Brian Kelly addresses Garrett Dellinger’s transition to center, practice struggles
LSU had some issues with their quarterback, center exchanges in their most recent practice of fall camp, as center Garrett Dellinger adjusts to his new position on the offensive line. Head coach Brian Kelly was asked if that was an area of concern and discussed what he’s expecting from Dellinger moving forward as the anchor of the offensive line.
“I think we’re at this point in practice twelve where I’m very demanding and will be from twelve all the way to the first game. He’s gonna be fine it’s really just about what we’re asking him to do is a lot more now other than snapping, if he was just snapping the ball he’d be fine, but we’re asking him to call out the front, he’s making the checks. He’s gone from playing guard to center and so this is a culmination now of all that being piled on and he actually feels comfortable snapping it now, so he’s not paying attention to the details of it so we’ll get it worked out. I’m not concerned about it, but I have to stay on him and make sure he’s aware that it affects the timing of the offense,” Kelly said.
Kelly was also asked about why he decided to Dellinger to center despite him not having any previous experience at the position.
“I think first and foremost just his ability to move, he’s got good lateral to move, size. Today you’re getting so much shade on the center, the days of playing a small center are starting to dwindle. You’re getting such big guys on the nose now, especially in third down situations, so he matched the criteria of somebody that can move and he’s 313 pounds,” Kelly said.
Dellinger started in four games as a true freshman last season on the Tigers offensive line, gaining valuable experience early in his career. Now he has to take a big step up in his sophomore year in a new position, but Kelly believes his football IQ along with his ability makes him the man for the job.
“I think the next criteria was his football smarts, he could handle calling out the fronts and picking up the things necessary. I think the best way to look at it is in most sports strength down the middle, the quarterback, the center, the centerfielder, the shortstop, whatever sport you want to play you want your smart athletic guys there, and he’s smart and athletic for his position,” Kelly said.
The Tigers still have some sorting out to do on the offensive line during the remainder of camp, and hopefully get all their ducks in a row before their season opener versus Florida State on September, 4.