Overview
- LSU opened spring practice Tuesday under new coach Lane Kiffin, with roughly 40 transfers among 54 newcomers on the field.
- Kiffin urged patience and said depth will be thin in a sport where players can transfer freely and get paid, which makes it harder to keep backups on campus.
- Quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer recovering from Lisfranc foot surgery, threw only in individual drills and is expected to do more by the end of spring.
- Coaches will sort key battles at defensive tackle, right tackle, the backup quarterback spot, defensive end and wide receiver as the overhauled roster settles.
- LSU’s coaching move followed heavy spending and political pressure, including an estimated $54 million buyout for Brian Kelly, a seven-year $91 million offer to Kiffin and promised player payments, with LSU not confirming figures after Kelly suggested the roster could cost $40 million.