LSU began spring football practice yesterday and the Tigers are nearly in full health. But junior wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was in a walking boot. Coach Brian Kelly says the star pass-catcher from New Iberia needed a second surgery on his right ankle that he hurt against Kentucky last season.

Bad news for former LSU linebacker Damone Clark. He will likely miss the upcoming season after an MRI at the NFL combine showed he had a herniated disk. So Clark underwent spinal fusion surgery. The two-year starter at LSU was considered one of the top linebackers in this year’s NFL draft.

Former Saints Quarterback Trevor Siemian has reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears. Siemian started four games for the black and Gold last season but went 0-4 in those starts.

Devonte Graham scored a season-high 30 points last night and the Pelicans dribbled past the Chicago Bulls 126 to 109. Larry Nance Junior played for the first time for New Orleans and had nine points and four rebounds in 18 minutes. Nance has missed the last six weeks after surgery on his knee.

After a tough extra-inning loss to Louisiana Tech on Wednesday night, the 21st ranked LSU Tigers are at 8th ranked Florida tonight to begin a three-game series. In the loss to the Bulldogs, starting pitcher Will Hellmers gave up four runs in one inning, Eric Reyzelman walked three hitters without getting an out and Ty Floyd was also wild and suffered the loss. Senior relief pitcher Trent Vietmeier expects the pitching staff to bounce back…
cut 16 (17) “…next weekend”
LSU is 15 and 6, but they’ve lost three of their last four.

Elsewhere, Louisiana Tech has won eight of its last nine and they host F-I-U, who is 2-1 in Conference USA play.

The Ragin Cajuns host South Alabama. The Jaguars are 15-and-4 and undefeated in the Sun Belt. ULM hosts Georgia State.