LSU OC Mike Denbrock details criteria he looks for in a quarterback

With the LSU quarterback battle nearing its end, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock explained which qualities he expects his starter to have. With only weeks before the season gets underway, it seems as though the battle is still as even as ever.

“Number one, we want someone who can run the system of offense that we’re putting in – and it’s an adjustable system,” Denbrock said after practice Monday. “So it doesn’t mean ‘Hey, well, I remember we’re coach came from so that must mean this guy’s got a leg up.’ It doesn’t mean that. What it means more is what’s in place for our offensive unit with the skill players that we have, and who we have offensively playing to the strengths of that unit.

“Whoever really commands that the best, and really who kind of takes ownership of the offense – we’re looking for those guys to compete with each other, of course, but we’re also looking for those guys to kind of somebody step out in front, have somebody take the reigns on this thing and really kind of be that guy that everybody looks to that upholds the standard of playing quarterback at LSU.”

But who will be the one taking snaps from under center when Week One rolls around? Currently, it’s between three men: Myles Brennan, Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier.

Prior to 2022, Brennan, who missed all of last season from an injury sustained during last year’s fall camp, was engaged in a battle with Max Johnson for the starting quarterback job at LSU. Brennan also missed the majority of the 2020 season with a torn abdomen as well. Prior to his injury in 2020, Brennan was 79-of-131 for 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. He has thrown for 1,712 yards in his LSU career, which began in 2017.

Nussmeier is the dark horse of the group. A former top 100 recruit and the No. 12 quarterback in the 2021 class according to On3 Consensus, he appeared in four games as a true freshman to maintain his redshirt status. Although his talent is evident, his lack of experience may ultimately cost him in this battle.

Daniels, a former Arizona State quarterback, has the most experience of the bunch. Last season, helped lead the Sun Devils to a bowl game, throwing for 2,380 yards, 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on a 65.4 percent completion rate. His effectiveness improved as well, running for 710 yards and six touchdowns.

LSU’s season will begin Sept. 4 when the Florida State Seminoles head to Death Valley for a Week One date with the Tigers. Still, the question remains – who will take the field when game time begins?