By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine
I think the most discussed topic in Louisiana every year besides God, family and our pets is LSU’s starting quarterback.
Some years, the question is, “How much better will he be with a year under his belt?” Joe Burrow got a whole lot better. Others, not too much, if at all.
Then, at times like this year, it’s “Who will win the job?”
New coach Brian Kelly may know, but he’s not saying – yet. I will shed some light and make a prediction, based on what I hear and what I saw watching the Tigers practice for two hours twice this month, including earlier this week.
But first, some history and info to consider.
In the mid-1980s, there was much talk about Tommy Hodson and Mickey Guidry, both talented Louisiana quarterbacks who were redshirt freshmen. Rookie coach Mike Archer picked Hodson, and Hodson held the job for four years, setting LSU and Southeastern Conference passing records and leading the Tigers to the SEC championship in 1988. He was a spot starter and backup QB in the NFL for a few seasons, and is in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Mickey Guidry stayed in Baton Rouge. Transfers were uncommon then, although legal, but Guidry stayed. The prep All-American played a series each half, led LSU to scores on 17 of his 22 series the year the Tigers won the SEC, and got some additional action from time to time. Guidry played pro ball several years overseas and in the Arena League.
There have been many other quarterback competitions through the years. Heck, not even Bert Jones was the clear starter until late in his days at LSU.
This year reminds me of the Hodson-Guidry competition. LSU has three quarterbacks talented enough to start. A fourth, Myles Brennan, was good enough, but not very mobile. He saw the pecking order unfolding and headed out for happiness in the middle of preseason camp.
The Tigers have options. The only one with significant experience has a lot of it, but at Arizona State. Jayden Daniels, who I believe is the speediest QB to ever wear Purple & Gold, may be 4.4 in the 40 fast. He looks faster than Herb Tyler, who I’d say was the fastest LSU QB in my lifetime.
Daniels is smooth, has a really quality arm, and as a productive three-year starter in the Pac 10, he’s seen it all and been under pressure in some big-time venues. He’s capable of winning SEC games, no question.
Garrett Nussmeier, who arrived as a true freshman in 2021, played some last fall, but looked raw. He began rising in the spring under the new staff and this preseason, he looks different, really different, with really good feet and a cannon arm. He’s the son of a former NFL quarterback (Doug, now QB coach for the Dallas Cowboys), he soaks up the game, and he has the field presence you need at that position, especially in the toughest league in the country.
Not to be forgotten, but likely to be redshirted is true freshman Walker Howard, whose dad Jamie was a 1990s Tiger QB. Both father and son were sensational at St. Thomas More in Lafayette. The younger Howard has all the goods.
Ideally, he just needs a redshirt year to settle into the system and SEC-level competition. The battle next year between him, Daniels and Nussmeier will be something to watch. Howard has a chance to take a spot alongside Hodson and Jones (I doubt anybody can approach Joe Burrow’s level at LSU) among the Tigers’ greatest quarterbacks.
Who is THIS year’s QB?
I see Jayden Daniels being a problem in the SEC for anyone trying to defend him in a delay draw. His speed is incredible and makes him a very different weapon, but I also see him needing to work on throwing the ball better in windows once LSU gets down to the red zone.
What I’m not sold on: his ability using the middle of the field and corners, on touch throws and the over-shoulder throws into tight spaces. To keep a job in this conference for a 12-game season, you can’t settle for field goals inside the 20 and expect to win many games. You have to score touchdowns and eventually you have to throw effectively in those situations to do that.
Nussmeier checks that box with flying colors. Once inside the 20-yard-line, I saw him hitting the tight windows consistently and making the tough over-the-shoulder throws. He repeatedly was finding receivers with ease in the middle of the end zone.
Howard can make all the throws, but he’s a year younger and hasn’t had much time working in practice against high-level defenders, let alone in game competition on Saturdays. That is the only difference I see taking him out of the mix this fall. If needed, he can play because he’s so talented.
Here’s how it unfolds, as I see it. Daniels will get the start for the first game, with his experience giving him the early edge. If he struggles, you will see Nussmeier get his shot early in the opener next Sunday against Florida State. Both will play.
I believe both QB’s will be needed to help this team succeed in a long, tough season in the best conference in the country. They are highly regarded by teammates and coaches for their leadership skills and unselfishness.
I like Nussmeier to win this job, maybe as late as the third or fourth game, because he can make all the throws. I do not see Kelly using a rotation system throughout the season, but early, unless Daniels is lights out.
There are a lot of teams that would love to have three future NFL quarterbacks on their rosters. That’s what Kelly has on his squad as he finalizes his plan for the season opener. I don’t think there’s a wrong answer.
Contact Lee at leebrecheen@aol.com
Photo courtesy of LSU Athletics