LSU took the field today, concluding their spring practices by participating in the annual spring game in Tiger Stadium. The spring game kicked off at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, and the offense got the scoring started as Jayden Daniels found Kyren Lacy for a touchdown to put the offense up to an early 7-0 lead. The two teams would go back and forth all game as the score would end in a 32-32 tie. The Tigers are hoping to continue their momentum heading into the fall, as last year, they were able to reach the SEC championship and the 10-win mark. Here are the three standouts from the 2023 LSU spring game:

Jayden Daniels, Quarterback:

Jayden Daniels reacts after throwing a touchdown

LSU QB Jayden Daniels (5) – David Grunfield/The New Orleans Advocate

There was a lot of noise heading into the offseason on whether there was going to be a quarterback competition between Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier. Daniels had a successful debut season with the Tigers after transferring from Arizona State. The talented quarterback is a confident player that is able to take command of the offense and is able to bring a dual-threat aspect to the field.

During the 2022 season, Daniels threw for 2,917 yards for 17 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Not only was Daniels successful in the passing game, but he was also very effective in the running game last season. Daniels was the leading rusher for the Tigers during the 2022 season, as he rushed for 186 attempts for 855 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Daniels would waste no time to get off to a hot start in this year’s spring game as he connected with Lacy on the first touchdown of the game. From there, Daniels would continue to have success through the air as he finished the contest with 168 yards and two touchdowns. He would also add two rushes for 12 yards on the ground to complete his day.

Daniels continued to look poised in the pocket and delivered accurate throws down the field. It was an impressive day for the fourth-year quarterback as he chose to come back to Baton Rouge for another year. After today, it looks like Daniels will be the starting quarterback heading into the season opener against Florida State.

Wide Receiver Room:

Kyren Lacy hauls in a catch during practice

LSU WR Kyren Lacy (2) – LSU Athletics

There are a lot of expectations for the wide receiver room heading into the 2023 season as LSU returns most of its core from a season ago. The Tigers will have to fill some shoes as Kayshon Boutte and Jaray Jenkins are moving on to the next level. The headline of the wide receiver room is Malik Nabers. Nabers is coming off a successful 2022 season and quickly became Daniels’s favorite target.

Outside of Nabers, LSU is filled with talent at the position with returning starters Lacy and Brian Thomas Jr. The wide receiver core flexed their muscles during the 2023 spring game as Lacy led the way with four receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown. Other notable standouts throughout the contest were Brian Thomas Jr. and Landon Ibieta. Thomas Jr. finished the day with three catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. Ibieta showcased his speed as he broke off for a 70-yard touchdown.

Brian Kelly had to be pleased with how the passing offense looked as everyone at the wide receiver position showed their worth in the spring game. Nabers Thomas Jr. and Lacy are expected to be the three starting wide receivers heading into the new season, but today showed that the Tigers have depth from top to bottom.

Freshman Defensive Standouts:

Whit Weeks scores on a pick-six in the spring game

LSU LB Whit Weeks (40) – Josh Auzenne/WAFB

Brian Kelly and his staff were able to have success on the recruiting trail as the Tigers’ 2023 class was ranked fifth in the nation. LSU’s defense is expected to be loaded with talent, but there will be some question marks heading into the season on the defensive line and in the secondary.  Two LSU freshman standouts on the defensive side of the ball in the 2023 spring game were linebacker Whit Weeks and defensive end, Jaxon Howard.

Howard looked impressive throughout the day as he compiled four total tackles (one solo tackle), one sack, and one tackle for loss. He showed that he will be able to provide reps on the defensive front for LSU, and he showed his quickness off of the line. At the next level of the defense, the play of the day on the defensive side of the ball was Weeks taking an interception to the house.

The defense was able to answer the offense’s quick strike to begin the game to close out the first quarter, with the score being knotted up at seven. Weeks had one total tackle on the day, along with an interception. The freshman linebacker showed solid coverage throughout the day, but he was able to return a 40-yard interception for a touchdown. Week and Howard showed that even as newcomers, they can provide a spark coming off of the bench.