Spring Practice Rolls Along; Baseball Begins SEC Play

FOOTBALL

LSU continues to roll through spring practice.  With the media only allowed to observe about 20 minutes of practice each day, very little noteworthy information is coming from the Ponderosa.  But there are a few tidbits to pass along. 

After a strong scrimmage by both guys, defensive ends Sam Montgomery and Ken Adams have worked with the first team at both practices this week.  Lavar Edwards has been working with the second team while Chancey Aghayere has been out with an injury. 

Defensive tackle Josh Downs is back at practice after missing the first couple of weeks with a thigh injury.  He's participating in all drills and looks fine.  While Pep Levingston and Drake Nevis are working with the first unit, Downs was working with Mike Brockers on the second team. Chris Davenport and Bennie Logan are in the third group. 

The top three linebackers appear set, but there is good competition for the fourth spot.  If last year was any indication, John Chavis likes to rotate four linebackers in and out of the game pretty frequently.  The top contenders for the fourth spot are redshirt freshmen Kevin Minter and Lamin Barrow. 

Terrance Toliver continues to try and work with one hand in a cast, but it's obviously difficult for him to catch the football in that condition.  In the meantime, nothing but very high praise is given to sophomore Reuben Randle.  When Toliver gets healthy, those two have the potential to be the best receiving duo in the conference.  With Russell Shepard joining them in the slot, it's easy to see why LSU fans could get excited about the possibilities. 

BASEBALL

LSU begins SEC play this weekend against Arkansas.  The Hogs have a very good pitching staff, and LSU's batters will face their toughest challenge of the young season.  Hopefully, LSU can get their speedy outfielders on base so they can put some pressure on the Hog pitchers.  With Trey Watkins, Mikie Mahtook, and Leon Landry on base, the hitter is more likely to see some fastballs that they can drive. 

Once again, ace Anthony Ranaudo will be out of action this weekend; however, we've started to hear that Ranaudo is making very good progress and is close to returning to action. 

In his absence, Austin Ross (pictured) will pitch on Friday night and Joey Bourgeois will pitch Saturday.  On Sunday, we could once again see Jordan Rittiner or we may see Chris Matulis, who started on Wednesday against Nichols State but only pitched three innings.  He should be available to work Sunday, and he's been pitching very well so far this year. 

RECRUITING

Recruiting has been slow over the last couple of weeks, but LSU will host their second Juinor Day next weekend and we should see some activity at that time.  I should be able to preview who is visiting for that event some time next week.