LSU Tigers Roar: Week 2 Fall Camp Takeaways That Have Baton Rouge Buzzing
Week two of LSU's fall camp is in the books, and the Bayou Bengals are turning up the heat. The Tigers are gearing up for a pressure-cooker season, and the energy in Baton Rouge is electric. The new-look roster is flexing its muscles in every position group, with practice pace hitting new levels. Here's the lowdown on the biggest stories from the second week, straight from the front lines.
Sam Leavitt's Arm Is Heating Up
All eyes are on transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt, the man tasked with leading the Tigers' offense in his debut season. After sitting out last fall with a season-ending injury, Leavitt is finally at 100 percent, and he's making every rep count. On the final Friday of week two, the signal-caller let it fly, connecting on deep balls to nearly the entire receiver room and firing quick darts to tight ends Trey'Dez Green and Zach Grace.
It's clear Leavitt is the trusted man under center. His live arm is turning heads, and his chemistry with the receivers is growing with every practice. The Tigers' offense is in good hands, and the fans in Baton Rouge should be licking their chops.
Defense Is Hunting Pick-Six Gold
The Tigers' defense, already ranked as a top unit, is showing it can score too. On the last day of week two, the cornerbacks ran a drill that had them mimicking receiver routes, jumping in front of passes for interceptions. Standouts Havon Finney Jr. and PJ Woodland were flying around the secondary, showing off their quick-twitch moves and turning into legitimate scoring threats.
Defensive coordinator Blake Baker didn't mince words after practice. He told the media that boosting interceptions, and turning them into pick-sixes, is a huge focus this camp. If this defense starts taking it to the house, watch out, SEC.
The Yellow Jersey Club Is Growing
The biggest visual change in week two? More yellow jerseys on the field. That's the no-contact uniform, and the list of players wearing it is growing. Star tight end Trey'Dez Green has been in yellow all camp, and for good reason. He's the No. 1-ranked tight end in the nation, and the coaches aren't taking any chances with him.
This week, wide receivers Winston Watkins Jr., Jabari Mack, and Jayce Brown joined the club, along with cornerback DJ Pickett for a second straight week. Pickett is keeping his No. 5 jersey, and the program has no plans to change that, Jayden Daniels drama be damned. Protecting the stars is the name of the game.
Blake Baker Is All In, and He's Confident
One of the smartest moves from head coach Lane Kiffin this offseason was keeping Baker on staff to run the defense. Baker is heading into his fifth year as DC, and he's working with the biggest staff he's ever had. He told the media he's enjoying getting to know Kiffin and the new squad, and that relationship was a big reason he stayed.
“I truly believe that with what he (Kiffin) does on offense and what I do on defense, the ultimate goal is to bring home a national championship; I kind of want to see that through,” said Baker.
Baker also gave props to his unit, noting how the staff is changing the practice environment and how the players are adapting. He admitted the fast-paced offense puts a strain on the defense, but he likes what he's seeing.
“As fast as our offense goes, on defense it weighs on you...... I think we've done a much better job handling that than we did in the spring,” said Baker.
It's reassuring to hear the adaptation phase is over. The new roster has found its tempo, and the final preparation stage is in full swing. The Tigers are coming, and they're coming hard.
What Does This Mean for the Tigers' Season?
With Leavitt slinging it, the defense hunting turnovers, and the stars being protected, LSU is shaping up to be a serious contender. The pieces are in place, the coaching staff is locked in, and the players are buying in. The road to a national championship starts now, and the Tigers are on the right track.
Stay locked in for all the latest on the Bayou Bengals as the season approaches.