LSU freshmen get reps

Several freshmen stuck out in LSU’s first scrimmage of the preseason.

Mostly, they had to.

The Tigers’ offensive line, which already lost a projected starter when guard Maea Teuhema left the team earlier this week, sat three other starters during the scrimmage.

Head coach Ed Oregon said veteran tackles K.J. Malone and Toby Weathersby, along with center Will Clapp, were all held out due to minor injuries and the coaches’ desire to protect the already thin ranks up front.

It left mostly freshmen across the front, but Orgeron said he was impressed with the play of newcomers Ed Ingram, Saahdiq Charles and Austin Deculus in their place.

“Overall, I thought the offense had a good day for the installation that’s going on,” Orgeron said.

He said the No. 1 offense, which was on the field about half of the time, scored twice in the 60-play scrimmage, both on passes from Danny Etling.

Etling, who went 5 of 11 for 85 yards, connected on scoring passes of 28 yards to Russell Gage and 32 yards to running back Darrel Williams.

LSU’s other four quarterbacks played sparingly, alternating snaps with the second team, with each of them completing one pass.

“We tried to be fair about it,” Orgeron said of the quarterbacks.

Freshman JaCoby Stevens, a highly touted high school safety who’s been moved to wide receiver, had two receptions, the only player with more than one.

Orgeron also revealed that Stevens will always have the option to move back to the defense if he pleases.

Williams also led all rushers with 40 yards on eight carries, while Derrius Guice had 23 yards on seven carries. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 19 yards on six carries, although Orgeron had high praise for the freshman, who he said broke several long runs on the Tigers’ first day in pads earlier in the week.

Defensively another freshman, linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson also caught Orgeron’s eye, as he has all during the first week of practice.

“Chaisson has been dominant,” Orgeron said. “He’s the type of player we thought he would be.”

Orgeron credited Chaisson with three tackles — all for loss including a sack, with four quarterback hurries.

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