College football practice is kicking off around the country. At LSU, sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett switched his number from three to five. He is the first player to wear the number since Jayden Daniels. LSU coach Lane Kiffin says the number was promised to him by the previous staff during his recruitment.
Cut 19 (07) “…he was told.”
Kiffin says they have the pieces to be a really good team. Quarterback Sam Leavitt was a full go for the first day of camp, and Kiffin says the simple language of his offense helps transfers get up to speed fast.
Former LSU receiver Barion Brown has stood out at Saints training camp after New Orleans drafted him in the sixth round. Head coach Kellen Moore says they knew he could be a productive receiver from his time in the SEC.
Cut 16 (11) “…and play.”
UL-Lafayette started practice today. The Cajuns’ receiver room is led by redshirt junior Shelton Sampson Jr., who made 32 catches for 537 yards and six touchdowns last year. Behind him, coach Michael Desormeaux says he’s relying on a group of inexperienced pass catchers to take the next step.
Louisiana Tech kicked off its first practice as a Sun Belt Conference school. Coach Sonny Cumbie says the Bulldogs have a lot of returning production and are ready to surprise a new conference. He says the strength of his defense is the front seven, but the secondary is experienced as well.
Cut 21 (09) “…created takeaways.”
Tech lost almost all of its starting secondary from last year before the bowl game. The Bulldogs beat Coastal Carolina 23-14 in the Independence Bowl.