LSU 2009 Spring Practice: Different Vibe Brings New Excitement

As the Earth’s axis tilts more towards the sun and the length of daylight increases, the hemisphere begins to warm significantly, causing new life and growth. 

Bitter cold is fainting, darkness is less gripping, and the melting of hopelessness brings much needed waters to give new hope the opportunity to bloom.

Spring—a time to put to death the past…a time to move forward towards life.

The LSU Fighting Tigers look to do just that.

Last year’s accomplishments were disappointing.  Although utterly dismantling Georgia Tech in the Peach bowl, the Tigers were never firing on all cylinders, especially on defense. 

Side bar—I’m sorry; I can’t bring myself to call bowls by their sponsor names.  It’s the worst thing that sports owners have done in allowing companies to slap their names on the building.  What’s next, Tiger Stadium being changed to Community Coffee Stadium?  I think not.

Nevertheless, the defense was a mess and in chaos, the quarterback situation was scary, and frustration looked to have taken root in the teams’ psyche.

That was then—that is not now. 

The 2009 Bayou Bengals have started spring practices with fewer questions from a year ago. 

Jordan Jefferson at quarterback is a lock.  Rarely do you see the type of poise, ability, and leadership in a freshman as we all witnessed last season.  This kid is the real deal.  I would not be surprised if he is a household name across the nation when the 2009 season is done. 

New Defensive Coordinator “Chief” John Chavis has brought in a scheme and there is an intensity that’s more evident this year.

Defensive tackle Charles Alexander said it best: "Thursday's practice set the tempo for the season.  All the players gave great effort.  All of these coaches are going to get after you.  7-5 doesn't cut it here. We're trying to be the best team in the land. There is more to achieve with these coaches and this kind of talent."

These Tigers are hungry to prove they are the best team in the country this season.  They have a chip on their shoulders and rightly so.

"We're mad," senior offensive tackle Ciron Black said.  

"A fire has been lit under us.  The coaches are going crazy.  Coach (Les) Miles reiterated on the first day of practice that guys are going to be flying around."

Only time will tell if these Tigers are for real, but make no mistake.  Growth is obvious—new life has begun.