While much of the SEC has already started spring camp, the Tigers are set to begin practice a bit later than others on March 24. When LSU takes the field for the first time under coach Brian Kelly, all the eyes will be on the signal-callers.
Kelly already had an interesting quarterback battle on his hands between veteran Myles Brennan, who has been severely limited by injuries the past two seasons, as well as redshirt freshman Garrett Nussmeier and five-star true freshman Walker Howard.
Now, things get even more intriguing as Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels joined the Tigers just a few weeks ago and is set to be on campus for spring practice. Daniels has three years of starting experience in the Power Five, and he will certainly make a strong push for the job in Baton Rouge.
CBS Sports’ Chip Patterson highlighted the Tigers’ quarterback competition as one to watch heading into spring practice. Here’s what he had to say.
Contenders: Jayden Daniels, Myles Brennan, Garrett Nussmeier
The outlook for this competition took a sharp turn earlier this month when Daniels, the former Arizona State quarterback, announced LSU as his transfer destination. Daniels was a three-year starter for coach Herm Edwards and the Sun Devils, emerging as an instant-impact star in 2019 with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions before falling short of matching that high level of play in the following two seasons. Brennan figured to be the leader in this competition prior to that news, as he’s been a steady and reliable option when healthy. However, his injury history brings some concern that may have been a factor in Daniels’ arrival in Baton Rouge. The X-factor here is how new coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock want to run the offense, which in turn might be dependent on who wins this job.
Daniels brings a much different dynamic to the table than the other players in the quarterback room do. His mobility sets him apart, and he’s coming off his most successful season on the ground with 710 yards and six touchdowns in 2021.
However, his passing efficiency dropped off quite a bit this year as he threw as many interceptions (10) as touchdowns. Still, he brings a unique skillset to Baton Rouge, and given Brennan’s inability to stay healthy over the last two years, it’s understandable why Kelly and the Tigers wanted to bring him in.
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