin, however, was not the head coach at the time. Mike Sherman was. Lacouture has yet to really get to know the new A&M staff, and he felt his commitment was something of a disservice to A&M and other schools interested until he had a chance to further bond with that acquaintanceship.
Lacouture decommitted from A&M on Friday but said the Aggies still are high on his list. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive end also said that Michigan, LSU and Missouri -- three schools who have offered -- are in the hunt, as well.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- It was a windy, rainy way to start the first practice of LSU's spring season, but the Tigers managed to fit in a full outdoor practice.
An LSU football practice consists of 100 different players constantly shifting between the four separate fields at the Tigers' practice facility. With that in mind, here are some notes, thoughts and observations from the 20-minute open period at the start of practice.
Sterling attendance: By all accounts, the Tigers featured nearly perfect attendance for their first practice of the spring. All of the Tigers' big names were present and accounted for, with one glaring exception: the Honey Badger, Tyrann Mathieu.
An LSU football practice consists of 100 different players constantly shifting between the four separate fields at the Tigers' practice facility. With that in mind, here are some notes, thoughts and observations from the 20-minute open period at the start of practice.
Sterling attendance: By all accounts, the Tigers featured nearly perfect attendance for their first practice of the spring. All of the Tigers' big names were present and accounted for, with one glaring exception: the Honey Badger, Tyrann Mathieu.
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Scouts: Poor combine won't hurt Brockers
March, 2, 2012
3/02/12
4:14
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
The NFL combine adage goes that some guys look better in pads than in shorts.
While some NFL hopefuls dazzle scouts by excelling in drills and workouts, others show off their true abilities in game tape.
Former LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers falls into the latter category, according to Kevin Weidl.
Weidl explains here that Brockers' disappointing combine effort shouldn't affect his draft stock too negatively.
While some NFL hopefuls dazzle scouts by excelling in drills and workouts, others show off their true abilities in game tape.
Former LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers falls into the latter category, according to Kevin Weidl.
Weidl explains here that Brockers' disappointing combine effort shouldn't affect his draft stock too negatively.
BATON ROUGE, La. -- Let's try this again.
No. 20 LSU (7-2) enters the third weekend of its season tonight against Dartmouth -- a supposedly overmatched opponent from a lesser league.
That was the script last week as well, when the Tigers hosted Appalachian State. But the Mountaineers took two of three in impressive fashion and held LSU to five runs on the weekend.
No. 20 LSU (7-2) enters the third weekend of its season tonight against Dartmouth -- a supposedly overmatched opponent from a lesser league.
That was the script last week as well, when the Tigers hosted Appalachian State. But the Mountaineers took two of three in impressive fashion and held LSU to five runs on the weekend.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- It's well documented how important Zach Mettenberger is to LSU's 2012 season.
With the amount of emphasis placed on improved quarterback play following 2011, every eye in the LSU fanbase will be on Mettenberger during spring practice.
But with the spring season pushed back a day to March 2, here are five other players to keep an eye on at crucial positions.
With the amount of emphasis placed on improved quarterback play following 2011, every eye in the LSU fanbase will be on Mettenberger during spring practice.
But with the spring season pushed back a day to March 2, here are five other players to keep an eye on at crucial positions.
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OT Brown has Texas, LSU in top five
March, 1, 2012
3/01/12
12:13
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
The Longhorns are still trying to figure out what offensive linemen to offer in 2013 aside from Kent Perkins, who has committed, and Darius James, who might do so soon.
One player that would love to be in the mix is Trenton Brown (Albany, Ga./Georgia Military College).
“I like Texas. It’s home really,” Brown said. “My mom is from Texas and I was born in Austin. My aunt stays in Austin about 10 minutes away from the stadium, and my grandpa lives in Bastrop.”
One player that would love to be in the mix is Trenton Brown (Albany, Ga./Georgia Military College).
“I like Texas. It’s home really,” Brown said. “My mom is from Texas and I was born in Austin. My aunt stays in Austin about 10 minutes away from the stadium, and my grandpa lives in Bastrop.”
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- With the ever-increasing prominence of its reputation as "DBU," it's no surprise LSU continues to garner interest from defensive back prospects.
The Tigers' appeal knows no geographic boundaries, as they proved this past week in extending a scholarship offer to Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos De Niza).
Despite being based in Arizona, Willis said he is looking at programs all across the country, and LSU definitely falls into a watch list that includes teams in the SEC, Big Ten, Big XII and Pac-12.
The Tigers' appeal knows no geographic boundaries, as they proved this past week in extending a scholarship offer to Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos De Niza).
Despite being based in Arizona, Willis said he is looking at programs all across the country, and LSU definitely falls into a watch list that includes teams in the SEC, Big Ten, Big XII and Pac-12.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- In front of a strong home crowd,, it looked like LSU had Tennessee dead to rights on Senior Night.
The Tigers (17-12, 7-8) raced out to a 31-16 lead in the first half on Wednesday against the Volunteers. But that big lead evaporated into a 60-60 tie, a sloppy overtime period and an eventual 74-69 loss.
Starting right out of halftime, Tennessee, led by guard Jarnell Stokes, clawed back into contention. Behind Stokes' 18 points, the Volunteers (17-13, 9-6) forced overtime with a spirited second half effort that saw them outscore the Tigers by 11 points.
"Tennessee has a level of physical and mental toughness that's been impressive all year long," LSU coach Trent Johnson said. "It's a tough loss … Probably the toughest loss we've had all year."
The Tigers (17-12, 7-8) raced out to a 31-16 lead in the first half on Wednesday against the Volunteers. But that big lead evaporated into a 60-60 tie, a sloppy overtime period and an eventual 74-69 loss.
Starting right out of halftime, Tennessee, led by guard Jarnell Stokes, clawed back into contention. Behind Stokes' 18 points, the Volunteers (17-13, 9-6) forced overtime with a spirited second half effort that saw them outscore the Tigers by 11 points.
"Tennessee has a level of physical and mental toughness that's been impressive all year long," LSU coach Trent Johnson said. "It's a tough loss … Probably the toughest loss we've had all year."
BATON ROUGE, La. -- Whatever slim chances LSU had at an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, they nosedived last weekend.
The Tigers (17-11, 7-7) forgot to show up Saturday in Oxford and were absolutely shellacked, 72-48, by Ole Miss.
A 24-point loss isn't exactly an easy thing to bounce back from, but LSU has to try. Tennessee (16-13, 8-6) comes into the PMAC tonight tied with Alabama for fourth in the SEC.
The Tigers sit just one game behind that pair and are still in the mix for solid SEC tournament positioning, provided they can knock off the Vols.
Here are three keys for the Tigers to move back above .500 in conference play.
Move on: In times of success and struggle, LSU coach Trent Johnson has never been one to dwell on the moment.
His team needs to turn that philosophy into practice on Wednesday. The loss to the Rebels completely derailed what had been an impressive few weeks for LSU. If the Tigers allow the beating to linger, it would almost certainly affect their confidence against the Volunteers.
Johnson, for his part, didn't seem too concerned with that possibility. With the amount of ups and downs the Tigers have gone through this season (and in the past few years), he said the team has put the loss behind them.
"We have learned from that and moved on," he said. "I can tell that by the bus ride home, and I can tell that by their approach to the video yesterday."
Their NCAA tournament dreams may be dashed, but the NIT is a real possibility for the Tigers, which is something to consider as they attempt to refocus.
Big night from seniors: LSU hasn't leaned too heavily on its senior class this season. The Tigers' typical starting lineup doesn't feature any seniors. Storm Warren, the team's biggest senior contributor, is only averaging about 19 minutes this season. But Johnson said his trio of seniors will get the start against the Volunteers.
But to knock off a tough Tennessee team that has pushed No. 1 Kentucky to the wire and beaten No. 13 Florida twice, the LSU seniors will need to show up.
Warren has been a much-needed spark off the bench in the Tigers' recent 4-1 stretch. He averaged eight points per game during LSU's win streak and accounted for double digits in wins against South Carolina and Mississippi State.
White and Bass haven't been big in terms of offensive production. But in their final game at the PMAC, any extra boost they can give will help.
Tighten up the D: As much as LSU might have struggled offensively against Ole Miss, it was the defense that Johnson harped on, and for good reason.
The Tigers gave up open looks to the Rebels all game and allowed them to shoot 47 percent. When they weren't connecting on open shots, the Rebels lived in the post, getting to the foul line 34 times and putting up 28 points in the paint.
At this point that the Tigers' best asset is their defense -- the league's fourth-best scoring defense.
In conference play, LSU is 0-5 when it allows the opposition to score 70 points or more. The Tigers are 2-2 if their opponent scores 65 or better.
When the Tigers can limit an opponents to fewer than 60 points, they're 5-0.
It's easier said than done to hold the league's fourth-ranked team to such a low output, but the better the LSU defense plays, the better shot the Tigers have to win.
The Tigers (17-11, 7-7) forgot to show up Saturday in Oxford and were absolutely shellacked, 72-48, by Ole Miss.
A 24-point loss isn't exactly an easy thing to bounce back from, but LSU has to try. Tennessee (16-13, 8-6) comes into the PMAC tonight tied with Alabama for fourth in the SEC.
The Tigers sit just one game behind that pair and are still in the mix for solid SEC tournament positioning, provided they can knock off the Vols.
Here are three keys for the Tigers to move back above .500 in conference play.
Move on: In times of success and struggle, LSU coach Trent Johnson has never been one to dwell on the moment.
His team needs to turn that philosophy into practice on Wednesday. The loss to the Rebels completely derailed what had been an impressive few weeks for LSU. If the Tigers allow the beating to linger, it would almost certainly affect their confidence against the Volunteers.
Johnson, for his part, didn't seem too concerned with that possibility. With the amount of ups and downs the Tigers have gone through this season (and in the past few years), he said the team has put the loss behind them.
"We have learned from that and moved on," he said. "I can tell that by the bus ride home, and I can tell that by their approach to the video yesterday."
Their NCAA tournament dreams may be dashed, but the NIT is a real possibility for the Tigers, which is something to consider as they attempt to refocus.
Big night from seniors: LSU hasn't leaned too heavily on its senior class this season. The Tigers' typical starting lineup doesn't feature any seniors. Storm Warren, the team's biggest senior contributor, is only averaging about 19 minutes this season. But Johnson said his trio of seniors will get the start against the Volunteers.
But to knock off a tough Tennessee team that has pushed No. 1 Kentucky to the wire and beaten No. 13 Florida twice, the LSU seniors will need to show up.
Warren has been a much-needed spark off the bench in the Tigers' recent 4-1 stretch. He averaged eight points per game during LSU's win streak and accounted for double digits in wins against South Carolina and Mississippi State.
White and Bass haven't been big in terms of offensive production. But in their final game at the PMAC, any extra boost they can give will help.
Tighten up the D: As much as LSU might have struggled offensively against Ole Miss, it was the defense that Johnson harped on, and for good reason.
The Tigers gave up open looks to the Rebels all game and allowed them to shoot 47 percent. When they weren't connecting on open shots, the Rebels lived in the post, getting to the foul line 34 times and putting up 28 points in the paint.
At this point that the Tigers' best asset is their defense -- the league's fourth-best scoring defense.
In conference play, LSU is 0-5 when it allows the opposition to score 70 points or more. The Tigers are 2-2 if their opponent scores 65 or better.
When the Tigers can limit an opponents to fewer than 60 points, they're 5-0.
It's easier said than done to hold the league's fourth-ranked team to such a low output, but the better the LSU defense plays, the better shot the Tigers have to win.
Claiborne, Brooks show off at combine
February, 29, 2012
2/29/12
1:05
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
Todd McShay was on hand at the NFL combine to evaluate the big names in this year's draft class.
As the widely regarded top cornerback in the 2011 draft class, Morris Claiborne was sure to catch the analyst's eye.
McShay said Claiborne neither hurt nor helped his standing in Indianapolis as a potential top-10 pick.
As the widely regarded top cornerback in the 2011 draft class, Morris Claiborne was sure to catch the analyst's eye.
McShay said Claiborne neither hurt nor helped his standing in Indianapolis as a potential top-10 pick.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Whether they're highly touted or unheralded, LSU finds a way to churn out elite defensive linemen.
Former LSU great Glenn Dorsey was a five-star recruit out of high school, and fit the billing by becoming an All-American and a top-10 draft pick.
Recently departed sophomore Michael Brockers took a less-heralded path and made the switch from defensive end to defensive tackle. He wasn't a well-known name among Tigers fans entering 2011, but Brockers blew up for LSU last season and will likely parlay that success into a first round draft selection.
Former LSU great Glenn Dorsey was a five-star recruit out of high school, and fit the billing by becoming an All-American and a top-10 draft pick.
Recently departed sophomore Michael Brockers took a less-heralded path and made the switch from defensive end to defensive tackle. He wasn't a well-known name among Tigers fans entering 2011, but Brockers blew up for LSU last season and will likely parlay that success into a first round draft selection.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU fans don't need to be reminded what the junior college route can do for a program.
Teams across the nation routinely look to jucos for developed talent that is ready to contribute. One of the Tigers' starting defensive ends last fall, Kendrick Adams, came to Baton Rouge out of Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Wide receiver Demetrius Byrd, who helped LSU to a national title in 2007, spent time at Pearl River Community College in Mississippi.
So it's no surprise that the Tigers are looking to bolster their receiving corps with another Mississippi juco standout in Quantavious Leslie of Hinds Community College.
Teams across the nation routinely look to jucos for developed talent that is ready to contribute. One of the Tigers' starting defensive ends last fall, Kendrick Adams, came to Baton Rouge out of Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Wide receiver Demetrius Byrd, who helped LSU to a national title in 2007, spent time at Pearl River Community College in Mississippi.
So it's no surprise that the Tigers are looking to bolster their receiving corps with another Mississippi juco standout in Quantavious Leslie of Hinds Community College.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU worked its way off the schneid Tuesday night against Grambling State, though it's hard to tell if the results were encouraging.
The Tigers (6-2) finally found some offense after an ugly weekend and belted 18 hits in a 17-10 victory against GSU. But as the score indicated, LSU's pitching didn't exactly help the cause.
The Tigers' arms allowed Grambling to take a 1-0 lead in the second inning, and although the LSU bats exploded in four different multi-run innings, the visiting Tigers were often able to battle back before a three-run LSU eighth inning delivered the knockout blow.
LSU coach Paul Mainieri had to like the production he saw out of the top of the Tigers' shuffled lineup. New leadoff man Jared Foster definitely made his case to remain in that spot. He went 3 for 6 from the top of the order with an RBI. More importantly for a leadoff man, Foster found his way across home plate three times.
Center fielder JaCoby Jones and first baseman Mason Katz were equally excellent in the two and three holes, respectively. Jones went 3 for 6 with a pair of RBI and three runs, while Katz went 3 for 3 and drew three walks.
Just like Mainieri drew it up in the locker room, right fielder and cleanup hitter Raph Rhymes was the Tigers' money maker all night. After he grounded out to end the first frame, Rhymes knocked runners home in his next four trips to the plate. He connected on three RBI singles and a sacrifice fly to finish with six RBI on the night.
LSU starter Cody Glenn looked like he brought his A-game to open the evening. Glenn struck out his first four batters and finished with six strikeouts. But GSU also got to the LSU pitchers and managed 15 total hits.
Joe Broussard (1-0) picked up the win for LSU despite totaling just 2.2 innings. Broussard gave up four runs on four hits and struck out five, which perfectly describes LSU's boom-or-bust night from the mound. The Tigers struck out 14 batters and still found time to surrender 10 runs.
The Tigers (6-2) finally found some offense after an ugly weekend and belted 18 hits in a 17-10 victory against GSU. But as the score indicated, LSU's pitching didn't exactly help the cause.
The Tigers' arms allowed Grambling to take a 1-0 lead in the second inning, and although the LSU bats exploded in four different multi-run innings, the visiting Tigers were often able to battle back before a three-run LSU eighth inning delivered the knockout blow.
LSU coach Paul Mainieri had to like the production he saw out of the top of the Tigers' shuffled lineup. New leadoff man Jared Foster definitely made his case to remain in that spot. He went 3 for 6 from the top of the order with an RBI. More importantly for a leadoff man, Foster found his way across home plate three times.
Center fielder JaCoby Jones and first baseman Mason Katz were equally excellent in the two and three holes, respectively. Jones went 3 for 6 with a pair of RBI and three runs, while Katz went 3 for 3 and drew three walks.
Just like Mainieri drew it up in the locker room, right fielder and cleanup hitter Raph Rhymes was the Tigers' money maker all night. After he grounded out to end the first frame, Rhymes knocked runners home in his next four trips to the plate. He connected on three RBI singles and a sacrifice fly to finish with six RBI on the night.
LSU starter Cody Glenn looked like he brought his A-game to open the evening. Glenn struck out his first four batters and finished with six strikeouts. But GSU also got to the LSU pitchers and managed 15 total hits.
Joe Broussard (1-0) picked up the win for LSU despite totaling just 2.2 innings. Broussard gave up four runs on four hits and struck out five, which perfectly describes LSU's boom-or-bust night from the mound. The Tigers struck out 14 batters and still found time to surrender 10 runs.
LSU looks to rebound vs. Grambling State
February, 28, 2012
2/28/12
3:29
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
BATON ROUGE, La. -- As bad as this past weekend was for the LSU baseball program, the Tigers will have plenty of opportunities to wash the taste out of their mouths in the next few days.
No. 20 LSU (5-2) dropped out of ESPN's power rankings Tuesday after losing two straight games to Appalachian State during the weekend.
The Tigers have the chance to bounce back tonight against Grambling State (5-2) in what will be a five-game week for LSU. Once they're done with the visiting Tigers, LSU has a road trip to McNeese State on Wednesday before a weekend series with Dartmouth.
No. 20 LSU (5-2) dropped out of ESPN's power rankings Tuesday after losing two straight games to Appalachian State during the weekend.
The Tigers have the chance to bounce back tonight against Grambling State (5-2) in what will be a five-game week for LSU. Once they're done with the visiting Tigers, LSU has a road trip to McNeese State on Wednesday before a weekend series with Dartmouth.
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ABOUT GEAUX TIGER NATION
Gary Laney
Gary Laney joined ESPN.com in 2012 after spending a year and a half as online sports editor of the Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate. Before that, he covered LSU sports for the Advocate. He has also been the sports editor at the Beaumont (Texas) Enterprise and covered McNeese State athletics for the Lake Charles (La.) American Press. Laney currently lives in Baton Rouge. Email him at glaneyespn@gmail.com