When LSU opens the 2014 season on Aug.30 against Wisconsin in the Texas Classic in Houston, either sophomore Anthony Jennings or freshman Brandon Harris, a former Parkway star, will start at quarterback.
The decision will be made at some point during or at the conclusion of preseason practice.
“It will be a competitive event from start to finish,” LSU coach Les Miles said at SEC Media Days Wednesday in Hoover, Ala.
Miles talked about Harris during his press conference.
“The key piece is he really throws the ball well. I mean, he’s a guy that has real strength. He’s innately accurate. He’s got great footwork. He can extend a play, get out of the pocket, move around.
“But probably the best thing about him is he anticipates that great play, too. He has the opportunity to see it and has the arm to get it there. There’s some real advantages with him.”
LSU running back Terrence Magee was also asked about the quarterback situation.
“I think we are in a great situation at quarterback at LSU,” he said. “We have a guy Anthony Jennings who has a little more experience than Brandon does. Throughout the summer I’ve seen both of them learning and taking tips from each other and both progressing very well and hopefully they’ll continue progressing through fall camp. As far as what we see as players in the offense they are making it a tough decision for Coach Cam (offensive coordinator Cam Cameron) and Coach Miles on who is going to be the starter in game one.”
Harris led Parkway to a 13-1 record last season. The Panthers reached the Class 5A state championship game where they lost to Acadiana.
Harris was a first-team All-State selection and the Offensive MVP on The Press-Tribune’s All-Parish team.
Jennings was a backup to Zach Mettenberger last season. He replaced an injured Mettenberger late against Arkansas and led the Tigers on a 99-yard game-winning drive.
Jennings started LSU’s game against Iowa in the Outback Bowl. He didn’t put up impressive numbers, but LSU won 21-14 behind a strong running attack led by Jeremy Hill.
— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com
