LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt has been severely limited during the Tigers’ spring practice sessions due to a season-ending surgery for a foot injury sustained while playing for Arizona State last year.
Leavitt had the pins from his foot removed earlier this week, and head coach Lane Kiffin revealed that the quarterback will miss the rest of spring practice.
Analyst Discusses Impact of Sam Leavitt’s Absence From Spring Practice
Kiffin dismissed concerns about Leavitt missing the remainder of the session, noting that players are using the transfer portal more frequently and settling into new environments faster. While speaking to reporters after a spring practice session on Tuesday, Kiffin addressed the transition for modern signal-callers.
“I just feel nowadays it’s a little easier to play quarterback than it used to be years ago, as far as how long you’ve been there,” Kiffin said. “If you look around the country, a lot of people transfer, go play at new places, and look at the previous place we were at. The guy didn’t get there until the summer.”
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During Wednesday’s segment of the “Crain & Cone” podcast, LSU insider Matt Moscona revealed the significant impact of Leavitt missing the rest of the Tigers’ spring practice sessions. Moscona noted that the injury disrupts the development of a revamped roster.
“The first two weeks of spring, he was out there doing the throwing drills,” Moscona said. “So, no 11-on-11, no running, but when they’re doing the quarterback to receiver drills, he’s been out there throwing. Lane Kiffin told us on Tuesday that Leavitt’s on crutches and they do not expect him to participate in the rest of spring.
“Guys, I do believe that’s significant. Because LSU returns one reception from a receiver a year ago. That’s a completely made-over room. So, you have quarterbacks and receivers that need to develop timing and rapport. So Leavitt missing those reps I think is a big deal.”
Moscona further revealed that in Leavitt’s absence, former Elon Phoenix quarterback Landen Clark has been taking first-team reps, while former USC Trojans quarterback Husan Longstreet has been taking second-team reps.
“That went into the decision where I feel like years ago you’ve been really concerned that the quarterback’s going to miss your spring,” Kiffin said. “He’s done a great job mentally in the meetings and walkthroughs and able to throw some individual before this procedure.”
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Leavitt spent his freshman season playing for the Michigan State Spartans before transferring to Arizona State. With the Sun Devils, he established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the country, leading the program to a Big 12 championship appearance and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Despite his season being cut short by injury, Leavitt still registered 1,628 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He added 306 rushing yards and five touchdowns for the Sun Devils last year, earning a PFSN College QB Impact score of 79.7.
Despite Leavitt still being in recovery from his surgery when he entered the transfer portal, Kiffin intervened to ensure the quarterback chose the Tigers over an offer from the Tennessee Volunteers.
