Tigers practice in full pads first of the spring

LSU will take tomorrow off before returning to practice on Thursday. The Tigers will wrap up their first full week of spring practice on Saturday. After Saturday, the Tigers are scheduled to practice three times a week for the next three weeks

"I liked practice today," head coach Les Miles said following the workout. "We are getting better. I like the improvement that some of our young offense and defensive linemen are making. I think we threw the ball extremely well today considering how early we are in spring. It was a good, physical practice. We started well and finished on a good note."

Now four practices in to its allotted 15 during the spring, Miles said he's been pleased with the play of junior quarterback Zach Mettenberger. 

"He has command of the huddle and it appears that he has anticipation as to where the ball is going," Miles said. "He's throwing it pretty well."

Miles also complimented the play of sophomore Elliott Porter, who is now taking reps at center.

"I liked the way he practiced today," Miles said. "He got better today and he continues to improve. I think he will challenge for playing time."

Miles also noted that Tuesday was the start of an on-going tryout for placekicker with former LSU women's soccer standout Mo Isom among the participants. The tryouts will continue on Thursday. 

"If she gave us an opportunity and an advantage, we will certainly consider that," Miles said of Isom's chances of making the squad. "There has to be an advantage to the team. The good thing about this is that she's an athlete. She's been through team before and she understands commitment. I would have much less reservations with her than I would with any number of other people who frankly didn't know what they were getting in to."

Miles said that there was no timetable placed on making a decision if Isom, or any other player taking part in the tryouts, made the team. LSU returns the most accurate placekicker in school history in senior Drew Alleman, who converted 16-of-18 field goals in his first year as a starter with the Tigers in 2011.