Brian Kelly reveals how LSU is turning up the heat on QB competition

Brian Kelly still hasn’t determined who will take the first snap under center for the LSU Tigers in 2022, but the new head coach revealed some interesting strategies the coaching staff is using in spring practice with the competition in full swing.

“In terms of quarterbacks, we wanted to put them in pressure situations today because we certainly wanted to see some of those things, in terms of, how are they processing,” Kelly said.

“Is the ball coming out on time? Are they guys that can handle pressure?”

Brian Kelly praised his quarterback room handling the new tests thrown their way.

“And the thing they do really well, especially the veteran guys, is just handling it well,” the LSU coach added. “They see it, they handle pressure and check progressions.”

Kelly made a point to single out new QB coach Joe Sloan and how he has handled prepping the quarterback room for the new vision of the LSU staff.

“And I think more than anything else, Joe, he doesn’t put these kids in until they’re in a position so that they are ready to protect themselves,” Kelly added. 

“See the protection, know the protection, check where their hots are, and they’ll be prepared.”

Brian Kelly assesses play of LSU quarterback room at halfway point of spring practice

As LSU continues to go through spring practices in preparation for the upcoming 2022 college football season, the Tigers are continuing to make strides. With Brian Kelly entering his first season as the head coach in Baton Rouge, LSU has been learning his system and working to adapt to the new playbook – and that’s a task that can’t be completed overnight.

As Kelly, who compiled a 113-40 overall record in 12 seasons at Notre Dame, takes over a LSU team that is coming off a 6-7 campaign in 2021, there is plenty of work to be done to get the Tigers back to a championship level – and that all starts with the team buying into what Kelly is trying to do.

While Brian Kelly’s players buying into his plan is an important part of being successful, the head coach is also tasked with selecting the right starting quarterback – and that’s not easy to do when he has some solid options with guys like Myles Brennan, Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier. Meeting with the media on Monday, Kelly assessed the play of LSU’s quarterback room at the halfway point of the spring practice period.

“I think each one has some different traits and characteristics,” Kelly said. “They all can play here. … They all are not going to be able to play at the same time so we’re going to have some difficult choices to make, but each one of them has some different characteristics that kind of allude to what I mentioned – in terms of I think each guy can do some things differently and we’re going to have to be putting together the offense to highlight their skill sets. 

“It’s been fun, it’s been interesting to learn a little bit more about them. … And then it’ll be our job to get the best out of them and tailor the offense accordingly to what their skill set is.”

LSU will continue going through spring practices leading up to its annual spring game on Saturday, April 23 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.