LSU Football: Spring Practice Stock Report

Spring football is a time of year when head coaches are given the chance to evaluate their players and gain an idea of what the team will look like in the upcoming season.

Despite losing seven starters on defense and three on offense, Les Miles has to be pleased with what he has seen thus far from this young, talented LSU team.

Of course, as is the case with any spring practice, certain players are going to have their ups and downs.

But who has shined the brightest for LSU this season, and who has failed to live up to expectations?

Let's go ahead and provide a spring practice stock report for the LSU Tigers.

Right here, right now!

Stock Up: Zach Mettenberger

There isn't a single player wearing an LSU uniform who is under more pressure heading into the 2013 season than quarterback Zach Mettenberger.

After he had an up-and-down 2012 campaign, LSU fans are expecting big things from their quarterback now that he has a full year of starting experience under his belt.

Fortunately for them, he has delivered thus far.

In last week's scrimmage, Mettenberger completed 20 of 30 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

This past week's scrimmage went equally as well. He completed 21 of 25 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown.

The word is that Mettenberger has looked sharp and focused throughout spring camp, which has to put a smile on Les Miles' face. 

Stock Down: Stephen Rivers

While one quarterback has shined throughout spring camp, the other quarterback can't say the same.

Rivers has struggled mightily in his two scrimmage outings this spring.

Earlier last week, the Tigers' backup signal-caller managed to connect on just four of his 11 passing attempts for a measly 48 yards.

This past week didn't get any better. Rivers hit on just three of nine passes for 30 yards and no scores.

With true freshmen Anthony Jennings and Hayden Rettig working their way up the ranks, Rivers' backup role doesn't look so secure after all—at least not with the way he has been performing as of late. 

Stock Up: Jermauria Rasco

When both Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo made the decision to bolt early for the NFL draft, a lot of pressure fell on Jermauria Rasco as a guy who would need to step up and fill the void left by the former defensive end stars.

Rasco has done nothing but give his coaches confidence that LSU is in good shape at the defensive end spot going forward.

After a solid showing in last week's scrimmage, Rasco came out and stole the show during Thursday's scrimmage. He recorded five tackles and three sacks from his defensive end position.

Most importantly, two of his sacks came against the team's No.1 offense in two-minute drill situations.

That is great news for the Tigers and this young defense.

Stock Down: D.J. Welter

With Kevin Minter off to the NFL, the Tigers are looking for an answer at the middle linebacker spot.

Many believed that it would be a smooth transition for Lamin Barrow, but he is so good in coverage that it has been difficult to cope with the idea of moving him from his natural outside linebacker spot.

Because of that, the coaching staff has turned for D.J. Welter as a potential starter at middle linebacker. The key word is potential, because of as of now, it doesn't look like that is going to happen.

The staff has given Welter every opportunity to prove himself in practice, but he continues to struggle.

The coaches had high hopes for Welter, but right now his stock is pointing in the wrong direction. 

Stock Up: Jarvis Landry

Mark my word: Jarvis Landry is going to have a breakout season for LSU, if he remains healthy.

This kid came on strong at the end of last season and has been an absolute stud throughout spring camp for this LSU football team.

In last week's scrimmage, Landry hauled in 10 catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Then this past week, he came right back and grabbed seven more passes for 77 yards and another touchdown.

He has big-play ability and is ready to show that on a consistent basis in the upcoming season.

Look for big things from Jarvis Landry.