LSU coach Ed Orgeron met with reporters virtually on Tuesday to recap LSU’s first preseason scrimmage and preview the next three weeks leading into the season opener.
Recent opt-outs have required a next man up mentality for the defending champs. With new roles up for grabs, Orgeron provided some updates on the receivers, the offensive line, quarterback Myles Brennan and freshman tight end Arik Gilbert.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards even revealed today that he was “leaning towards” 25-percent capacity inside Tiger Stadium this fall. More on that will come at a Wednesday press conference.
Here’s some notable quotes:
Ed Orgeron, speaking with reporters, says he was pleased with LSU’s first preseason scrimmage. Defense got more pressure than usual, Myles Brennan and Arik Gilbert played well. #LSU
— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) September 8, 2020
Ed Orgeron on John Emery: “He’s made tremendous improvement. Had some ball security issues last year, hasn’t had those issues this year. He’s become an every down back. He’s considered a starter [along with Curry, Davis-Price].” #LSU
— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) September 8, 2020
Ed Orgeron on college football without fans: “We tell our team that we’re going to have to provide our own energy. There’s no way we can duplicate the energy our fans give us. We still have to win the game. The team that can deal with it the best is going to win.” #LSU
— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) September 8, 2020
Ed Orgeron says Todd Harris is getting better, but not full speed yet. Not 100-percent healthy, but he’s getting close. #LSU
— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) September 8, 2020
Ed Orgeron: “I think the acquisition of Liam Shanahan really helped us out. He’s given our offensive line confidence.” #LSU
— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) September 8, 2020
Orgeron on Cade York: “He's gotten stronger. He's had some good scrimmages. He's kicking the long ball very well. Better consistency this year. Right now he’s our starter, but he’s going to have to prove it in preseason scrimmages.” #LSU
— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) September 8, 2020
Orgeron on the national media counting out LSU given the attrition: “It’s going to be a natural tendency. But as you know, that doesn’t bother us. We’re going to use that to our advantage. We’ve been picked high, we’ve been picked low, but none of them usually pan out.” #LSU
— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) September 8, 2020
Ed Orgeron on LSU’s top-4 WRs:
WR1: Terrace Marshall
WR2: Racey McMath
WR3: Kayshon Boutte
TE: Arik Gilbert #GeauxTigers— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) September 8, 2020
Ed Orgeron on analyst Russ Callaway: “Derek Ponamsky helped find him. I didn’t know how good he was until we got him. His enthusiasm is infectious. He’s an outstanding coach. I do believe he will [eventually] be a coordinator, head coach. The sky’s the limit for Russ.” #LSU
— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) September 8, 2020
WATCH: @Coach_EdOrgeron addresses the media in a virtual press conference. #GeauxTigers https://t.co/y7NGbbK2iD
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 8, 2020