Tigers Go Full Pads, Brian Kelly Recaps Practice
- Shane Johnson
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
The Tigers had their first full padded practice today. "Great practice today. Great to get out in the elements. For Practice number six, that's exactly what I was looking for. In developing your team, these are the days I need to develop our football team." Coach Kelly kicked things off by calling practice a chance to learn and grow, not just pat each other on the back. He summed up his approach with a simple mantra: "evaluation, not congratulations." Practices, like the recent grueling session in the heat, are built to push players to their limits—both physically and mentally. The goal? Spot weaknesses, sharpen skills, and build the kind of toughness that holds up under pressure. “We have some young players pushed to their limit for the first time from a mental standpoint. Some guys made a lot of mistakes. When you're running around out there with your underwear on and no one is touching you, everything's great. This allows me to evaluate.”
Kelly was asked and mentioned several players and position groups throughout the presser.
- Bauer Sharp (TE): Kelly had high praise for Sharp, calling him a "great leader" who’s reliable and hasn’t dropped a single pass in practice. That said, he was quick to point out that Sharp’s still got room to grow—he’s good, but not perfect, but he’s working on developing everyday.
- PJ Woodland (CB): Woodland’s versatility is turning heads. With a high football IQ, he can handle both inside and outside corner roles. Plus, he’s bulked up by 12-15 pounds since last season, making him a much stronger tackler.
- Garrett Nussmeier (QB): Kelly’s excited about Nussmeier’s progress, especially how he’s using his legs more. He’s not going to be a run-first quarterback, but Kelly sees him making a difference with 5-6 key carries per game, keeping defenses guessing.
- Patrick Payton (Edge Rusher): As a transfer from Florida State, Payton’s adjusting to a bigger workload and new techniques. Kelly and Coach Peoples are working closely with him to speed up his development. “This is a big workload for him. He's rounding into shape. He's done everything we've asked him to do. He's learning every day.“
- Harlem Berry (RB): Berry’s got elite speed and moves smoothly, but he’s still getting used to the physicality of college football, especially when it comes to tackling. "We think he’s going to have to play for us this year, but there's a bit of a transition there in terms of learning the physicality that comes with playing here."
- Colin Hurley & Michael Van Buren (QBs): For the young QBs, it’s all about consistency. Kelly wants them laser-focused on every snap, cutting out those costly "big mistakes."
- Defensive Line: The D-line is a bright spot, with Kelly raving about their ability to create pressure from the inside out. Players like Bernard Gooden, Jacobian Guillory, Jimari Butler, and Gabe Reliford are driving a fierce pass rush.
- Run Game: The run game’s looking solid, with a mix of direct snaps and shotgun formations. That said, the offensive line struggled with movement in the latest practice, something Kelly’s keeping a close eye on.
- Offensive Line: Depth is the name of the game here. Kelly’s evaluating younger players like Ory Williams, Carius Curne, and Brett Bordelon in drills, making sure they’re ready to step up if injuries hit.
- Safety Position: New additions Tamarcus Cooley and AJ Haulcy bring "game experience" and "football knowledge" to the table. Kelly values their smarts, physicality, and real-game reps.
- Star Position: The "star" role calls for tough, hard-hitting tacklers who can also move well enough to keep plays in check. Kelly’s looking for athletic, gritty players who can handle the physical demands. Thus far in camp, LSU has had Charles Ross, CJ Jimcoily and Austin Ausberry working at the STAR spot behind Harold Perkins.
Kelly said LSU will ramp up to a two hour practice Wednesday.
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