Heading into 2024, the underlying assumption has been that LSU’s offense will look a lot different.
Heisman-winning quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] is moving on, and he takes with him 1,100+ rushing yards from a season ago. Likely new starter [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] is not nearly as mobile and is a more prototypical pocket passer, but he said there’s a misconception regarding his ability to run.
Nussmeier recognized that he hasn’t had to showcase it and won’t be a run-first quarterback, but he also can take it himself if the need arises.
“Having some sort of running ability to keep the defense honest is important,” Nussmeier said, per On3’s Matthew Brune. “I haven’t had a chance to showcase that or do that yet, but it’ll come. Everybody knows that’s not my playstyle to be running 50 percent of the time, but it’s important to run 15 percent of the time, or at least when things aren’t good or on third downs when you need to get first downs with your feet. I know that and when it’s there I’ll take it. My focus is not to show everybody how athletic I am, I don’t buy into that. I’m just focused on doing things the right way and when it’s my time to run I’ll do it.”
However, Nussmeier reiterated that he will only run out of necessity.
“Jayden and I are different football players,” Nussmeier said. “One of his premier abilities was his ability to run. I’ll run when I need to run, but my goal is not to show everyone how fast I am. When I’m supposed to take off I’ll take off, but if not, I’m going to find the open guy and deliver the football. We have to have a good run game. It’s important in the SEC at this high level and coach (Joe) Sloan has done an amazing job with coach (Brad) Davis and coach Frank (Wilson). We’re going to be dominant in the run game.”
LSU will certainly have a new-look offense next fall, but the quarterback run game may not completely be a thing of the past.
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