JD PicKell assesses current state of LSU quarterback competition
LSU’s quarterback competition still features three faces at this point of fall camp. Myles Brennan, Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier are all still fighting for the starting job for the Tigers. That has led to a new look in LSU’s first camp under Brian Kelly according to On3’s JD PicKell.
PicKell broke down LSU’s QB battle while discussing the intel he’d gathered through fall practice in the SEC. He says the indecision at quarterback has led no one else to earn starting spots either. They’re all mixing and matching to give the QBs as many different reps as possible.
“(LSU’s) quarterback competition is very much up for grabs. Jayden Daniels, Myles Brennan and Garrett Nussmeier are all getting reps as of right now. It’s just that. They’re getting reps. Brian Kelly was pretty frank saying you’re not going to see somebody separate in this competition for at least another week,” said PicKell. “Right now, the quarterbacks are all just going out with a conglomerate of different personnel. There’s no ones and twos. There’s no starter or there’s no third string. Everybody is getting reps and that’s how it should be your first week of fall camp.”
Each has their unique qualities compared to the others. Brennan has the experience as the sixth-year senior in the room. Daniels is the dual-threat veteran who transferred in from Arizona State. Finally, Nussmeier is the young gun who’s ready to take the spot for himself. When it comes down to it, JD PicKell says each will begin to reveal how they prepared for this battle during their offseasons.
“You see what guys are looking like after they’re back from spring after they’ve had their two weeks of summer. How did they use that time? How have they progressed, how’ve they done with their summer workouts? Right now, you’re learning a lot about those guys and their summer,” said PicKell. “The quarterback competition is going to take shape. Mike Denbrock, the offensive coordinator, said I’d love to have a guy sooner rather than later to get ready for Week One but we don’t have a timeline. This thing can take its time.”
LSU will eventually open the season on Sept. 4 against Florida State. That gives Kelly and Denbrock a little over three weeks, if not less time, before their decision must be final. While all three are still getting opportunities, it will have to dwindle for two of them as that date comes closer. In JD PicKell’s mind, though, this could drag out into the season for this trio even though he already knows what he would do.
“Right now, they’re all getting reps. I think you’ll probably see all three of these guys play,” said PicKell. “I think Garrett Nussmeier, long term, is your answer. How quickly does he become the answer? Is it in 2022? I don’t know, but I think Myles Brennan takes the first snap of this season for you at LSU.”