Brian Kelly reveals his advice to QB Garrett Nussmeier ahead of LSU Spring game

It’s a new era for the LSU offense heading into the 2024 season, with third-year quarterback Garrett Nussmeier the heir apparent under center behind Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. And head coach Brian Kelly is optimistic about what the future can hold.

In limited glimpses, Nussmeier has impressed when he’s gotten on the field and was never shy to be aggressive and push the ball. Kelly doesn’t want Nussiemer to lose that aggressive streak — one that can serve him well as he seizes ownership of the offense — but does need him to temper it to keep things on track.

Speaking about Nussmeier’s development through spring practice at LSU’s Pro Day on Wednesday, Kelly was optimistic about the young quarterback.

“Well, I think he’s gotta settle into the position and not feel like ‘I’ve gotta go prove something,'” Kelly said.

So far, LSU has gone through eight of the 15 allotted spring practices. Nussmeier’s first real public debut as the starting quarterback will be during the Spring Game on April 13, and Kelly knows what he wants to see out of the quarterback in that game-like action.

“He comes in as the starter and just let the offense come to you,” Kelly said. “Sometimes he has a tendency that he wants to push things a little bit too far. Let it come to you. And I think every day it’s about feeling more comfortable with the offense. It’s kind of, you know these things from playing the position, touchdown or check down. You hear that all the time. And every play doesn’t need to be a touchdown. We can check it down here and there.”

In 18 career appearances, Howard has completed 58.9% of his passes for 1720 yards and 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s been above 60% completion percentage the past two seasons in his limited action.

With a handful of practices still to go before the spring game — and a whole summer and training camp to go before the season — Kelly also knows this work in progress still has plenty of time to play out.

He doesn’t need to see perfection from Nussmeier in the spring game, but he certainly needs to see improvement and a growing sense of control and calm over the offense and the team.

“And I think as he continues to feel more comfortable with the starting position,” Kelly said. “I think you’ll see him kind of settle in to that.”