Anthony Jennings of Marietta High is among several players competing to be the starting quarterback at LSU, replacing Zach Mettenberger, now in camp with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. Coach Les Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron discussed where the position stands at their most recent news conference.
On the competition at quarterback
Miles: I think the superlatives on the quarterbacks are both have good feet and pocket awareness, very accurate throwers. One is a little faster, one is maybe a little thicker and a little stronger. I think there are differing skills and differing passes that each guy throws it seems more naturally. I think they're both coming, and I think they both recognize that there is some necessary urgency of preparing the offense and understanding the playbook.
On when a starter will be chosen
Miles: I think the naming of a starter will be when one separates himself from the other. And when it's a real advantage to name him as a starter because he needs to recognize as does the team that this is where we're going. We're not there. I can tell you that accountability and the length of time that you need to stand in that pocket and learn the offense in my opinion both quarterbacks need that time. When it's appropriate or when it's right or two quarterbacks aren't going to play, we'll name a starter.
On getting the quarterbacks ready
Cameron: We are trying to get everyone ready. Anthony (Jennings) has experience with the two big games. We had some great competition this spring, but our goal is to have everyone ready for the same game. I think Coach Miles will be able to make that decision. The offense's focus is to get everyone ready, and the quarterback position is no different.
On the preparation by the quarterbacks
Cameron: I've seen tremendous preparation with our guys. They are willing to do anything and everything. They understand it's the first guy in the building and last guy to leave expectation here. Zach (Mettenberger) showed that leadership last year along with Anthony in the Arkansas game. I think they understand that everything starts with our preparation. Our expectation in games is to play like they do in practice. If they play like they did this week, we'll play well.
On the possibility of playing two quarterbacks
Cameron: Our job is to make sure everyone is ready to play like a starter. We have five guys in our (quarterbacks) room that we expect to prepare like starters. The expectation is to go in and play like an LSU starter. Everyone's skill set is different. None of the guys are exactly the same. We aren't going to call the same plays for each guy. We do expect all of them to be tough, to lead, to be able to execute our running game and flourish in whatever passing game fits them. It doesn't matter how many we have, they'll all have to play.
On the improvement of the quarterbacks
Cameron: It's so early. I've seen a lot of improvement through last spring and the summer. Now in a short period of time Anthony Jennings, Brandon Harris, Jake Clise and Brad Kragthorpe are all playing great. The constant theme with our quarterbacks is that they're athletic. They can all run, which is a positive. They have a similar skill set, but I'm pleased with the way our guys are working.
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